When buying the thermal Insulation sleeve (without coating), you may choose the materials for using based on the working temperature. But after you dig deeper, you would find there are usually two types of sleeve, Knitted one and Braided one, then you may get confused:What are the differences between knitted sleeve and braided sleeve? How to choose
Here we take knitted and braided basalt fiber sleeves for example to make a quick comparison for your general idea.
| ① Economic type with moderate price② Anti-fraying but rolled ends ③ Lower transverse expandability ④ Tend to remain round shape, convenient for installation | ① Cost Higher② Fraying but straight ends ③ High transverse expandability for more sizes. ④ Tend to be flat with both sides appressed to each ④ other, less convenient for installation |
 Besides, the shape of the applied hoses/tubes need to be taken into consideration usually. Why?The knitted structure sleeve is much softer and more flexible, and it can easily and closely wrap the severely bent tubes/hoses. While the braided one turns out to be more linearly rigid, which suits better for relatively straight tube. |
Last but not least, which type of sleeve performs betterin thermal insulation?Well, it depends!
In the relatively confined space, the knitted sleeve may have better insulation than the braided one, as it can involve more still air which is more ideal for thermal insulation compared with any solid material. The more still air inside, the better insulation!
Like knitted fire sleeve (also called industrial xxxxxxxxxx), the knitted high bulk fiberglass sleeve can contain more still air between the silicone coating and pipe for better thermal insulation performance than the plain braided fire sleeve.
Yet to further create a perfect confined space, it’s typical to use Hantai Silicone rubber self-fusing tape to seal both ends of the fire sleeve, just like the following photo.
However, result could turn out to be opposite in the open area, where heat would get lost fast through air flow (convection), the densely braided sleeve would better retain and insulate heat compared with the knitted sleeve. Just like you will feel warmer if wearing a denser woven sweater in the open air.
Silicone rubber self-fusing tape
Above are some of our opinions for your reference, which can also be referred to sleeves made of other materials, such as fiberglass sleeve, basalt fiber sleeve, ceramic fiber sleeve, silica fiber sleeve, etc. Hope it can help you to choose the right type of sleeve.
For more specific details and suggestion, please contact us. Hantai always strives to manufacture professional thermal insulation products for all our customers.
