Aluminium jacketing

0.4–1.0 mm, stucco or smooth; ASTM C1729. The default outdoor metal jacket: light, weather-tight with sealed laps, cheap.

Assessment

For: lightest and cheapest metal; corrosion-resistant in normal atmospheres; easy on-site rolling.

Against: melts in fire (660 °C) — fire-rated jobs spec stainless; galvanic care over copper lines; hail-dentable.

Best for: general outdoor pipe & vessel jacketing under 450 °C surface.

Surface emissivity (typical)

ε ≈ 0.10

Low ε: less radiation loss, HOTTER surface at the same duty — check personnel-protection clearances.

FAQ

What is the emissivity of aluminium jacketing?

≈0.10 for typical surfaces (bright/new metal — ages upward as oxide forms).

When is aluminium jacketing the right choice?

general outdoor pipe & vessel jacketing under 450 °C surface.

What are the limits of aluminium jacketing?

melts in fire (660 °C) — fire-rated jobs spec stainless; galvanic care over copper lines; hail-dentable.