Industrial Nanotech’s Nansulate coatings to shield a U.S. nuclear power plant

Industrial Nanotech, Inc., has made its first sale to a nuclear power facility in the United States of its patented nanotechnology-based insulation and protective coating line, Nansulate. The coatings provide effective, weathering resistant thermal insulation as well as valuable protective performance qualities including corrosion prevention, moisture and UV resistance, and lead encapsulation, which is an issue when decommissioning nuclear facilities said the company.

“The nuclear industry is a unique one,” said Francesca Crolley, vice president of business development for Industrial Nanotech, Inc. “While some countries are decommissioning nuclear facilities, others have plans to build more to meet rising population energy needs. Our thermal insulation coatings are being used to insulate equipment to reduce heat loss and increase energy efficiency in existing nuclear facilities.

“Additionally, there is a need for lead abatement in facilities that are being decommissioned,” said Crolley. “Nansulate coatings provide cost effective thermal insulation properties that stand up well to extreme environments, as well as the ability to easily encapsulate lead contaminated surfaces for environmental remediation. We have already begun initial projects in the U.S. with facilities using our nanotechnology-based products. Power generation facilities, including nuclear, coal, oil and gas, wind, wave, and solar will continue to be a market focus of ours this year to expand the foot print of sustainable nanotechnology and the benefits it can offer for energy efficient power generation.”

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the world commercial nuclear generating gross capacity could increase from 2005 levels by 35 percent in 2015 and by 70 percent in 2030 (U.S. Department of Energy, 2006.). Of approximately 439 nuclear power plants that currently operate in thirty countries, the United States, France and Japan operate about half. Currently, an additional 33 plants are in the process of being constructed with another 94 planned, and 222 proposed by countries ranging from China to South Africa, according to a 2008 report by The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.