Transportation
Reusable Surface Insulation
Searing heat engulfs a Space Shuttle orbiter as it plunges through the
atmosphere en route to a touchdown on Earth. Protecting select areas of
the space plane during its fiery dive is Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface
Insulation (AFRSI).
AFRSI was developed by Ames Research Center then integrated into the
Space Shuttle by Rockwell International. Production of the AFRSI was transferred
in 1974 to Hi-Temp Insulation Inc. of Camarillo, California.
For over 22 years, Hi-Temp has provided insulation blankets for the
external leeward surfaces of the Space Shuttle. Hi-Temp created many new
technologies to meet the requirements of the Space Shuttle program. A combination
of low weight and high thermal efficiency demanded an examination of new
materials and fabrication techniques. Material must resist temperatures
of some 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes with no burn through.
On low-temperature areas of a Space Shuttle, the company made molded
fiberglass insulation covered with polyester film. Hydraulic lines and
system components are wrapped with this insulation.
A Shuttle orbiter's payload bay is protected from heat by using Hi-Temp's
two-blanket insulation system. Lastly, the Space Shuttle's main engine
nozzles feature ceramic insulation. This insulation is constructed to withstand
temperatures to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit and extreme vibration.
| Insulation
technology based on protecting the Space Shuttle during reentry has been
adopted by the aircraft industry and other commercial interests. A quilting
machine is used to fabricate thermal blankets for the Space Shuttle. |
Improvements to the insulation material by Hi-Temp with the assistance
of NASA gives it the ability to withstand heating and cooling cycles; rapid
and fluctuating temperature changes; continuous vibration and gravitational
stress; and contact with aircraft engine contaminants.
The outstanding virtues of Hi-Temp's range of insulation products have
enabled the firm to use this innovation in many other ways. These include:
insulation blanket to cover aircraft parts, such as engine exhaust ducts;
fire barrier material to protect aircraft engine cowlings; molded fiberglass
insulation blankets for acoustical protection; and in aircraft rescue fire
fighter suits.
Hi-Temp's Space Shuttle work has nurtured a unique proficiency, with
many new production techniques now available that can be geared to both
aerospace and commercial markets.
Working closely with material manufacturers, Hi-Temp has fabricated
blankets using carbon, graphite, ceramic, and nicalon. To protect and seal
sewn insulation blankets, Hi-Temp uses a wide variety of facing materials
including coated fabrics, mylars, and films. In addition, using stainless
steel thread, foils up to .002 thick can be sewn to insulation blankets
for liquid proof protection at high operating temperatures. This skill
has been applied to such critical programs as the Trident missile, Delta
launch vehicle, as well as the Space Shuttle.
Equipment to fulfill tasks at Hi-Temp include many special machines
such as rigidizing rollers for strengthening metal foils; a special heated
platen press for bonding structural components; heat-sealing machines;
and welders for stainless steel and inconel.
| Hi-Temp's insulation is used on the Boeing
777. It is assembled on a check fixture and includes a quilted insulation
core. |
A Fire Protection Division of Hi-Temp Insulation has been established,
offering the first suit designed exclusively by and for aircraft rescue
fire fighters. Offering great mobility, comfort and flexibility, the fire
fighting suit uses proprietary insulating materials that enable the suit
to weigh far less than other heat-protecting apparel. From the inside out,
the Hi-Temp fire fighting suit retards heat, scalding steam, flammable
fumes, and molten liquids.
Hi-Temp is a supplier to the Los Angeles City Fire Department as well
as other major U.S. civil and military fire departments.
At its start in the mid-1970s, Hi-Temp relied heavily on government
projects, becoming 90 percent government dependent. It is now estimated
that this growing concern has become 85 percent commercial dependent, with
about 15 percent of its work done under government contract.
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