The climate crisis is arguably the biggest challenge facing humanity today. From increasingly extreme weather events to the loss of biodiversity and rising sea levels, it has implications for global social, economic, and environmental systems. With time a crucial factor and scientists issuing numerous warnings, the fight against climate change has gained significant momentum worldwide.
Our efforts to reduce the collective carbon footprint impact nearly all aspects of our lives.
In response to these global concerns, AIS established the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) division within our ContraFlex® jackets team three years ago. We aimed to build partnerships with OEMs looking to increase thermal efficiencies and lower their carbon output by using our expertise to support them in their decarbonization and sustainability journey.
Initially, we focused on developing bespoke, removable high-temperature insulation jackets as add-on products to the OEMs existing portfolio of products. These were namely steam and hot water pumps and valves.
2022: The AIS OEM journey begins
In April 2022, AIS launched an initiative with a major fluid control company to create a library of standard jackets for more than 300 different-sized parts. This effort spanned over 60 variants of valve, pump, trap, distribution systems and skid packages.
Building on this library, the company used 3D modelling to create a set of design standards. These standards help to ensure each jacket is a perfect fit in the field whilst being flexible enough to manipulate, on top of providing the ideal heat conservation properties. In some cases, this would mean creating 3D jackets in one or two pieces, where the customer had received six to eight pieces for the same component in the past).
With part sizes and designs now standardised, both companies have a library of general arrangement drawings and purchase specifications. This joint development has led to a staged launch from the OEM across the UK.
As we enter our third year of collaboration, AIS and the OEM have worked together to help the company realise its decarbonization and sustainability goals.
If you are an OEM looking to increase thermal efficiencies with a high-performance jacket solution, contact our expert team today at [email protected].
