thermal isolation for a boiler mount

[tjagiello]

Hi everyone,

I’m mounting a stainless steel boiler (quite a small one, roughly 20cm dia, 30cm wide) on a small frame made out of 1.5mm stainless steel flat and L shaped pieces. Because the boiler is going to be heated up to around 95*C for quite a while I’d like to put something between the boiler legs (two flat legs around 20cm long and 5cm wide, so contact surface is 100cm^2 for each leg) and the frame, so that the whole frame doesn’t get too hot. I was thinking thick (5mm) rubber, but perhaps someone can recommend something better here? I’m a bit worried about smell from the rubber, plus it will probably fall apart quite quickly from all the heat. Something cheap and easily available would be nice as this is a simple DIY project.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Tom

 

[GrahamBennett]

You have a number of options for this project.

The first is to cut a foam backed mouse mat down to the required size and use those pieces. I believe the foam used is based on EPDM which is relatively heat resistant and shouldn't "fall apart" any time soon. This shouldn't smell at all.

Silicone rubber bath sealant can be cast into a small purpose made mould and then allowed to cure - will smell of vinegar for a few days but this will disappear. Silicone might give a problem with compression set.

Cut the tread off a scrap passenger radial tyre and use that. This probably wouldn't last as long as the mouse mat or silicone but you will not have problems with smells or compression set. SBR-based compounds such as this have a maximum long-term operating temperature of about 85°C but can be used intermittently up to 115°C.

 

[tjagiello]

Thanks Graham, I've actually decided to mount the boiler slightly suspended, so that the only point of contact are the M10 buts/bolts holding it. It's not heavy and this should work properly.

Regards,
Tom

 

[GrahamBennett]

Thanks for the response Tom.

Graham.