Foam glass line

Types of Foam Glass Line

Foam glass line, also known as cellular glass, is an insulation material made from crushed glass, soda-lime flux, and a foaming agent. This combination is heated in a furnace until it forms a porous, lightweight structure. The resulting product is a closed-cell, rigid foam that is glassy in appearance. It is known for its exceptional thermal insulation properties, lightweight nature, and high compressive strength. Foam glass insulation comes in various types tailored for specific applications. Here are some of them:

• Block Insulation:

  Block foam glass insulation is a type of rigid foam that is produced in block form. The blocks can be cut into different sizes and shapes depending on the insulation requirements. They are used in applications that require a high level of thermal insulation. This includes industrial facilities, commercial buildings and pipelines. The blocks are also preferred because they are easy to handle and install. They provide continuous insulation with no thermal bridges.

• Perlite Coated Foam Glass:

  This type of foam glass line is coated with perlite. Perlite is a volcanic glass that has been expanded by heat. The perlite coating provides additional protection against mechanical damage. It also adds to the foam glass's resistance to UV radiation and fire. The perlite-coated foam glass is mostly used in applications like underground storage tanks and planters. It is also used in applications where additional protection to the insulation is required.

• Pipe Insulation:

  Pipe insulation foam glass is designed specifically to insulate pipes and cylindrical objects. The insulation comes in half-shells or preformed pipe covers. They are easy to install on pipes to provide thermal insulation. The insulation is mostly used in industrial piping systems, HVAC installations and district heating networks. It is resistant to water and moisture. As a result, it prevents the pipes from experiencing corrosion and condensation.

• Foam Glass Gravel:

  Foam glass gravel is produced from the same cellular glass process as the other types. However, it is crushed into a gravel-like size. This allows for the use of cellular glass like a lightweight fill material. The foam glass gravel is then used for backfilling around pipes and foundations. It can also be used to produce lightweight concrete. Foam glass gravel has a high compressive strength. It is also lightweight and provides excellent thermal insulation. It is preferred in utility projects and civil engineering applications.

• Slab Insulation:

  Slab foam glass insulation is produced in flat sheets or slabs. The insulation is used for large, flat surfaces like walls and roofs. It is also used in foundation applications. The insulation comes in various thicknesses and sizes to meet different R-value requirements. The insulation is lightweight and has a high compressive strength. It is also resistant to water and moisture.

Functions and features of foam glass line

Foam glass insulations have various features and functions. Here are some of them:

• Lightweight

  Foam glass is known for its lightweight. Its lightness allows easy transport and movement during construction. This foam glass line reduces the weight of the structures. Also, it enables the insulation to be installed on pipelines and other surfaces quickly.

• Thermal Insulation

  Thermal insulation is one of the key features of foam glass. Materials with low thermal conductivity, such as plastics, metals, and glass, are used to create foam glass. They create a barrier that slows down heat transfer between hot and cold surfaces or areas. This helps maintain the desired temperature in tanks, vessels, or pipelines, improving energy efficiency and reducing heat loss or gain.

• Moisture Resistance

  Foam glass is waterproof and resistant to moisture. It helps prevent corrosion and the growth of microorganisms or mold. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. Because of its durability and resistance to moisture, foam glass requires little or no maintenance over time.

• Light Transmission

  Some foam glasses are designed with high transparency. These glasses can transmit light for applications where natural lighting is needed. For example, in building construction, transparent foam glasses can be used as window materials to allow light to enter a room while providing thermal insulation.

• Structural Integrity

  Structural integrity entails the ability of foam glass to withstand pressure without failing. Foam glass is rigid and stable. Its stability allows it to maintain consistent thermal performance over time, offering long-term thermal insulation. Its pressure resistance minimizes the risk of structural damage or failure during installation.

• Compatibility

  Compatibility foam glass allows it to be used with other materials in a building or pipeline. This enhances the overall performance of the thermal insulator. It also offers versatile design options and simplifies the construction process.

Scenarios of foam glass line

Foam glass has a wide application in construction, storage facilities, and other industries. Here are some common usage scenarios:

• Storage Tanks and Pipelines:

  Foam glass insulation is a popular choice for storage tanks, especially those used for liquefied natural gas (LNG). Its exceptional thermal insulation properties help maintain the low temperatures required for LNG storage. Additionally, foam glass insulation lines pipelines for transporting LNG and other cryogenic fluids, ensuring efficient energy delivery.

• Hot Water Tanks and Boilers:

  Foam glass insulation is also used to insulate hot water tanks and boilers. Its closed-cell structure prevents heat loss, making it an energy-efficient option for residential and commercial hot water systems.

• Cold Stores and Refrigeration Units:

  Cold stores, walk-in freezers, and large-scale refrigeration units rely on foam glass insulation to maintain low temperatures. Insulating walls, ceilings, and floors with foam glass reduces energy consumption and ensures perishable goods remain fresh.

• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems:

  HVAC systems benefit from foam glass insulation to improve cooling and heating efficiency. Ductwork, chiller plants, and air handling units are insulated with foam glass to minimize energy loss and optimize temperature control.

• Industrial Ovens and Kilns:

  Foam glass insulation can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for insulating industrial ovens and kilns. Its heat-resistant properties help retain heat during the cooking or firing process, improving energy efficiency in food production and ceramic manufacturing.

• Geothermal Heating Systems:

  Geothermal heating systems use the earth's natural heat to warm buildings. Foam glass insulation is used in ductwork and distribution systems to ensure efficient heat transfer and minimize heat loss in geothermal applications.

• Pipe Insulation:

  Foam glass insulation is used to insulate pipes carrying hot or cold fluids. Its durable and water-resistant properties prevent condensation, energy loss, and pipe corrosion, making it a popular choice for plumbing, steam, and chilled water pipe systems.

• Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS):

  Foam glass insulation is used in EIFS to insulate building exteriors. Its durable and water-resistant properties enable it to withstand harsh weather conditions, improving energy efficiency and structural integrity.

How to choose foam glass line

When choosing a foam glass line, there are some factors to consider to ensure the product meets the intended needs. Whether one is sourcing for foam glass insulation for pipes, tanks, or containers, the following are essential factors to consider:

• Application Requirements

  The first thing to consider is the intended application for the foam glass product. Different applications have different insulation and structural integrity needs. For example, applications with extremely low temperatures, such as cryogenic pipelines, require foam glass with high insulation capabilities. On the other hand, applications with high temperatures, such as water heating, require foam glass with heat-resistant insulation. Therefore, it is important to assess the application requirements to determine the ideal foam glass product.

• Compression Strength

  It is also important to consider the compression strength of the foam glass. Compression strength refers to the material's ability to withstand being squeezed without breaking. Higher compression strength means the material can withstand more pressure. The insulation boards' application area and load-bearing capacity determine the required compression strength. Areas with high compression strength requirements should have high load-bearing capacity foam glass boards.

• Moisture Resistance

  Another important factor to consider is the foam glass's water resistance. Insulation materials that will be exposed to water frequently should have high water resistance to avoid damage. Closed-cell insulation materials provide water resistance but are less effective than open-cell materials. Foam glass is an open-cell insulation material with high water resistance, making it ideal for applications that will be exposed to water frequently.

• High Thermal Insulation

  The main reason for using insulation materials is to have high thermal insulation. Therefore, when choosing a foam glass product, it is important to check its thermal insulation value. The foam glass's thermal conductivity should be low to ensure high thermal insulation. Products with high thermal insulation efficiency minimize energy loss and are ideal for most applications.

• Quality and Certification

  The foam glass's quality should be the first thing business owners consider when sourcing for insulation products. Business owners should ensure the foam glass products meet international standards and certifications. They can request third-party test reports from the suppliers to verify the product's quality. Additionally, business owners should read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get more information about the product's quality.

foam glass line Q & A

Q1: What are the sizes of foam glass blocks?

A1: Foam glass blocks come in different sizes and can also be customized. For instance, the size 200/300/400mm has a thickness of 200mm, a width of 300mm, and a length of 400mm. There is also size 150/200/250mm, size 100/100/120mm, size 100/100/150mm, size 100/100/200mm, and many more. The sizes range from 100 to 400mm or more.

Q2: Does foam glass have a long lifespan?

A2: Yes, foam glass has a long lifespan. Buildings constructed with foam glass blocks can last for up to 100 years. This is because foam glass is durable and resistant to damage from environmental factors, pests, and rodents.

Q3: What are the disadvantages of foam glass?

A3: Foam glass only has one disadvantage, which is that it is fragile. Foam glass blocks are prone to breakage when they are dropped or hit against hard objects. This requires careful handling during transportation and installation.

Q4: How is foam glass made?

A4: Foam glass is made by melting waste glass with a foaming agent. The mixture is then foamed and formed into desired shapes and sizes. The resulting product is a lightweight, closed-cell insulation material that is resistant to moisture, fire, and pests.

Q5: What is the R-value of foam glass?

A5: The R-value of foam glass varies depending on its density and thickness. The R-value measures the thermal insulation capability of a material. Higher R-values indicate better insulation. The R-value can be calculated using the formula: R-value = thickness/thermal conductivity.