You are on page 1of 24

P

R
O
D
U
C
T

P
E
R
F
O
R
M
A
N
C
E
A
e
r
o
s
p
a
c
e
T
r
a
n
s
p
o
r
t
a
t
i
o
n

I
n
d
u
s
t
r
i
a
l

P
i
p
i
n
g

P
a
s
s
i
v
e

F
i
r
e

P
r
o
t
e
c
t
i
o
n
S
t
e
e
l
,

N
o
n

F
e
r
r
o
u
s
,

G
l
a
s
s
S
t
o
r
a
g
e

H
e
a
t
e
r
s
D
o
m
e
s
t
i
c

A
p
p
l
i
a
n
c
e
s

B
u
i
l
d
i
n
g

&

C
o
n
s
t
r
u
c
t
i
o
n
D
a
t
a

R
e
c
o
r
d
e
r
s
P
o
w
e
r

G
e
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
F
u
r
n
a
c
e
s
T
e
m
p
e
r
a
t
u
r
e

C
o
n
t
r
o
l
l
e
d

P
a
c
k
a
g
i
n
g
S
u
s
t
a
i
n
a
b
l
e

E
n
e
r
g
y
P
e
t
r
o
c
h
e
m
i
c
a
l
F
u
e
l

C
e
l
l
s
MICROTHERM - A SOLUTION FOR EVERY THERMAL PROBLEM AA SSSOOOLLLLUUUUTTTTTIIIIOOOOONNNN FFFFOOOORRRR EEEVVVEERRRYYY TTHHEERMAL PROBLEM
MICROTHERM THERMAL INSULATION
NANOTECHNOLOGY WORKING FOR YOU
Microtherm is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermal insulation.
Microtherm thermal insulation eectively 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 classied 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 oer 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 re resistance testing to A and H category re 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.
33
MICROTHERM THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0
0. 2
0. 4
0. 6
0. 8
1. 0
1. 2
1. 4
1. 6
1. 8
2. 0
T
H
E
R
M
A
L

C
O
N
D
U
C
T
I
V
I
T
Y

(
W
/
m
.
K
)
T
H
E
R
M
A
L

C
O
N
D
U
C
T
I
V
I
T
Y

(
B
t
u
.
i
n
/
f
t
2
.
h
r
.

F
)
0
0,05
0, 1
0, 15
0, 2
0, 25
0, 3
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
200 100 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
MEAN T EMPERAT URE ( F)
s t i l l a i r
-50
MEAN T EMPERAT URE ( C)

PERLI TE
POLYURETHANE
CELLULAR GLASS
MI NERALWOOL

CERAMI C FI BRE BLANKET
CALCI UM SI LI CATE BLOCK
MI NERAL FI BRE BLOCK
MI CROTHERM SUPER A
MI CROTHERM SLI MVAC
AEROGEL BLANKET
MI CROTHERM SUPER G
MICROTHERM IS A TRULY REMARKABLE
THERMAL INSULATION
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).
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 opacier
which makes the insulation an almost perfect block
against the passage of infra red radiation.
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 eectively 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.
Unaected by thermal shock.
No deterioration with age.
MICROTHERM - COOL ANSWERS TO HOT PROBLEMS
5
0
0
100
0,01
0,02
0,03
0,04
0,05
0,06
0,07
0,08
0,09
0,10
200 300 400 500 600
Mean t emper at ur e ( C)
Mi c r ot her m

T
h
e
r
m
a
l

c
o
n
d
u
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

(
W
/
m
.
k
)
Aer os i l s i l i c a 100%
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
Slimex
Slatted panel
Hydrophobic slatted panel
Steelex & Steelex+
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
77
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
Slimex
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,
fexible 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
o
C (1112
o
F) the bres 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 eects are
more severe at higher temperatures. E-glass cloth will melt at temperatures exceeding
800
o
C (1472
o
F). Microtherm oers 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
ame impingement.
For most mechanically challenging applications we can even supply Microtherm totally encapsulated in
stainless steel.
PRODUCT
CHARACTERISTICS
PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Microtherm insulation
... has a thermal conductivity up to 1000C (1832
o
F) which is close to the lowest theoretically possible in any
material. Microtherm Super A can be used up to 1200
o
C (2192
o
F). Microtherm also gives superb perform-
ance 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 ef cient than conventional insulations.
... is simple to use and easy to apply.
... is reliable.
... is made of green materials and environmentally safe with no respirable bres.
... is available in seven principle grades for general applications diering in maximum temperature capability,
thermal conductivity, water resistance, density and ease of machining. Other versions available to meet
specic 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 oer a product range and a service that are unique in the insulation industry.
9
900C 1000C 1050C 1100C 1150C 1200C
Upper temperature limits for Microtherm products
1652F 1832F 1922F 2012F 2102F 2192F
MI CROTHERM

G
MI CROTHERM

SUPER G
MI CROTHERM

SUPER G HYDROPHOBI C
MI CROTHERM

BOARD
MI CROTHERM

HT
MI CROTHERM

STEELFLEX+
MI CROTHERM

SUPER A

|
|
|
V
A
|

O
|
|
|

|
\
|

+

(
\
/
n

|
)

|
|
|
V
A
|

O
|
|
|

|
\
|

+

(
b
t
u

|
r
/
|
t
2

|
.

|
)
0
0. 03
0. 01
0. 02
0. 04
0. 05
0. 06
0. 07
0. 08
200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 900 800
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
V|A| |V|||A||| ( )
V|A| |V|||A||| ( |)
National Physical Laboratory Thermal Conductivity Measurements
on Microtherm Insulation (ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177)
MI CROTHERM

BOARD
MI CROTHERM

HT
MI CROTHERM

SUPER A
MI CROTHERM

G, SUPER G, SUPER G HYDROPHOBI C


MI CROTHERM

S|||||`+
When we quote maximum working temperature limits it is on the basis of a controlled level of shrinkage under full heat soak conditions.
Normal applications involve single sided heating. Under these conditions we can say that although the upper continuous exposure limit
for Microtherm Super A is quoted as 1150 C (2102 F), in some situations it may be possible for the insulation to withstand a maximum
intermittent exposure temperature of 1200 C (2192 F).
The same advice can be given for Microtherm SteelFlex+ which, under the right conditions, may withstand intermittent exposure
temperatures up to 1100 C (2012 F).
Please contact our specialists for further advice on the capabilities of our materials. p
age under full heat soak conditioons ns.
hat although the upper continuous ex expo posure
ns it may be possible for the insulation to
m SteelFlex+ which, under
2012 F).
pecialists for f
u s s ex expo posu sure ree llliim imit it
e insu sula lati tion on on tt too wi wi with th thst stan an anddd aa ma ma maxi ximu mumm
which,, uund nder er er ttthhe he rrrig ig ight ht ht c ccoon onddi diti tion on onss, mmay ayy wwit iths hsta tand nd iintermittent exposure
pecialis ists ts ffor or or fffur ur urth th ther er aa adv dv dviic icee e on on on tthhe he cc cap apab abil ilit itiies of oour ur mmat ater eriialls.
OPTIMISE YOUR PROCESS WITH MICROTHERM
CERAMIC FIBRE
150 MM
MICROTHERM
TM
45 MM
75 C
75 C
980 C
(1800 F)
INTERNAL
25 C
(165 F)
(165 F)
(75 F)
The unbeatable performance of Microtherm can
result in a number of benefts:
Greatly reduced insulation thickness / volume for
equivalent performance.
Greatly reduced insulation weight.
Faster installation due to reduced quantity of
insulation pieces.
Savings on outer coverings / casings due to size
reduction.
Reduction in storage of goods prior to installation.
Reduction in cost of packaging of insulation for
delivery.
Reduction in delivery costs due to reduced volume.
Cleaner installation with no health hazards.
Calcium Silicate Microtherm MPS
SAVE SPACE! SAVE ENERGY!
INCREASE CAPACITY!
MICROTHERM
TM
150 MM
MICROTHERM
TM
45 MM
11
ue to reduced quantity of
tion pieces.
Savings on outer co cove veri ring ngs / casings due to size
redu duct ctio ion.
Reduction in storage of go goods s pr p ior to i
Reduc cti tion on i in n cost of
d l
s r prio iorr to to iins nsta tall llat atio ionn.
n cost of packaggin ing g of insulation for
delive very ry.
Re Re Redu du duct ct ct c io ionn in in ddel eliv ivery costs due to reduced vvol o ume.
Cleaner r in inst stal alla lati tion on wwwwit iit ithh h no no hheallthh ha h zards.
11 1
CERAMIC FIBRE
150 MM
75 C
(165 F)
EXISTING INSULATION
Performance comparison of Microtherm and
Calcium Silicate moulded pipe insulation for
equivalent heat ow at 750
o
C (1382
o
F).
Microtherm is only one quarter the thickness !
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
qualied 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 diferent 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 800C (1472 F). Two at panels are tested and the heat ow
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 eects 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 inuenced 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.
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/m
3
(12,5 - 28lb/ft
3
).

|
|
|
V
A
|

O
|
|
|

|
\
|

+

(
\
/
n

|
)

|
|
|
V
A
|

O
|
|
|

|
\
|

+

(
b
t
u

|
r
/
|
t
2

|
.

|
)
J.JZS
J. JJS
J. J+S
J. JJJ
J. J+J
J. ZJ
ISJ ZJJ ZSJ JJJ JSJ +JJ +SJ SJJ SSJ JJ
|||S| + ( kg/n
3
)
|||S| + ( | b/| t
3
)
Thermal Conductlvlty of Mlcrotherm' SG as a functlon of
Denslty at 400C / 752 P mean Temperature .
J. ZS
J. JJ
IJ IS ZJ ZS JJ JS
R
E
S
I
S
T
A
N
C
E

T
O

C
O
M
P
R
E
S
S
I
O
N

(
M
P
a
)
R
E
S
I
S
T
A
N
C
E

T
O

C
O
M
P
R
E
S
S
I
O
N

(
p
s
i
)
0
0. 4
0. 8
1. 2
0. 2
0. 6
1
0
40
80
120
20
60
100
100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
DENSI TY ( kg/m
3
)
DENSI TY ( l b/f t
3
)
Resistance to compression
550 600
10 15 20 25 30 35
140
160
MI CROTHERM

G
MI CROTHERM

BOARD
MI CROTHERM

HT
MI CROTHERM

SUPER G
MI CROTHERM

SUPER G HYDROPHOBI C
MI CROTHERM

STEELFLEX+
MI CROTHERM

SUPER A
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 re barriers to protect steel, aluminium or composite structures. Fire
performance certicates 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 classied A1 to EN 13501-1:2002.
Microtherm exible insulation panels used in marine Passive Fire Protection systems are covered by EU and USCG
certication for non-combustibility of the insulation core, and zero spread of ame for the glass cloth covering material.
In-house re
performance
testing
Thermal image of
lift doors during re
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.
S
|
|
|
|
|
A

|

(


)
J
I
Z
J
+
S




A| | n.t o. | .| s . .t oJ by n.ru| .ct u. o. s | c. 1000 / 1832 | co. .t | cr
Thermal shrlnkage of lnsulatlon materlals
(24 hr full soak at l000C / l832P)
V||O|||V
OV||||\|
V||O|O|O|S VA|||A| A
OV||||\|
V||O|O|O|S VA|||A| b
A|||V S|||A|
||AV| ||b|| bOA||
15
MINIMISING THE EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY
Thermal and mechanical properties of Microtherm insulation are not signifcantly afected 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 aect 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 identication 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 eects 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 benet comes from a clear CO
2
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 e cient high temperature insulation available, brings many advantages
but we know that it must be optimised and oered in the simplest possible design to ensure that the nal thermal
insulation solution is totally cost eective.
E cient 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 oer 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 defne precisely
where a thermal weakness occurs.
Only when the thermal weaknesses in an installation are fully understood can an eective 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 rst level of technical support is to help you to understand the nature, and the extent, of your thermal problem.
IR measurement on steel ladle Steel ladle during thermal assessment
19
THERMAL ANALYSIS AND 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 defne 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 ows 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 re, 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
rst stage of our system design.
PRODUCT SELECTION AND DESIGN
The Microtherm product portfolio includes a range of block products, rigid panels, fully fexible 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 exible?
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.
Transient heat ow calculations
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 worlds largest nuclear fusion research experiment that
efectively replicates the power source for our own sun.
Fusion occurs at a su cient 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 exible quilted panels of Microtherm held in place by specially designed
straps with an innovative clip xing 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 oered as part of a carefully designed insulation system
which includes all xing 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 fre for a wide range of application scenarios including passive
fre protection to marine bulkheads and foors, lift doors, and a wide range of
protective enclosures and fre safes.
We will also liaise with your own designers for any external testing at internationally
recognised test laboratories.
A full colour brochure outlining our re 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 condence 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 nal stage in our system design.
INSTALLATION SUPPORT AND CO-ORDINATION
Our engineers will ensure that your insulation system is tted correctly for optimum benet. We can train your
tters to handle, shape, and t our products and when necessary we can provide on-site supervision.
MICROTHERM - THE CLEAN, GREEN INSULATION
23
MICRROTHERM - THE CLEAN, GREEN INSULAATION
23
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
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
Microtherm Inc.
3269 Regal Drive
Alcoa, Tennessee 37701
USA
T. (+1) (865) 681 0155
F. (+1) (865) 681 0016
E. sales@microtherm.us
MICROTHERM WORLDWIDE CONTACTS
I s s u e r e f . 3 1 0 1 1 1 / 0 1
1
0
0
9
0
7

w
w
w
.
c
l
a
e
r
h
o
u
t
.
b
e

Microtherm is a registered trademark of Microtherm (GB) Ltd.
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 tness 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 determin-
ing the suitability of Microtherm products for each application.
w w w . m i c r o t h e r m g r o u p . c o m

You might also like