There are a number of situations where typical insulation products just don’t cut it, and special products need to be used. Many times these are for commercial applications. One type of insulation that isn’t made by many companies and is pretty much only used commercially is cellular glass insulation. This type of insulation is made by Pittsburgh Corning Corporation under the name FOAMGLAS Cellular Glass Insulation.
Cellular glass insulation is made from crushed glass that is mixed with a type of cellulating agent. This mix is heated to high temperatures so that the glass melts and the mixture expands to fill whatever mold it has been placed in. Currently they make a number of different products, including roof insulation boards and blocks that are either flat or tapered. The cellular glass insulation boards are faced with a Kraft paper and asphalt combination. Although blocks are the most common form for cellular glass insulation, manufacturers and distributors also manufacture insulation use with fitting covers and pipes as well as in other special shapes as needed.
For companies looking for a type of insulation that is strong, moisture resistant and flame resistant, cellular glass insulation is a good choice. It is used for green roof insulation and fireproof building panels, as well as for a number of different types of operations that need to have hot or cold materials flowing through pipes. Some examples include chilled water pipes and equipment, hot oil piping and equipment, cold process pipes and equipment, ethylene plant pipes and equipment, stainless steel hot water lines, LNG piping and tank bases, and underground steam distribution.
This insulation works in a very wide range of temperatures, from -450 degrees F. to 900 degrees F. No other insulation is effective in as cold a temperature, although calcium silicate, fiberglass and mineral wool can be used at slightly higher temperatures. Cellular glass insulation is also one of the strongest forms of insulation used for roofing. Only gypsum board has a higher compressive strength, and gypsum board has a much lower R value so it doesn’t have as much thermal resistance as cellular glass insulation.
