100907-B_ProdPerfBroch.

Transcription

100907-B_ProdPerfBroch.
PRODUCT PERFORMANCE
I
o
N
l,
e
e
t
S
MICROTHERM® - A S
SOLUTION
OLUTION F
FOR
OR EVERY
EVERY THERMAL
THERMAL PROBLEM
D
u
r
t
ns
n
o
i
ct
e
t
o
r
P
Fire
o
C
&
e
v
i
ss
Pa
g
n
i
ild
Bu
e
R
a
at
cord
gy
r
e
n
E
e
l
b
a
n
i
a
Sust
l
a
c
i
em
h
c
o
r
Pet
ers
Furnaces
g
led Packagin
o
r
r
e
F
n
n
o
i
ct
t
a
t
r
o
p
s
g
n
n
a
i
r
T
p
s
i
s
P
l
a
l
a
i
r
G
t
,
s
s
u
u
nd
ag
eH
ea
D
te
Fue
o
m
rs
l Ce
e
s
lls
tic
Ap
p
lian
Pow
ces
er Ge
nera
tion
Temperature
Control
St
or
e
c
a
sp
o
r
e
A
ion
MICROTHERM® THERMAL INSULATION –
NANOTECHNOLOGY WORKING FOR YOU
• Microtherm is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermal insulation.
• Microtherm® thermal insulation effectively minimises the transmission of heat over a large temperature range
from cryogenic temperatures to 1200 °C (2192 °F).
• With a porous structure consisting of minute air cells contained between chains of amorphous silica agglomerates
of particles from 5 – 25 nm in size, Microtherm® is classified as a microporous insulation.
• Microtherm® has appreciably better thermal performance at high temperatures than other more conventional
insulation products including aerogel blankets. Microtherm® performs even better than still air.
• This performance advantage extends right down to cryogenic temperatures.
MICROTHERM® R&D AND ENGINEERING
• Microtherm is the wise choice as partner in developing high performance innovative thermal insulation solutions.
• We offer more than 40 years of expertise and the proven skills of our application and engineering teams.
This allows us to design and (co-)develop the best tailor made thermal protection solutions for our customers.
• All developments can be supported by transient thermal analysis and performance testing in our in-house
laboratories, including fire resistance testing to “A” and “H” category fire scenarios.
MICROTHERM® SERVICE NETWORK
• Microtherm operates from a truly global network to serve every industrialised country in the world.
• Microtherm has three main sites ideally positioned to serve Europe, Australasia, and the Americas. These sites
are further supported by our Global Partners – a network of distributors and agents around the world.
• Our headquarters at Sint-Niklaas in Belgium is the base for all of our group technical expertise. Add this to the
competence of our customer service specialists and the result is a level of service and technical support that has
made us market leader.
3
MICROTHERM® THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
M EA N TEM P ER ATU R E (°F)
100
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
0,3
2.0
P E R L I TE
C E LL U L A R G L A S S
1.8
POLYURETHANE
0,25
MINERALWOOL
CERAMIC FIBRE BLANKET
1.6
C A LC I U M S I L I C AT E B L O C K
MINERAL FIBRE BLOCK
0,2
1.4
A E R O GE L B L A N K E T
M I C R O TH E R M ® S U P E R A
MICROTHERM ® SUPER G
1.2
MICROTHERM ® SLIMVAC
0,15
0.8
T H ERMA L CO ND UC T IVI TY (W/ m . K)
0,1
0.6
r
still ai
0.4
0,05
0.2
0
0
-50
0
100
200
M EA N TEM P ER A TU R E (°C)
300
400
500
600
700
800
T HE RM AL CON DU CT I VI TY (Bt u . in /ft 2 . h r . °F)
1.0
MICROTHERM® IS A TRULY REMARKABLE
THERMAL INSULATION
Below zero, Microtherm® SlimVac is again the best
product available.
The relationship of the thermal conductivity of
Microtherm® to the exposure temperature is
almost a straight line with only a very slight increase
as temperatures approach the maximum
continuous exposure temperature of 1000 °C
(1832 °F). The reason for the very low thermal
conductivity at high temperatures is the presence
in the Microtherm® formulation of an opacifier
which makes the insulation an almost perfect block
against the passage of infra red radiation.
0,10
The r mal co ndu c t iv it y (W/m.k)
From the chart comparing the thermal conductivity
of a selection of the most widely used insulation
materials, it is immediately obvious that Microtherm®
out-performs all other insulation materials from zero
up to 1000 °C (1832 °F).
Micro therm ®
A ero sil silica 1 0 0 %
0,09
0,08
0,07
0,06
0,05
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Mean temperature ( ° C )
Normal insulation materials do not have this characteristic.
Another remarkable feature of Microtherm® is the dimensional stability at very high temperatures (see page
14). Shrinkage after continuous exposure at maximum temperature can effectively be ignored in almost all
applications.
However, what makes Microtherm® really exceptional as a thermal insulation is the fact that it will also give excellent
protection right down to cryogenic temperatures. It quite literally maintains its exceptional performance form the
deep cold of cryogenic temperatures right up to the extreme heat of 1000 °C (1832 °F).
It is the single solution for all thermal protection problems irrespective of exposure temperature. That is why we
believe that it is the best performing general thermal insulation at all temperatures that you can buy.
• Microtherm® – the most versatile insulation at all temperatures!
• Microtherm® – the best performing insulation from zero to 1000 °C (1832 °F).
• Minimal increase in TC even at maximum operating temperature.
• Performs better than still air at all temperatures above zero.
• Dimensionally stable over full temperature range.
• Excellent performance maintained right down to cryogenic temperatures.
• Unaffected by thermal shock.
• No deterioration with age.
MICROTHERM® - COOL ANSWERS TO HOT PROBLEMS
5
MICROTHERM® PRODUCTS
HIGH TEMPERATURE PRODUCTS
MICROTHERM® RIGID PANELS
Panels
Hydrophobic Panels
MICROTHERM® FLEXIBLE PANELS
Quilted & Semi-quilted panel
Hydrophobic quilted panel
Overstitched & Semi-overstitched panel
Aeroguard®
Marineguard®
Slimflex®
Slatted panel
Hydrophobic slatted panel
Steelflex® & Steelflex+
MICROTHERM® BLOCK PRODUCTS
Block Microtherm Super G, HT & Super A
Hydrophobic Block
Board
Thin Sheet
MICROTHERM® MOULDED PRODUCTS
Moulded Pipe Sections (MPS)
MICROTHERM® MACHINED PRODUCTS
MICROTHERM® POURABLE PRODUCTS
FreeFlow®
Chimney Insulation Mintherm®
AMBIENT & LOW TEMPERATURE PRODUCTS
MICROTHERM® RIGID PANELS
Slimvac®
MICROTHERM® FLEXIBLE PANELS
Floppy panel
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION (PFP)PRODUCTS
MICROTHERM® RIGID PANELS
Slim&Light®
Slim&Light+
MICROTHERM® FLEXIBLE PANELS
Quilted & Semi-quilted panel
Overstiched & Semi-overstiched panel
Slimflex®
Aeroguard®
Marineguard®
CLOTH COVERINGS
Microtherm use a variety of covering materials for their products
dependent on exposure temperature and conditions of use. These can include
materials such as non-woven polyester where temperature resistance is not
required but the product needs to be dust free and, in some instances,
flexible without damage. For most applications Microtherm uses woven
E-glass cloth coverings. The cloth covering ensures cleanliness and lack
of dust when installing the Microtherm® products.
However, at exposure temperatures above 600 oC (1112 oF) the fibres of the cloth will
begin to stick together, leading to brittleness and loss of strength on cooling.
Some shrinkage may also be observed leading to splits in the cloth. These effects are
more severe at higher temperatures. E-glass cloth will melt at temperatures exceeding
800 oC (1472 oF). Microtherm offers alternative coverings with higher temperature
resistance for special applications. The main consequence of these thermal changes to the glass cloth is that the strength and
handleability of the insulation tends to revert to what it would have been without the glass cloth covering – the insulation
performance is not altered in any way. Since Microtherm® insulation is usually held between metal sheets or refractory
materials, deterioration of the glass cloth is normally not an important issue.
• For even more demanding applications, Microtherm® can be covered in almost any appropriate material.
• For higher temperature exposure, a covering of quartz cloth may be used which is capable of withstanding direct
flame impingement.
• For most mechanically challenging applications we can even supply Microtherm® totally encapsulated in
stainless steel.
7
PRODUCT
CHARACTERISTICS
PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Microtherm® insulation
... has a thermal conductivity up to 1000°C (1832 oF) which is close to the lowest theoretically possible in any
material. Microtherm® Super A can be used up to 1200 oC (2192 oF). Microtherm® also gives superb performance down to cryogenic temperatures.
... is resistant to thermal shock.
... is available in a range of densities to suit diverse applications.
... is available in a wide range of (tailor made) complex shapes and forms as well as standard forms ex stock.
... can be encapsulated in heat resistant fabrics and other coatings.
... is non-combustible.
... some products are available in hydrophobic versions.
... is mechanically stable for long periods at maximum operating temperatures.
... can be used in air or other gases at pressures greater than atmospheric.
... is slimmer, lighter and more energy efficient than conventional insulations.
... is simple to use and easy to apply.
... is reliable.
... is made of green materials and environmentally safe with no respirable fibres.
... is available in seven principle grades for general applications differing in maximum temperature capability,
thermal conductivity, water resistance, density and ease of machining. Other versions available to meet
specific application requirements.
ISO 9001:2008
Microtherm is a world leader in thermal insulation solutions...
... We are known for our comprehensive product range and for our creative design advice – the result of our
relentless commitment to R&D.
... Above all, we are known for the superb quality of our products.
... All design and manufacture is to ISO 9001:2008.
... We believe that we offer a product range and a service that are unique in the insulation industry.
9
National Physical Laboratory Thermal Conductivity Measurements
on Microtherm® Insulation (ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177) .&" /5&.1 &3" 563& ¡' 200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.40
0.05
0.35
5)&3." -$ 0 /%6 $5*7*5: 8N t,
0.25
0.03
0.20
0.15
0.02
MI CROTHERM ® 45&&-'&9
MICROTHERM ® SUPER A
0.10
MICROTHERM ® HT
0.01
MICROTHERM ® G, SUPER G, SUPER G HYDROPHOBI C
0.05
MICROTHERM ® BOARD
0.00
0
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
5)&3." -$ 0 /%6 $5*7*5: #UV tJ OG U 2 tIS t¡' 0.30
0.04
900
. & "/ 5& . 1 & 3 "563 & ¡$
Upper temperature limits for Microtherm® products
1652°F
1832°F
1922°F
2012°F
2102°F
2192°F
M I C R O T HE R M ® G
MICROTHERM® SUPER G
MICROTHERM® SUPER G HYDROPHOBIC
MICROTHERM® BOARD
MICROTHERM® HT
MICROTHERM® STEELFLEX+
MICROTHERM® SUPER A
900°C
1000°C
1050°C
1100°C
1150°C
1200°C
When we quote maximum working temperature limits it is on the basis of a controlled level of shrinkage
age under full heat soak conditions.
conditio
ons
ns.
hat although the upper continuous
u s ex
expo
posure
posu
sure
ree llilimit
imit
imit
Normal applications involve single sided heating. Under these conditions we can say that
exposure
ns it may be possible for thee insulation
insu
sula
lati
tion
on to
to wi
with
thst
th
stan
and
an
d a maximum
maxi
ma
ximu
mum
m
for Microtherm® Super A is quoted as 1150 °C (2102 °F), in some situations
withstand
intermittent exposure temperature of 1200 °C (2192 °F).
m® SteelFlex+ which,, u
under
nder
nd
er tth
he rrig
he
ight
ig
ht cco
onditi
ond
dition
onss, m
on
may
ayy w
iths
it
hsta
tand
nd iintermittent exposure
The same advice can be given for Microtherm®
the
right
conditions,
withstand
2012 °F).
temperatures up to 1100 °C (2012
p
pecialists
pecialis
ists
ts ffor
or ffur
urth
ur
ther
th
er aadvice
dviice
dv
ice on tth
he ccapabilities
he
apab
ap
abililit
itiies of o
our
ur m
mat
ater
eriialls.
Please contact our specialists
further
the
materials.
OPTIMISE YOUR PROCESS WITH MICROTHERM®
EXISTING INSULATION
INCREASE CAPACITY!
75 °C
(165 °F)
75 °C
(165 °F)
CERAMIC FIBRE
150 MM
MICROTHERMTM
45 MM
CERAMIC FIBRE
150 MM
980 °C
(1800 °F)
MICROTHERMTM
45 MM
INTERNAL
MICROTHERMTM
150 MM
75 °C
25 °C
(165 °F)
(75 °F)
SAVE SPACE!
Microtherm® MPS
SAVE ENERGY!
Calcium Silicate
The unbeatable performance of Microtherm® can
result in a number of benefits:
• Greatly reduced insulation thickness / volume for
equivalent performance.
• Greatly reduced insulation weight.
• Faster installation due
ue to reduced quantity of
insulation
tion pieces.
• Savings on outer coverings
cove
co
veri
ring
ngs / casings due to size
redu
reduction.
duct
ctio
ion.
• Reduction in storage of goods
go s prior
priorr to installation.
pr
prio
iins
nsta
tallllat
atio
ion
n.
Reduction
• Reduc
cti
tion
on in
in cost of packaging
packag
gin
ing
g of insulation for
delivery.
d
delive
l very
ry.
• Re
Redu
Reduction
duct
du
c io
ct
ion
n in delivery
d
del
eliv
ivery costs due to reduced volume.
vol
o ume.
• Cleanerr in
inst
installation
stal
alla
lati
tion
on w
with
ith no h
it
ith
heal
health
lth
h ha
h
hazards.
zards.
Performance comparison of Microtherm® and
Calcium Silicate moulded pipe insulation for
equivalent heat flow at 750 oC (1382 oF).
Microtherm® is only one quarter the thickness !
1
11
R&D AND ENGINEERING
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - ENGINEERING
Microtherm is the leading developer of high performance thermal insulation solutions.
Our Research & Development team is constantly striving to improve further our insulation material and products.
In our in-house laboratory and testing facilities, innovations are examined and analysed carefully before
industrialisation is started.
The extensive know-how of the R&D group is then integrated with the work of our highly experienced and
qualified engineering team.
In close cooperation with our customers we (co-) develop tailor made insulation solutions.
MEASURING THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY ...
Microtherm obtains thermal conductivity measurements by three different procedures:
1. Conventional Guarded Hot Plate equipment complying with ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177
standards is used for all published data. This produces precise data over a wide temperature
range (up to a mean value of 800°C (1472 °F). Two flat panels are tested and the heat flow
between a heated test square and the water cooled outer plates is measured.
2. Microtherm in-house testing facilities. Microtherm has designed testing equipment based
on a cylindrical geometry with a central heat source for routine quality control and product
development.
This cylindrical geometry equipment is particularly suitable for measurements at pressures
greater than atmospheric and in gases other than air.
Various gases can be fed into the outer chamber of our purpose built equipment and multi
point TC curves can be generated.
3. Thermal conductivity measurement of vacuum insulation panels. In the Microtherm materials
laboratory, routine thermal conductivity measurement of SlimVac® panels is done on our
FOX 600 machine from Lasercomp.
This machine measures centre panel thermal conductivity and has a thermal guard to
minimise any effects from edge conduction through barrier materials.
Measurements comply with ISO 8301 and ASTM C-518.
13
OPTIMISING DENSITY
The thermal conductivity of microporous insulation is influenced by its density. Together with IR radiation,
heat is transferred through the insulation either by gaseous conduction (air pockets), or by solid conduction
(particles). Put simply, the higher the density, the more particles, the higher the thermal conductivity.
Also, the lower the density, the more air pockets, the higher the thermal conductivity. By balancing the interaction
between gaseous and the solid conduction, an optimal thermal conductivity value can be found for each of the
Microtherm® grades. Microtherm supplies all products at an optimised density for optimised performance.
5IFSNBM$POEVDUJWJUZPG.JDSPUIFSN¥4(BTBGVODUJPOPG
%FOTJUZBU¡$¡'NFBO5FNQFSBUVSF %& /4 * 5 : M C G U % &/ 4 * 5: L H N 5 )& 3 . " - $ 0/ % 6 $ 5 *7 *5 : # U V t JO G U t I S t ¡ ' 5 )& 3 . " - $ 0/ % 6 $ 5 *7 *5 : 8 N t , RESISTANCE TO COMPRESSION
Microtherm® insulation products are normally supplied at the lowest density which can be handled
satisfactorily, consistent with optimum overall performance. When greater resistance to compression is
required, higher densities can be supplied. Depending on the product type, the normal density range is from
200 to 450 kg/m3 (12,5 - 28lb/ft3).
D E N SI T Y ( l b / f t 3 )
Resistance to compression
10
15
20
25
30
35
160
MI CROT H E RM ® BOARD
1
140
MI CROT H E RM ® H T
MI CROT H E RM ® S UPE R G
120
0.8
MI CROT H E RM ® G
0.6
MI CROT H E RM ® S UPE R G H YDROPH O B IC
100
MI CROT H E RM ® S UPE R A
80
MI CROT H E RM ® STEELFLEX+
60
0.4
40
0.2
20
0
0
100
150
D E N S I TY ( k g / m 3 )
200
250
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
RE S IS TA NC E TO CO MP RE SS I ON ( p si )
R E S IS TA NCE TO COM PR E SS IO N (M Pa)
1.2
THE NON-COMBUSTIBILITY OF MICROTHERM®
INSULATION PRODUCTS
Microtherm® insulation meets the requirements of BS476, DIN4102 and UL94V-0 for non-combustibility. Combustibility of
coverings (eg. glass cloth) may be greater than that of the Microtherm® insulation. Specialised applications may require
particular coatings to be applied to the Microtherm® insulation.
Microtherm® insulation products create excellent fire barriers to protect steel, aluminium or composite structures. Fire
performance certificates are available on our website and from our Applications Engineering group. Microtherm
Overstitched Panels have been satisfactorily tested to the European Single Burning Item (SBI) test EN 13823, and have
been classified A1 to EN 13501-1:2002.
Microtherm® flexible insulation panels used in marine Passive Fire Protection systems are covered by EU and USCG
certification for non-combustibility of the insulation core, and zero spread of flame for the glass cloth covering material.
In-house fire
performance
testing
Thermal image of
lift doors during fire
resistance test.
ENSURING STABILITY AT MAXIMUM OPERATING
TEMPERATURE
Microtherm® insulation can be used for long periods against hot surfaces at maximum operating
temperatures.
Like all insulation materials, a small amount of irreversible lateral shrinkage will occur after sustained exposure
to the maximum rated temperature limit for the material.
Microtherm measures shrinkage according to ASTM C356, BS-EN 1094-6, ISO 2477, and in-house techniques.
These full soak methods in which the material is kept in a high temperature furnace for a period of 12
to 24 hours, and the dimensional changes measured. These methods are more severe than single-sided
shrinkage tests and give a conservative estimate of maximum service temperature.
5IFSNBMTISJOLBHFPGJOTVMBUJPONBUFSJBMT
ISGVMMTPBLBU¡$¡'
.*$305)&3.¥
$0.1&5*5*7&
.*$30103064."5&3*"-"
$0.1&5*5*7&
.*$30103064."5&3*"-#
$"-$*6.4*-*$"5&
4 )3 * / , " ( & $&3".*$'*#3&#0"3%
" M M N BU FS JBMTS BU FECZNBOV GBDU V S FS TGPS ¡$¡'PQFS BU JPO
15
MINIMISING THE EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY
Thermal and mechanical properties of Microtherm® insulation are not significantly affected by severe changes in
humidity. Steam passes through the structure of Microtherm® insulation without causing damage.
Microtherm® insulation normally has a moisture content of 1 – 3% by weight. The presence of a small amount of
absorbed water does not affect the performance of Microtherm®.
If contact with liquids or water is likely, we recommend using Microtherm® Super G Hydrophobic Grade.
Applications such as steel ladles which may be
lined with a wet castable refractory cement
require water resistant insulation panels.
© Photo courtesy Corus Steel.
SUPER G HYDROPHOBIC GRADE
This material is based on silica particles which have been specially treated to render them, and hence the
insulation, water repellent.
In applications where water could be present in proximity to the Microtherm® insulation, the use of the
hydrophobic grade will ensure that the microporous structure is not damaged with a corresponding compromise
of the thermal performance.
Whenever the presence of water is anticipated in an installation, a prior discussion with our specialists will ensure
that the performance of the Microtherm® product is always optimised.
MICROTHERM® AND REACH
In keeping with their ongoing focus on health and safety issues, the Microtherm Group and their partners
have been happy to comply with this important European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe
use (EC 1907/2006).
The Regulation which came into force on 1st June 2007 deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and
Restriction of Chemical substances.
The aim of REACH is to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and
earlier identification of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. The REACH Regulation gives greater
responsibility to industry to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances.
Manufacturers and importers are required to gather information on the properties of their chemical substances,
which will allow their safe handling, and to register the information in a central database run by the European
Chemicals Agency.
The European Chemicals Agency are anxious that the most dangerous chemicals and substances should be given
full registration as a priority. Less dangerous substances are treated with much less urgency. Because all of the
materials that we use are inherently safe, both for handling and for the environment, full registration for
Microtherm® has been given a deadline of 2018.
MICROTHERM® AND THE ENVIRONMENT
As an important part of our corporate policy, the Microtherm Group is continually focused on the environmental impact
of its products and its thermal insulation solutions. We share global concerns regarding the effects of greenhouse
gas emissions and the resulting climatic changes. We support the global interest and need for a low carbon energy
future.
A key component of the carbon footprint of an industrial process is energy consumption. Controlling energy usage
by incorporating a Microtherm® thermal insulation solution wherever heat containment is required is an obvious
way of reducing the immediate environmental impact. A further hidden benefit comes from a clear CO2 reduction
from delivery of a greatly reduced insulation volume, and a corresponding reduction in recycling costs of much less
packaging.
MICROTHERM® - THE CLEAN, GREEN INSULATION
17
SERVICE & SUPPORT
THE MICROTHERM® SERVICE PROMISE
We understand thermal management and energy conservation.
The use of Microtherm®, the most thermally efficient high temperature insulation available, brings many advantages
but we know that it must be optimised and offered in the simplest possible design to ensure that the final thermal
insulation solution is totally cost effective.
Efficient insulation saves space, saves weight, and saves energy. Design optimisation saves cost whether it is for a
single high technology project or for high volume series production.
We have been the industry leaders for 40 years and our background expertise and experience, coupled with our
state-of-the art manufacturing facilities, ensure that the quality of our products is matched by the quality of our
technical advice and our service. All of this on a global scale.
We offer professional, technically and commercially competent support and advice at every stage of your project,
no matter how complex and challenging that project may be.
The complete supply package – we leave nothing to chance!
PROBLEM ANALYSIS
Thermal design problems can be extremely complex. Our specialist application engineers will help you to fully
understand the problem parameters, often employing thermography (infra red photography) to define precisely
where a thermal weakness occurs.
IR measurement on steel ladle
Steel ladle during thermal assessment
Only when the thermal weaknesses in an installation are fully understood can an effective insulation solution be
designed. A comparison of thermographs showing performance, with and without the insulation, will demonstrate
the dramatic improvements that can be achieved using a Microtherm® solution.
Our first level of technical support is to help you to understand the nature, and the extent, of your thermal problem.
19
THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALCULATIONS
Transient heat flow calculations
Once the problem is understood our engineers can provide
a wide range of thermal calculations from steady state right
up to full 3D transient calculations. These define the rate of
heat transfer and the insulation requirement to contain it.
Modern CAD modeling combined with powerful transient heat
calculation software enables a detailed understanding of
temperatures and heat flows at all stages of exposure.
This applies equally to heat exposure in hot processing such as
furnaces or steel making, exposure to a hot environment such
as fire, or simple thermal protection during normal operation
such as in a home electrical appliance.
With the information from our thermal analysis we are able to
design our insulation thickness for the application. This is the
first stage of our system design.
PRODUCT SELECTION AND DESIGN
The Microtherm® product portfolio includes a range of block products, rigid panels, fully flexible panels and rolls,
slatted panels, evacuated panels, powder and granular products. The versatility of the product forms means that
our engineers are able to select the optimum product characteristics for every thermal insulation system.
Factors to consider include –
• What exposure temperature will be encountered and for how long? Is the temperature steady or cyclic?
• Will the product need to be rigid or flexible?
• Will the product require a covering for protection or dust control?
• Will the product need to withstand water?
• What are the physical needs – shock, vibration, abrasion etc.?
• Will the product need a special shape?
This is the second stage of our system design.
DESIGN OF SYSTEM FEATURES
Many thermal insulation systems will have quite unique requirements. An excellent example is the Microtherm®
system designed for the Joint European Torus – the world’s largest nuclear fusion research experiment that
effectively replicates the power source for our own sun.
Fusion occurs at a sufficient rate only at very high energies. On earth this needs temperatures greater than 100
million Kelvin – even hotter than the sun. Microtherm® insulation forms the outer layer of the system that contains
this heat.
The design challenge here was to not only contain these tremendous temperatures but also to allow for the
considerable linear expansion of the outer casing components.
The insulation system used is based on flexible quilted panels of Microtherm® held in place by specially designed
straps with an innovative clip fixing for fast assembly and demounting. Panels are overlapped so that even after
expansion there is still full insulation cover.
Other system design features include factory shaping and assembly -
Encapsulation for protection and simplicity of assembly -
Machining or moulding to an accurate and often complex shape.
For more complex projects, the optimum product will be offered as part of a carefully designed insulation system
which includes all fixing methods and any encapsulation. This is the third stage of our system design.
21
PERFORMANCE TESTING
We have the capability of “in house” insulation system performance testing
for exposure to fire for a wide range of application scenarios including passive
fire protection to marine bulkheads and floors, lift doors, and a wide range of
protective enclosures and fire safes.
We will also liaise with your own designers for any external testing at internationally
recognised test laboratories.
A full colour brochure outlining our fire test capabilities in more detail is available
as a download from our corporate web site.
Because we can test systems under development “in-house”, we can immediately
identify any weakness in the overall thermal protection and make an appropriate
design revision.
This ensures absolute confidence in our designs during formal accreditation testing in an internationally recognised
test laboratory.
We take out the guesswork and leave nothing to chance.
PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION
This is another application for thermography. A sequence of IR photographs immediately shows any weakness
in an insulation system.
This is the final stage in our system design.
INSTALLATION SUPPORT AND CO-ORDINATION
Our engineers will ensure that your insulation system is fitted correctly for optimum benefit. We can train your
fitters to handle, shape, and fit our products and when necessary we can provide on-site supervision.
MICROTHERM®
MICR
ROTHERM® - THE CLEAN, GREEN INSULA
INSULATION
ATION
23
MICROTHERM® WORLDWIDE CONTACTS
www.microthermgroup.com
Microtherm is a registered trademark of Microtherm (GB) Ltd.
Nippon Microtherm Co., Ltd.
Korakuen Shinjuku Bldg,
4-15-7, Nishi-shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
T. (+81) 3 3377 2821
F. (+81) 3 3378 2821
E. sales@microtherm.co.jp
Issue ref.310111/01
The information contained in this brochure is intended to assist in designing with Microtherm
products. It is not intended to and does not create any warranties, express or implied, including
any warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or that the results shown in this
brochure will be achieved by a user for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of Microtherm products for each application.
• www.claerhout.be
Microtherm N.V.
Industriepark Noord 1
9100 Sint-Niklaas
Belgium
T. (+32) 3 760 19 80
F. (+32) 3 760 19 99
E. info@microthermgroup.com
100907
Microtherm Inc.
3269 Regal Drive
Alcoa, Tennessee 37701
USA
T. (+1) (865) 681 0155
F. (+1) (865) 681 0016
E. sales@microtherm.us