Insulation materials are often categorized by structure. For example, fibrous, granular, and flake. One of the most common of these categories is cellular insulation. You may have heard about cellular glass or blown-in materials, but how exactly does cellular insulation work? This week we are taking a look at this ubiquitous insulation, its structure, advantages, and some important applications.
How It Works
Cellular insulation is named for its cellular structure, typically formed through gas expansion. The result is a material composed of tiny individual cells that work to effectively reduce thermal transfer. Cellular insulation can further be categorized into open and closed-cell materials. In an open-cell material, each individual cell is interconnected. In cases where at least 90% of the cells are sealed from each other, the material is referred to as being closed-cell.
Cellular Benefits
In general, cellular insulation is not hygroscopic, meaning that it doesn’t absorb water or moisture from the surrounding air. This type of insulation also boasts greater dimensional stability. Open and closed-cell insulations each have their own advantages:
- Open-Cell. These materials have high acoustic absorption, making them a top choice for reducing sound transfer.
- Closed-Cell. This type of material works well as a vapour barrier in addition to its excellent thermal insulation properties.
Applications
Cellular insulation can be made from a wide range of materials such as glass, elastomeric, or foamed plastic such as polystyrene or polyurethane. It can come in the form of tubes, sheets, blocks, and even spray foam. This large array of options allows cellular insulation to be useful in a number of different applications. A common application is using cellular fibreglass to insulate pipes. It is non-combustible, non-absorptive, and chemical resistant. Elastomeric materials are a cost-effective option for low-temperature applications.
Find out how cellular insulation could benefit your facility by contacting our team for a consultation!
