“# What Are the Standard Foam Glass Pipe Insulation Sizes?
If you are managing complex pipe systems, choosing the right insulation size can seem overwhelming. The wrong size can increase energy loss, maintenance, or even risk system safety.
Foam glass pipe insulation comes in a range of standard sizes. These sizes depend on factors like insulation type, inner diameter, wall thickness, and application—helping you meet safety and efficiency requirements for your system.
Many engineers, including myself, have spent hours comparing size charts and technical sheets. My firsthand experience tells me that there is no universal answer for every project. However, understanding the basic size range and what to look for can help you avoid common mistakes. Let me walk you through how I approach the process and how you can select the right foam glass insulation for your pipes.
What Are the Main Types and Sizes of Foam Glass Pipe Insulation?
Too many choices can create confusion when selecting insulation. You want to pick a size that matches your job and lasts.
The main types of foam glass pipe insulation under the Borocell brand are CGSN160, CGSN120, CGPN160, and CGPN120. Their wall thickness ranges from 25mm and up, with inner diameters starting from 18mm to 273mm, and lengths from 500mm to 600mm.
I faced this issue during a tank insulation upgrade in a chemical plant in Germany. There was confusion between available sizes and the needs of different applications. Each insulation type had specific characteristics. Here is what I learned about the key size ranges and where they fit best:
– **CGSN160 Cellular Glass Pipe:** Thickness starts at 25mm, with an inside diameter of 168mm. These come in 500mm lengths and are used for both hot and cold applications.
– **CGSN120 Cellular Glass Pipe:** Here, single-layer segments are 25-80mm thick, double-layer go up to 80mm, with inner diameters at least 273mm, in 600mm lengths. These work well for large-diameter pipes or higher temperature duties.
– **CGPN160 Cellular Glass Pipe:** These start at 25mm thickness too, fitting pipe diameters from 18mm up to 168mm, with a standard 500mm length.
– **CGPN120 Cellular Glass Pipe:** Suitable for inner diameters from 18mm up to 273mm, and lengths are 600mm.
When I recommend a size, I focus on three factors: pipe size, operating temperature (from -268℃ up to +480℃), and the risk of thermal bridging. A wrong inner diameter leads to a poor fit and higher energy loss. Wall thickness depends on your local climate, the pipe medium, and energy-saving goals. For cryogenic lines, thicker insulation prevents condensation and maintains system integrity. For hot oil lines, the right size will keep the surface temperature safe and stable.
Which Applications Are Foam Glass Insulation Sizes Designed For?
Specific jobs need tailored insulation sizes. If you get this right, you make installation, safety, and performance easier.
Foam glass pipe insulation sizes are developed to meet demands from cryogenic tanks, chemical plants, hot oil storage, and commercial piping systems. Each standard size fits tightly and seals the joint—helping you avoid corrosion, condensation, and energy loss.
One case I remember highlights the importance of the right application match: A client needed reliable insulation for steam lines in a process plant. They were debating between standard mineral wool and foam glass. Steam and chilled water pipes need insulation that will not absorb water or fail under pressure. The foam glass segment’s closed-cell structure and standard sizing helped them avoid CUI (corrosion under insulation) and save labor.
Here are the main areas where these insulation sizes work best:
– **Cryogenic systems:** Standard sizes fit pipes carrying LNG, liquid nitrogen, or oxygen, preventing extreme heat gain and protecting workers from frostbite.
– **Medium/high temp systems:** Thick wall segments, in 500mm or 600mm lengths, insulate chemical and hydrocarbon pipelines.
– **Commercial piping:** Sizes match HVAC, chilled water, and ducting systems. Correct sizing here stops condensation drips or energy waste.
– **Underground/direct burial:** Dense foam glass segments resist water and soil pressure, using the right length and inner diameter to wrap pipes in one layer without gaps.
Selecting the correct size will help you install insulation faster and more accurately. The result is compliance with industry standards and less money spent on maintenance over the years.
Conclusion
Choosing the right foam glass pipe insulation size means balancing type, thickness, and application, ensuring long-term efficiency, safety, and lower costs for every project.