PVC Jacketing has become the protective covering of choice for pipe insulation contained in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical facilities.  In the early 1980's Proto Corporation developed the first 25/50 flame/smoke rated E-84 PVC jacket.  This new material was non-combustible and met or exceeded all interior fire tests required by the USDA.  Now nearly 40 years into the future the PVC jacketing system has taken over most interior pipe insulation protective systems in the United States.  In this blog post we will discuss the major benefits of PVC jacket (including PVC fitting covers) in the food processing industry. 

Prior to the development of the PVC Jacketing system, pipe insulation was covered with cloth and painted with mastic.  The insulation covered with mastic had a rough surface which would allow dust and other contaminants to collect on the pipe insulation's surface.  Although the cloth and mastic system has its benefits, it was not suitable for the food industry.  Aluminum and Stainless steel jacketing systems where popular as well however the galvanic and electrolytic corrosion problems with these metals create problems in certain food plants.

Ease of Install: PVC Jacketing is a 20 mil sheet which is cut and heat curled to the diameter of the pipe insulation.  The PVC Jacketing retains a curled memory which allows the jacket to snap right onto the pipe insulation and stay in place.  A SSL - Self-Sealing Lap system provides a 1" strip of tape to aid in the temporary closure of the jacket.  PVC Permaweld Adhesive is used to bond all seams and overlaps of the PVC Jacketing making it a water-tight bond.  PVC jacket can also be field fabricated and cut with a razor knife or scissors.

Ease of Maintenance: PVC Jacketing can be easily washed down with soap and water (including most commercial cleaners). The ability to be easily cleaned, combined with the nontoxic, tasteless and odorless properties of the PVC material and its attractive appearance, make it especially suitable for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications.  Washdown requirements are a big consideration for insulation protective jackets.  Daily or even hourly washdowns can be withstood by the PVC Jacketing system if sealed with permaweld adhesive at all joints and seams.  If properly installed the bonded PVC makes a water-tight barrier preventing any infiltration of water into the insulation inside.

Durability: PVC Jacketing is exceptionally durable.  The tough durable PVC jacket resists damage from impact and withstands humidity, adverse weather conditions, salt water, and most industrial fumes. Because of its exceptional durability, this food and beverage piping can handle the test of time and continue to function as well as look good for a long time.

Allows Sound Absorption: Unlike metal which deflects sound waves, PVC allows the fiberglass underneath to absorb sound and can provide an STC of 16 with 1" thick fiberglass pipe insulation underneath.

Corrosion Resistance: Unlike aluminum or most stainless steel jacketing materials, PVC Jacketing is immune to galvanic or electrolytic corrosion. This means absolutely that this food-safe insulation will prevent rust flaking into food production, yuck.

USDA Compliance: PVC Jacketing meets all of the qualifications for use in food and beverage manufacturing facilities. L-P-535E,* Composition A, Type II, Grade GU L-P-1035A,* Composition A, Type II, Grade GU Canada: CAN S102-M88 CGSB 51-GP-53M