High Temp Microporous Insulation Solutions

Product
Performance
Brochure

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Microtherm® - a solution for every thermal problem
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Microtherm® thermal insulation –
nanotechnology working for you
• Microtherm is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermal insulation.
• Microtherm® thermal insulation effectively minimises the transmission of heat over a large temperature range
(from cryogenic temperatures to 1200 °C / 2192 oF).
• With a porous structure based on amorphous silica particles sized around 5 – 25 nm in diameter, Microtherm® is
classified as a microporous insulation.
• Microtherm® has appreciably better thermal performance at high temperatures than other more conventional
insulation products. Microtherm® performs even better than still air.

Microtherm R&D and Engineering
• Microtherm is the wise choice as partner in developing high performance innovative thermal insulation solutions.
• We offer 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 fire resistance testing to “A” and “H” category fire 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.

Microtherm® - the clean, green insulation

Thermal Conductivity
Microtherm® high performance insulation is manufactured from mixtures of amorphous silica, metal oxides
and glass ﬁlament. It minimises the transmission of heat over a large temperature range. Thermal performance
of Microtherm® insulation is at least three to four times better than other more conventional insulation
products at high temperatures.

Thermal Conductivity of MICROTHERM® Insulation
Compared to Conventional Insulating Materials
M E AN T E M P E R ATU R E ( °F )

2 00 40 0 600 800 1000 1200 1400

0 ,25

1.6
CERAMIC F IB R E BL A NK ET
192kg/m 3 de ns i t y, A ST M C 8 92

CALCI U M SI L I C ATE BL OCK
ASTM C 5 3 3 1.4
0 ,20
MI N ERA L F IB RE BL OCK
ASTM C 6 1 2
MI CRO T H E RM ® S U P E R A
4 5 0 kg/ m 3 de n s i t y 1.2

MICROTHERM ® SUPER G
320 kg/ m 3 de n s i t y
0 ,15
1.0

0.8 T H E R M A L C ON D U CT I V I T Y ( B tu . i n / f t 2 . h r . ° F )

0 ,10
T H E R M A L C ON D U CT I V I T Y ( W / m . K )

0.6

r
still ai
0.4
0 ,05

0.2

0 0

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

M EA N TE M P E R ATU R E (° C )

200 400 600 800 1000 1200°C
AP P ROX IM ATE H OT FAC E T E MP ER AT U R E
ASSUMING 60 °C COLD FACE (MICROTHERM ® ONLY)

Thermal conductivity values for insulating materials other than Microtherm® Super G
and Super A are taken from relevant ASTM speciﬁcations. Microtherm® Super G and
Super A values are as measured by the National Physical Laboratory, UK, according to
ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177

Microtherm Products
Microtherm® Rigid Panels
Standard Panels
Hydrophobic Panels
VIP Cores
Steelﬂex Panels
Slim&Light

Microtherm® Flexible Panels
Standard Quilt
Hydrophobic Quilt
Aeroguard
Overstitched Panel
Slatted Panel
Floppy Panel

Microtherm® Block Products
Standard Block Microtherm G, Super G, HT, Super A
Hydrophobic Block
Board
Thin Sheet

Microtherm® Moulded Products
Free Mouldings
MPS

Microtherm® Machined Products

Microtherm® Powder Products
FreeFlow granules
Chimney Insulation

Full descriptions of the typical product characteristics, performance, and uses of each of the
products are contained in separate product data sheets that are available as downloads from our web site
www.microthermgroup.com.

Product Characteristics
Microtherm® insulation
... has a thermal conductivity (up to 1000°C / 1832 oF) which is close to the lowest theoretically possible in any
material. Microtherm® Super A can be used up to 1200 oC / 2192 oF.
... 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 efficient than conventional insulations.
... is simple to use and easy to apply.
... is reliable.
... is made of green materials and environmentally safe with no respirable fibres.
... is available in six principle grades for general applications differing in maximum temperature capability,
thermal conductivity, water resistance, density and ease of machining. Other versions available to meet
specific application requirements.

ISO 9001:2000
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 9001:2000.
... We believe that we offer a product range and a service that are unique in the insulation industry.

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The unbeatable performance of Microtherm® can result in a number of beneﬁts:
• 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®

Performance comparison of Microtherm® and Calcium Silicate moulded pipe
insulation for equivalent heat ﬂow at 750 oC (1382 oF). Microtherm® is only one
quarter the thickness !

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
qualified engineering team.
In close cooperation with our customers we (co-) develop tailor made insulation solutions.

Measuring Thermal Conductivity ...
Microtherm obtains thermal conductivity measurements by two different procedures:
1. 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 800°C / 1472 °F). Two flat panels are tested and heat flow is measured between a heated
test square and water cooled outer plates.
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 equipment is particularly suitable for measurements at pressures greater
than atmospheric and in gases other than air.

Optimising Density
The thermal conductivity of microporous insulation is influenced 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 found for each of the
Microtherm® grades. Microtherm supplies all products at an optimised density for optimised performance.

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Thermal Analysis
Microtherm engineers have the equipment and expertise for producing thermal images of applications,
performance verification tests, and fire exposure tests.
Our specialists also have the capability of producing both steady state and transient heat flow analysis calculations.
By combining thermal imaging with heat flow analysis, we are able to ensure the best performance of
Microtherm® thermal protection solutions.

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Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging, usually known as Thermography, allows precise non contact temperature measurement.
It is non-intrusive, non-invasive, and non-destructive and establishes precisely how a structure reacts when exposed
to heat. Microtherm engineers use thermography for validation of their thermal solution designs during performance
testing.

Thermal image of Thermal image of
lift doors during fire storage heater during
resistance test. performance test.

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 fire barriers to protect steel, aluminium or composite struc-
tures. Fire performance certificates 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 classified A1 to EN 13501-1:2002.

Microtherm® flexible insulation panels used in marine Passive Fire Protection systems are covered by EU and USCG
certification for non-combustibility of the insulation core, and zero spread of flame for the glass cloth covering
material.

In-house fire Aluminium HSC by
performance Rodriguez
testing

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.

ASTM C356 BS-EN 1094-6 In-house testing

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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, flexible 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 oC / 1112 oF the fibres 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 effects are more severe at higher temperatures. E-glass cloth will melt at temperatures exceeding 800 oC /
1472 oF. Microtherm offers 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 insula-
tion 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
flame impingement.
• For most mechanically challenging applications we can even supply Microtherm® totally encapsulated in
stainless steel.

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/m3.

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Minimising the effects of moisture and humidity
Thermal and mechanical properties of Microtherm® insulation are not significantly affected 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 affect 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 hydrophobic 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.
The treatment is so effective that Microtherm® Super G Hydrophobic can be totally submerged in water for 60 days
without damage.
During this period it slowly absorbs water, typically 10% by weight. It can be dried and still remain water
resistant. The whole material is waterproof so it can be machined or cut. Microtherm® Super G Hydrophobic is water
repellent for at least one year at 250°C / 482 oF, for one day at 350°C / 662 oF and for one hour at 400°C / 752 oF.

Health and Safety
Microtherm® products are formulated from low hazard materials and during development considerable care has
been taken to ensure that products, when used as recommended, are as safe to handle as practically possible.
Microtherm® insulation products are certified as “fibre free” according to the dangerous Substances Directive
Amendement, 97/69/EC.
Further information on current occupational exposure limits and control measures/precautions required to
minimise personal exposure, for all grades of Microtherm®, is provided in our Material Safety Data Sheets. All MSDS
documents are available as downloads from our website www.microthermgroup.com.

Microtherm Service Network
The Microtherm Group takes great pride in the quality of customer service and support that it provides.
We operate from three sites, Belgium, Japan, and the USA. These three sites are further supported by our regional
sales managers located around Europe, and our Global Partners located all around the world.
Our global sales and customer network is constantly at your disposal for advice and assistance. This support
falls mainly into two categories – technical and commercial.
Within the Microtherm Group, technical support and development partnership follows a structured pattern
according to the level of technical complexity.

Sales Team
• Problem analysis
• Quick reference thermal calculation
• Assistance with installation

Technical Service Department
• Steady state and transient thermal calculations
• Selection of most cost eﬀective solution

Application Development Team
• Selection of insulation material
• In-house ﬁre testing based on international standards
• Design of insulation system including frames, sandwich structures, ...
• System integration & mounting

Project Related R&D
• The services of our Research and Development laboratories are available for more in-depth response on more
demanding customer development projects. In these instances, the laboratories integrate their activities with the
other technical departments within our company to ensure the most comprehensive technical support.

Customer Service
• In addition to all of the technical support activities that we make available, full commerical support is provided by
our Customer Service Department with immediate contact through our sales managers and partners.

For a list of customer service representatives, please visit our website
www.microthermgroup.com

Worldwide Contacts

Microtherm N.V. Nippon Microtherm Co., Ltd. Microtherm Inc.
Industriepark Noord 1 Korakuen Shinjuku Bldg, 269, Cusick Road
9100 Sint-Niklaas 4-15-7, Nishi Shinjuku McGhee Tyson Plaza, Suite C4
Belgium Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan Alcoa, Tennessee 37701, USA
T. (+32) 3 760 19 80 T. (+81) 3 3377 2821 T. (+1) (865) 681 0155
F. (+32) 3 760 19 99 F. (+32) 3 3378 2821 F. (+1) (865) 681 0016
E. info@microthermgroup.com E. sales@microtherm.co.jp E. sales@microtherm.us

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 fitness for a particular purpose or that the
results shown on this datasheet will be achieved by a user for a particular purpose. The user
is responsible for determining the suitability of Microtherm products for each application.
Microtherm® is a registered trademark of Microtherm International Ltd No known health hazards in normal use.

High Temp Microporous Insulation Solutions

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