At QUSA Thermal, Inc., one of our past projects involved solving a problem for the manufacturer of the off-road equipment highlighted here. Due to excessive heat from the engine compartment, the air conditioning unit was unable to sufficiently cool the operator's cabin to a comfortable temperature. Also, the hood of the vehicle was getting scalding hot, which created an injury hazard for the operator and anyone in the vicinity of the tractor. The excessive under-the-hood temperature also put sensitive engine components at risk for premature failure. In-field thermal studies showed that the exhaust manifold and pipe reached temperatures as high as 600 ºC (1112 ºF) and the hood a dangerously hot 110 ºC (230 ºF).

As an experienced provider of high-grade thermal insulation for off-road equipment, we engineered a custom solution based on our field-proven Q-Shield™ technology. Working with the exact dimensions as well as a heat profile analysis, we designed and manufactured covers for the exhaust manifold and pipe to control the temperature of the radiant heat leaking into the cabin and to shield engine components to reduce wear and tear. We also provided thermal insulation to prevent the hood of the vehicle from overheating.

Consisting of three layers of durable heat shielding material bonded to form a thermal insulator measuring 10 mm (0.40") in thickness, our Q-Shield™ covers solved the problem. Once they were installed on the vehicle, the temperature of the exhaust manifold and pipe decreased significantly to 100 ºC (212 ºF), and the hood only rose to a temperature close to ambient. The existing A/C system for the operator cabin now sufficiently cools the cabin, and engine components are protected from premature wear due to excessive heat.