| Product Performance |
With regard to the performance of insulation, two important issues have to be analysed. These are the Maximum Service Temerature and Thermal Conductivity. |
Maximum Service Temperature
|
|
Maximum service temperature is one of the most important properties of an insulation material.
The temperature at which insulation is used should be within the temperature range specified for the material, in order to provide satisfactory long-term service under conditions of normal and/or continuous use.
The following factors should be considered when selecting insulation materials to be used at elevated operating temperatures: - Ability to withstand loads and vibration
- Loss of compression strength after heating
- Linear shrinkage after heating
- Change in thickness after heating and loading
- Internal self-heating (exothermic reaction or punking) phenomena
- Type of finishing of the product
- Support structures for the insulation
- Support structures for the cladding
Read more about Maximum Service Temperature
|
 |
Thermal Conductivity
|
|
|
Thermal conductivity is one of the most important properties of an insulation material and should be considered during product selection.
A low thermal conductivity is desirable to achieve a high resistance to heat transfer. For instance, for a given heat loss or maximum surface temperature, a low thermal conductivity insulation will result in the use of less insulation versus a high thermal conductivity insulation. This is of particular advantage for pipes, ducting, etc., because thinner layers of insulation reduce the surface area that will require protection by cladding.
Heat transfer is the transport of energy from the higher to the lower temperature region. It thus tends towards an equalisation of temperatures. Heat may be transferred in three ways: - By conduction from particle to particle
- By convection through flow process
- By emittance of electromagnetic radiation
The thermal conductivity of mineral wool products varies with temperature, fibre structure, distribution and orientation of the fibres, the percentage of non-fibrous particles and the bulk density.
Read more about Thermal Conductivity
|
 |
|
