High-Temperature Insulation: A Comparison Of Commonly Used Materials

High-temperature insulation is essential in many manufacturing applications, where operating temperatures must be controlled to attain optimum efficiency and regularity.

It can also be used in steel and foundry, where effective thermal insulation may contribute to extending equipment life and providing additional safety measures.

In industries such as aircraft or military, equipment is subjected to high temperatures owing to external influences.

Whether intentional or unintentional, it requires the proper thermal insulation to assure passenger safety and maintain important instruments.

As a result, selecting the proper type of high-temperature insulating bricks is critical.

Materials

1. The ceramic fiber

Ceramic fiber is made by melting alumino-silicate ingredients in a furnace, then pouring and cooling a stream to form fiber strands.

It is extremely lightweight and resistant to heat shock. Ceramic fiber is commonly found in kiln linings, furnace linings, fire protection, pipe insulation, seals, expansion joints, and high-temperature packing.

2. Firebrick

Firebricks are refractory ceramic blocks manufactured from fireclay, a mineral aggregate comprised of hydrous aluminum silicate.

They can endure high temperatures and contribute to improved energy efficiency.

Despite their greater thermal qualities, one of their key drawbacks is that they are larger, heavier, and thicker than other materials.

Firebricks are most typically employed in metal, petrochemical, and ceramic processing.

In addition, they are utilized in kilns, fires, furnaces, forging furnaces, blast furnaces, and flues.

3. Mica

Mica is a mineral that occurs naturally and has excellent thermal and electrical qualities.

It forms in exceptionally thin sheets, making it extremely flexible and capable of being cut, stamped, and molded into various kinds of shapes.

Phlogopite mica can endure temperatures as high as 1000 degrees Celsius.

Mica is frequently formed with other materials to improve its physical and thermal qualities, such as mineral wool, glass, or ceramic fibers.

Mica composite laminates are accessible in sheet, tube, and roll forms, with roll and sheet being the most popular in furnace applications.

4. Mineral wool

The mineral wool insulation is created by heating a mixture of slag, stone, or glass to a high temperature before spinning it into a light fiber structure.

Superwool, an alkaline earth silicate wool (AES), is a popular mineral wool product.

Mineral wools, such as Superwool, are most typically utilized in continuously operating equipment and residential appliances.

5. Microporous

As a highly effective technique of thermal management, microporous technology separates microscopic particles.

Microporous insulation was created for aerospace and space applications because they are lightweight and so has extremely low heat conductivity.

The materials are constructed from minute particles of items such as silica.

Because the particles have limited interaction with each other, thermal routes are limited, resulting in high thermal resistance and exceptionally low thermal conductivity.

They also obstruct gaseous conduction and limit radiation and convection, making microporous materials extremely adaptable for insulation.

They are utilized for a variety of purposes, including furnace lining, aerospace, and process piping insulation.

Make us your go-to source of insulating bricks

The best thermal insulation for your application is determined by your needs. We specialize in producing various high-temperature insulating bricks that can withstand a wide range of high-temperature settings.

Please contact us if you would like to talk about your needs with one of our experts.