- Written by Edmar Meuwissen , EUMEPS, Esko Mikkola, KK-Fireconsalt Ltd, Tuula Hakkarainen and Anna Matala, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Energy efficiency and the overall need for sustainable buildings are increasing the use of efficient thermal insulation systems. In national regulations and guidelines limitations or protection requirements may be specified for the use of combustible insulation in façades. Alternatively, there may be performance-based requirements for products or for the whole façade system defining fire performance levels for different applications.
- Written by Jan Neelen, Michel Cassart & Nicolas Karecki, Total Refining & Chemicals
Foams are among the best insulators. Their cellular structure offers two natural advantages: no air flow and negligible air convection. Total's Excell-R® EPS foam insulation also reduces radiation losses.
The global economy is facing troubled times but could the insulation industry be heading for a more certain future? Could this be because of an excellent payback or because most regions in the world are bringing in new regulations to improve housing energy efficiency?
- Written by Sian F Fennessey, Sulzer Chemtech Ltd, Winterthur, Switzerland
The Sulzer EPS process represents a unique, patented process for the continuous production of EPS micro pellets by melt impregnation. The process includes a proprietary combination of dosing devices, static mixer(s), cooler(s) and an underwater pelletiser. The Sulzer EPS process takes advantage of static mixer technology for the dispersion and dissolution of a pentane blowing agent into the polymer melt as well as the admixing of heat-sensitive additives.
The technological benefits of the process include: formulation flexibility through excellent dispersion of pigments, efficient temperature and shear control throughout the process, the ability to recycle excess impregnated material and the production of EPS micro pellets with a narrow size distribution. EPS micro pellets from the Sulzer EPS process can be processed and converted into foamed parts, applying the same processes as for conventionally-produced EPS beads.
- Written by Janet Cass, PremierTech Chronos
Insulation scrap recycled into value-added product secures new customers...
Stone wool was first produced commercially from slag in the 1800s but it took a collaboration between an insulation manufacturer and PremierTech Chronos to figure out how to make this material from discarded scrap.
Finding cost-effective ways to produce stone wool is a strategic way to profit from the growing market for this and other types of organic insulation. As reported in 2012 at the 7th Global Insulation Conference & Exhibiton, organic insulation commands a 68% market share of the Korean market. In the EU, the insulation industry is predicted to increase in size by approximately 30% over the next eight years. In addition, the stone wool market in Russia is expected to double by 2016.
One of the world's leading producers of mineral wool is Knauf Insulation, which has a manufacturing facility in Škofja Loka, Slovenia. It is part of the Knauf Group, a multinational manufacturer of building materials and construction systems that was founded in 1932 to process gypsum and is headquartered in Germany. Knauf Insulation is the fastest growing producer of insulation worldwide, with annual sales that exceed US$1.5bn and manufacturing facilities in the US, UK, Russia and Europe, including the plant at Škofja Loka.
- Written by Mario A Medina PhD - Building, Thermal and Material Science Laboratory, Univesity of Kansas, USA
Since 2000 research has been conducted at the University of Kansas (KU) to evaluate the thermal performance of building walls fitted with phase change materials (PCMs). The purpose of the investigations was to assess peak air conditioning demand reductions, thermal load shifting and energy savings. PCMs work by storing relatively large amounts of heat energy when melting. This heat is released upon solidification of the PCM when the temperature surrounding the PCM drops to below the PCM solidification point.
For building applications PCM phase changes are predominantly of solid-liquid transitions. The PCM can be organic, for example paraffins, waxes and oils, or inorganic, for example, hydrated salts.
