If you’re considering adding pipe lagging to your heating and cooling system, you may be wondering if glass wool is worth it. It’s a type of insulation made from glass fibres, and is a great choice for a number of reasons, including thermal insulation, non-combustibility, and improved air quality. In this article, we’ll explain some of the main benefits of this material.
Insulation made from glass fibres
Glass wool is an insulation material made from strands of glass. The material can be purchased in rolls or slabs, each with different mechanical and thermal properties. Some varieties can also be sprayed, or applied in place. This insulation material has numerous applications, and is often used in buildings. In addition to being a natural insulator, glass wool is environmentally friendly. It can save up to 12 times as much energy as other types of insulation over a year’s time.
While fiberglass insulation was once considered a potential health hazard, recent studies have shown that it is not dangerous to humans if used properly. It can be purchased as a blanket, loose-fill, rigid boards, and duct insulation. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Although it has been widely used in insulation for decades, it has been subjected to many tests to determine if it’s safe for people to handle. While some people have complained of irritated skin and itchiness, these side effects are temporary and subside once contact is terminated. Thankfully, proper clothing and personal protective equipment are a great way to minimize these risks.
Glass wool has a long history of use. Originally used in Europe to insulate buildings and pipes, glass wool was first produced by drawing the fibres from a rod horizontally to a spinning drum. A few decades later, a spinning process was developed. World War I saw the mass production of glass fibre as an insulating material, and it was used to build ships and planes. Research into the material continued in the United States, and in the 1930s, the Owens-Illinois Glass Company developed a low-cost glass fibre.
Another type of glass-fibre insulation is called glass wool. It is made from recycled glass materials and consists of long fibres joined with a binder. The material is then baked in a high-temperature oven and then cut to the required size. Glass wool is highly effective at insulating rooms and preventing sound from escaping. While fiberglass is considered safe for residential use, it does not pose a fire risk.
Thermal insulation
Fiberglass pipe lagging is an excellent choice for thermal insulation in many applications. It is easy to install, made from 80% recyclable materials, and does not promote mould or vermin infestation. Glass wool does not contain any toxic materials and does not corrode metal. These fibers are typically manufactured in glass tissue faced on one side, and are easy to handle. A high-quality glass wool product will withstand temperatures up to 450°F.
Fiberglass and glass wool are both made of fibers that trap air. Fiberglass, which is often referred to as “fiberglass”, is made of tightly woven glass fibers. This type of insulation is made to be highly fire and insect-resistant. For moderate-temperature applications, glass or rock wool is used. Refractory ceramic fiber blankets are used for high-temperature applications. The difference in cost and properties between the two is minimal.
Cryogenics refers to temperatures below -180°C. The National Institute of Standards and Technology, in Boulder, Colorado, makes this determination based on the normal boiling points of permanent gases, such as helium, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Common refrigerants, however, have boiling points above -180°C. Glass wool pipe lagging is ideal for applications where temperatures drop below -180°C.
In piping construction, a thermostably constructed structure consists of the appropriate insulating material and sheet metal cladding. The cladding acts as a protective barrier to keep the pipe and insulation from external influences. Spacers are needed to transfer the weight of the cladding onto the insulation. Support structures are also installed on vertical pipes. They help the insulation to remain stable and prevent thermal bridges.
Apart from pipe lagging, glass wool is also used in structural insulation, soundproofing, and filtration. It is also used as a loose fill material in attics. It can be used in conjunction with an active binder sprayed on the underside of structures. During installation, glass wool must be kept dry as moisture content increases the material’s thermal conductivity. This way, you’ll be able to achieve the maximum energy efficiency from your pipes and heating and cooling systems.
Non-combustible
The flame behaviour of pipe insulation should be determined using a fire testing method that is suitable for the pipes involved. The ISO 9772 method uses a rectangular specimen, whose thickness is restricted to 13 mm. The ignition source should have a heat release rate of 1.3 kW or less. For a 10 minute test, no flames were observed above the top section of the test chassis.
Glass wool is a highly durable insulating material that is non-combustible and resistant to heat, flames, and smoke. It can withstand temperatures of up to 300 degC and contains 80 percent recycled materials. Unlike other materials, it does not promote mold growth or vermin infestation. Moreover, it is flexible and can act as a filler in cavities. Non-combustible glass wool pipe lagging is ideal for both hot and cold pipes. For a safe installation, it can be reinforced with canvas or wood.
Glass wool pipe insulation can provide a class-A non-combustible mantel. It is composed of high-quality minerals centrifuged into fibers. Once shaped, this insulation is resistant to heat and corrosion. Its soft structure makes it easy to install protective casing, and its low density allows for a more uniform insulation layer. Moreover, it is easier to mount on a heat carrier than steel plates.
Knauf Thermo-Tek PS PRO is 20mm thick and is suitable for a variety of HVAC applications. It is suitable for all common pipe sizes and is available in both imperial and metric measurements. The insulation is manufactured with an inert thermosetting resin binder for easy application. It has a low thermal conductivity. And it is cheap to apply. In addition to being non-combustible, glass wool pipe lagging is easy to install and maintain.
Glass wool is fire resistant, but it is not fireproof. The glass fibers used in this pipe insulation are created at temperatures of 1,450C or 2,642F, making it non-combustible. However, it is important to note that the paper layer used to bind the glass fibers may be flammable. Ensure that the glass wool you select is manufactured with a high melting point.
Improves air quality
Glass wool is a material used for insulating pipes that has many benefits. This insulation can improve air quality by keeping the pipes dry. It is a durable material that is ten times lighter than traditional pipe insulation. It can be compressed to about one-tenth of its original volume. One pallet can hold 36 rolls. A study conducted in Turkey showed that glass wool can improve air quality and reduce heating and cooling bills.
The internal microstructure of glass wool is unique and has long, interwoven fibres that do not propagate flames. This material is non-flammable and is completely recyclable. It is easy to install and handle, and it is safe to transport. It is also environmentally friendly, utilizing renewable and sustainable raw materials. Furthermore, ISOVER’s glass wool products have zero ozone depleting potential and contain no CFCs.
Glass wool and mineral fiber have similar R-values, but mineral wool is slightly more effective. However, mineral wool has a higher melting point than fiberglass, so it is not recommended for attics. The weight is too high for attics. This makes it difficult to install in some places, including basements. Therefore, it is important to choose the right material for the application. If you want to install insulation that improves air quality, mineral wool is a good choice.