Heat-Flex® AEB recognised for eradicating corrosion hidden beneath insulation, which delivers excellent thermal efficiency, and eliminates the costly and dangerous problem of corrosion under insulation (CUI).
Sherwin-Williams
Protective & Marine has earned two prestigious energy industry awards for its pioneering industrial thermal insulative system, Heat-Flex Advanced Energy Barrier (AEB), building on the success of its award-winning Heat-Flex® CUI-mitigation coatings.
The system has received a 2025 Gulf Energy Information Excellence Award for Best Coating/Corrosion Advancement Technology, as well as a 2025 Vaaler Award from Chemical Processing.
Gulf Energy announced its winners during a gala in Houston, Texas, on 16 October 2025, while Chemical Processing revealed its awards on 10 November 2025. The company’s Heat-Flex CUI-mitigation coatings previously won a 2023 Vaaler Award and the 2025 MP Corrosion Innovation of the Year Award from Materials Performance.
“We engineered Heat-Flex AEB to replace the bulky mineral-based insulation that’s traditionally used on storage tanks, process vessels, valves, fittings and piping to retain process heat. This replacement thereby removes the corrosion zone between traditional insulation and the substrate, eliminating the potential for CUI to form by default. Winning two big industry awards for the technology is a testament to the system’s ability to reduce costs associated with corrosion, improve carbon footprints and enhance efficiencies for operators in the energy industry,” has stated Neil Wilds, Global Product Director, CUI/Testing, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine.
The Gulf Energy Information Excellence Awards recognise the energy sector’s leading innovations and thought leaders. This year’s programme featured a record-breaking 500 nominations for solutions and talent that help the global oil and gas industry operate more safely, efficiently and sustainably.
Established over 50 years ago by Chemical Processing, the Vaaler Awards honour products and services that significantly improve the operations and economics of chemical processing plants. Named for John C. Vaaler (1899–1963), former chairman of Chemical Processing’s Editorial Board, the biennial programme evaluates entries based on their contribution to plant operations, innovation, and industry-wide applicability.
By eliminating traditional insulation and the threat of CUI, Heat-Flex AEB provides a less resource-intensive solution while rivalling the thermal retention of mineral-based insulation. This sustainable approach maintains optimal operating temperatures and consistent thermal efficiency even in extreme conditions. Traditional mineral-based insulation can lose up to 85% of its R-value when moisture infiltrates the exterior cladding, accelerating CUI. Heat-Flex AEB’s closed-cell film structure minimises moisture absorption, maintaining thermal consistency throughout its service life.
Heat-Flex AEB works by applying a thick, highly insulative film onto assets operating up to 350°F (177°C), with excursions to 400°F (204°C). It retains process heat, supports continued operation in harsh environments, and reduces burn risk for employees working nearby.
“The Vaaler Awards celebrate the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward. Companies like Sherwin-Williams exemplify the commitment to excellence and continuous improvement that John Vaaler championed throughout his career. Their Heat-Flex AEB thermal insulative system represents the kind of breakthrough thinking that not only solves today’s operational challenges but also sets new standards for safety, efficiency and sustainability in chemical processing. We’re proud to recognise innovations,” has added Traci Purdum, Editor-in-Chief of Chemical Processing.