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Study of Industrial Grade Thermal Insulation at Elevated Temperatures
Amalie Gunnarshaug1,2, Maria Monika Metallinou3, Torgrim Log3
1Q Rådgivning AS, 5527 Haugesund, Norway.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 21, 2020
Summary
This study tested industrial thermal insulation up to 1200 °C. Results show it offers significant passive fire protection, even under severe heat flux conditions, due to its heat resistance and material transformation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thermal Engineering
- Fire Safety Engineering
Background:
- Industrial thermal insulation prevents heat transfer in various applications.
- Incombustible materials offer potential fire protection in high-temperature industrial settings.
- Understanding material performance under extreme heat is crucial for safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the high-temperature performance and breakdown characteristics of industrial thermal insulation.
- To evaluate its effectiveness as passive fire protection under severe fire conditions.
- To determine the material's response to temperatures up to 1200 °C.
Main Methods:
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed.
- 50 mm insulation cubes were heated in a muffle furnace from 600 °C to 1200 °C with 30 min holding time.
- Room temperature thermal conductivity was measured after each heat treatment.
Main Results:
- Binders released between 300-500 °C (mineral-based oil) and 850-960 °C (Bakelite).
- Sintering occurred from 700-1100 °C; significant degradation began above 1100 °C.
- At 1200 °C, density increased from 140 to 1700 kg/m³, conductivity from 0.041 to 0.22 W/m·K due to melting.
Conclusions:
- The thermal insulation exhibits significant material changes and increased density/conductivity at 1200 °C, indicating melting.
- It can provide substantial passive fire protection, particularly at heat fluxes up to 350 kW/m².
- Further analysis is recommended to explore its application in fire protection scenarios.
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