Ins Materials

Module from the Refractory and Insulation Curriculum curriculum.

Module 5 - Insulation Materials · Learning Objectives · 1. Select mineral wool, calcium silicate, perlite, aerogel by service T · 2. Identify closed-cell foam (polyurethane, polyisocyanurate) for cold · 3. Compare thermal conductivity k (BTU-in/hr-ft2-F) by material · 4. Apply max temperature limits to avoid degradation · 5. Consider water resistance (calcium silicate avoids CUI; fiberglass absorbs) · Insulation Material Comparison

Material	k (BTU-in/hr-ft2-F)	Temp Range F	Density (pcf)	Water Absorb	Notes
Calcium silicate	0.43 at 500F	-50 to 1200	14-18	Low	Excellent for hot piping
Mineral wool (rock wool)	0.28-0.35 at 500F	-100 to 1200	8-12	Wicks	Most common hot
Mineral fiber (glass wool)	0.28 at 500F	-100 to 850	2-5	Wicks	Cheaper
Perlite expanded	0.48 at 500F	ambient-1500	8-15	Absorbs	Pipe + vessel
Aerogel (Pyrogel XT)	0.19 at 500F	-260 to 1200	12-18	Water-repel	Best k, expensive
Ceramic fiber blanket	0.35 at 1000F	up to 2400	6-8	Wicks	Stack, high T
Cellular glass (Foamglas)	0.37 at 75F	-450 to 900	8-10	None	Best cryogenic (water-proof)
Polyisocyanurate (PIR)	0.14 at 75F	-297 to 300	2	Absorbs	Cryogenic rooms
Polyurethane foam	0.13 at 75F	-180 to 250	1.5-2.5	Absorbs	Cold service
Nanogel (flexible aerogel)	0.13 at 75F	-320 to 390	8-10	Hydrophobic	Cryo + CUI

Source: Refractory_Insulation_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Ins Materials

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