Inconsistent thermal performance increases energy losses and compliance risks. Engineers need verified λ values, not guesses. Reliable cellular glass pipe insulation thermal conductivity data prevents system inefficiency and costly retrofits.
Typical cellular glass pipe insulation thermal conductivity is λ = 0.038–0.042 W/m·K at 10°C (EN 12667/ISO 8302). Our factory batch-certifies λ for every lot.
For high-temperature chemical pipelines, insulation must deliver stable λ values under thermal cycling, mechanical vibration, and chemical exposure. Cellular glass faces all these challenges in real plants.
Foam glass – Cellular Glass for Industrial Insulation?
Corrosion under insulation (CUI) and inconsistent λ values threaten asset safety. Many foams degrade at high temperatures or absorb moisture. Cellular glass offers a solution, but only if λ is stable long-term.
Cellular glass pipe insulation thermal conductivity remains 0.038–0.042 W/m·K from -196°C to +430°C (tested to EN 14305). Density: 110–130 kg/m³. Euroclass A1 non-combustible.
Why choose cellular glass for industrial pipes?
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λ Value Stability:
Unlike organic foams, cellular glass maintains its closed-cell structure. Our in-house lab tests show λ drift of <2% after 250 thermal cycles (EN 12667). This means predictable energy losses over decades. -
Operating Temperature Range:
Service range: -196°C (liquefied gas lines) to +430°C (steam, process heat). Cellular glass will not melt, shrink, or outgas. This is verified by third-party reports per EN 14305 and ASTM C552. -
Fire and Smoke Safety:
Euroclass A1, DIN 4102-1 A1. No flame spread, zero smoke emission. Essential for process safety and insurance compliance. -
Compressive Strength & Installation:
Factory-tested: 0.7–1.2 MPa (EN 826). High enough for pipe loads, supports, and cladding. Cellular glass resists crushing during installation. -
Moisture Resistance:
Water absorption <0.2% by volume (EN 13468). No capillary action. Prevents CUI, even after decades in service. -
Certifications:
Every batch is CE marked. Test reports available on request: λ, density, compressive strength, water absorption, and Euroclass.
Typical Properties Table
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| λ (10°C, dry) | 0.038–0.042 W/m·K | EN 12667 |
| Density | 110–130 kg/m³ | EN 1602 |
| Compressive Strength | 0.7–1.2 MPa | EN 826 |
| Temp. Range | -196°C to +430°C | EN 14305 |
| Fire Class | Euroclass A1, DIN 4102-1 A1 | EN 13501-1 |
What is the R value of cellular glass insulation?
Unverified R values lead to under- or over-specification. Overstated claims waste budget; understated ones risk process losses.
R value for 50 mm cellular glass pipe insulation (λ = 0.040 W/m·K) is 1.25 m²·K/W. R increases linearly with thickness.
How to calculate R value for cellular glass
- Get λ value: Check factory test report (e.g., 0.040 W/m·K).
- Select insulation thickness: E.g., 50 mm (0.05 m).
- Apply the formula: R = thickness (m) / λ (W/m·K).
Example Table: Thickness vs. R Value
| Thickness (mm) | R Value (m²·K/W) |
|---|---|
| 30 | 0.75 |
| 50 | 1.25 |
| 80 | 2.00 |
| 100 | 2.50 |
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Tested R values: Our in-house lab certifies R for each thickness. All values are based on EN 12667 λ measurements.
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Application: For process pipes at 150°C, 80 mm cellular glass (R = 2.0 m²·K/W) typically achieves <2°C surface loss per meter (thermal calculations available).
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Long-term performance: R value is stable over decades; closed cells block moisture and gas migration.
What is the thermal conductivity of pipe insulation?
Assuming all insulations perform equally leads to energy waste and compliance failures. λ values vary by material, density, and temperature.
Cellular glass pipe insulation thermal conductivity is 0.038–0.042 W/m·K at 10°C. For comparison: mineral wool λ = 0.035–0.045 W/m·K (EN 12667).
Pipe insulation λ values: Material comparison
| Material | λ (10°C, W/m·K) | Fire Class | Max Temp (°C) | Water Absorption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Glass | 0.038–0.042 | A1 | 430 | <0.2% |
| Rock Wool | 0.035–0.045 | A1 | 650 | 1–2% |
| Polyurethane Foam | 0.025–0.030 | B2/B3 | 120–150 | 2–5% |
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λ stability: Cellular glass λ remains constant across the full service range (-196°C to +430°C). Organic foams degrade at high temperature.
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Insulation selection: For chemical plant pipes with fire or CUI risk, cellular glass is often the preferred option due to λ stability and zero water uptake.
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CE marking: Cellular glass pipe insulation with λ = 0.040 W/m·K is CE marked per EN 14305/EN 13167.
Is cellular glass insulation the same as fiberglass?
Confusing cellular glass with fiberglass causes design errors, wrong fire class assumptions, and installation issues.
No, cellular glass and fiberglass are different. Cellular glass pipe insulation thermal conductivity is 0.038–0.042 W/m·K; glass wool (fiberglass) is 0.032–0.040 W/m·K. Material structure, fire class, and water resistance differ.
Material Comparison: Cellular Glass vs. Fiberglass
| Property | Cellular Glass | Glass Wool (Fiberglass) |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Closed-cell, rigid | Open-fiber, flexible |
| λ (W/m·K) | 0.038–0.042 | 0.032–0.040 |
| Fire Class (Euro) | A1 (non-combustible) | A1 (non-combustible) |
| Water Absorption | <0.2% (no capillary) | 1–2% (can wick water) |
| Compressive Strength | 0.7–1.2 MPa | 0.01–0.04 MPa |
| Typical Use | Pipes, tanks, CUI risk | Ducts, walls, general |
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Installation: Cellular glass is cut and fitted as rigid pipe sections or blocks; fiberglass is wrapped or blown.
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Performance: For outdoor or underground pipes, cellular glass resists water ingress, while open-fiber glass wool can degrade if not perfectly sealed.
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Fire and chemical resistance: Both are Euroclass A1, but cellular glass is preferred for aggressive chemical or cryogenic applications.
What is the thermal conductivity of glasswool insulation?
Incorrect λ values for glasswool lead to over- or under-specification. Engineers must know tested and certified figures.
Glasswool insulation thermal conductivity is 0.032–0.040 W/m·K at 10°C (EN 12667/EN 13162). Lower λ at higher densities; λ increases at higher temperatures.
Glasswool pipe insulation – Key properties
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λ value:
0.032–0.040 W/m·K (typical), measured at 10°C. Lower λ requires higher density (16–48 kg/m³). -
Temperature range:
-50°C to +250°C for most industrial grades. Above this, organic binders may degrade. -
Fire classification:
Euroclass A1 (non-combustible), DIN 4102-1 A1. -
Water resistance:
Water absorption is 1–2% by volume (EN 13468). Not suitable for immersion or unprotected outdoor use. -
CE marking:
Glasswool pipe sections are CE marked to EN 13162 (panels) or EN 14303 (pipe sections).
λ Value vs. Temperature Table
| Temp (°C) | λ (W/m·K) Typical |
|---|---|
| 10 | 0.034 |
| 100 | 0.040 |
| 200 | 0.050 |
- Recommendation: For process pipes above 250°C or with CUI risk, cellular glass (λ = 0.040 W/m·K, no water uptake) is preferred over glasswool.
Conclusion
Cellular glass pipe insulation thermal conductivity is reliably λ = 0.038–0.042 W/m·K (EN 12667), stable from -196°C to +430°C. For chemical plants, this ensures predictable long-term efficiency and compliance.