Insulation Info Inc. Operating Temps

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tjohnson

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I was looking for some specs on fiberglass insulation vs. mineral wool insulation, and stumbled across this info on the internet. 

With all the builds going on, I thought this info might help some of the guys asking about insulation

Note the operating range of "Polyurethane Insulation" = -350°F to  250°F

Hope This Helps!

Todd

Insulation Material         Low Temperature Range              High Temperature Range

           (°C)        (°F)                                         (°C)        (°F)

Calcium Silicate                      -18          0                                         650         1200

Cellular Glass                         260       -450                                        480         900

Elastomeric foam                    -55          -70                                       120         250

Fiberglass                               -30          -20                                        540        1000

Mineral Wool                           0            32                                        1000       1800

Phenolic foam                                                                                   150         300

Polyisocyanurate or polyiso   -180       -290                                        150         300

Polystyrene                             -50          -60                                         75          165

Polyurethane                          -210       -350                                       120          250

Calcium Silicate Insulation

Non-asbestos Calcium Silicate insulation board and pipe insulation feature with light weight, low thermal conductivity, high temperature and chemical resistance.

Cellular Glass Insulation

Cellular glass insulation is composed of crushed glass combined with a cellulating agent.

These components are mixed, placed in a mold, and then heated to a temperature of approximately 950°F. During the heating process, the crushed glass turns to a liquid. Decomposition of the cellulating agent will cause the mixture to expand and fill the mold. The mixture creates millions of connected, uniform, closed-cells and form at the end a rigid insulating material.

Cellulose Insulation

Cellulose is made from shredded recycled paper, such as newsprint or cardboard. It's treated with chemicals to make it fire- and insect-resistant, and is applied as loose-fill or wet-sprayed through a machine.

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is the most common type of insulation. It's made from molten glass spun into microfibers.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Mineral wool is made from molten glass, stone or slag that is spun into a fiber-like structure. Inorganic rock or slag are the main components (typically 98%) of stone wool. The remaining 2% organic content is generally a thermosetting resin binder (an adhesive) and a little oil.

Polyurethane insulation

Polyurethane is an organic polymer formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives.

Polyurethanes are flexible foams used in mattresses, chemical-resistant coatings, adhesives and sealants, insulation for buildings and technical applications like heat exchangers, cooling pipes and much more.

Polystyrene Insulation

Polystyrene is an excellent insulator. It is manufactured in two ways:

    Extrusion - which results in fine, closed cells, containing a mixture of air and refrigerant gas

    Molded or expanded - which produces coarse, closed cells containing air

Extruded polystyrene, or XPS, is a closed-cell, thermal plastic material manufactured by a variety of extrusion processes. The main applications of extruded polystyrene insulation are in building insulation and construction in general.

Molded or expanded polystyrene is commonly called beadboard and has a lower R-value than extruded polystyrene.

Polyisocyanurate Insulation

Polyisocyanurate or polyiso is a thermosetting type of plastic, closed-cell foam that contains a low-conductivity gas (usually hydrochlorofluorocarbons or HCFC) in its cells.
 
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From this list, it looks like plain old unfaced fiberglass is a very economical insulation for a smoker build.  I guess the trick will be to find out if any binders or other chemicals are used in the particular insulation and how well they stand up to heat and outgassing.
 
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What about using cement board that is used in bathrooms around tubs and showers to insulate the in side ?
 
Just a quick thank you!

Been looking for info on this. My freezer has polyurethane foam and I was wondering if it was safe to use. I can't really see the need for me to exceed 250.

Sorry for dredging up old threads!
 
 
Just a quick thank you!

Been looking for info on this. My freezer has polyurethane foam and I was wondering if it was safe to use. I can't really see the need for me to exceed 250.

Sorry for dredging up old threads!
It may off gas poisonous volatiles at 200 or 220 or 230.....  I would not take the chance....    It may not melt until 250....  but by then it's too late.....
 
Poly foam is usually not good for a smoker.  Too low of a smoke point and it can catch fire at a fairly low temp (may not catch fire at 225* but if you have a grease fire, it will get a lot hotter than that quickly and suddenly your smoker might on fire between the walls!!!).  Most builders pull it out and replace with rock wool.

Don't expect the fridge maker to be of any help.  For liability concerns they generally offer no suggestion on modifying their product into a smoker and usually will not provide details on the insulation in the walls if you tell them that is what you are doing.
 
No, not worthless.  Just needs a little work.  You can remove the blown in foam and replace it with rock wool.  The only problem is that blown in foam sticks to the inside real well and is a pain to get off.  The hardest part is usually figuring out how to take the freezer/fridge apart so you can get the foam out.  At least to talk it apart in a manner that will let you put it back together.
 
 
No, not worthless.  Just needs a little work.  You can remove the blown in foam and replace it with rock wool.  The only problem is that blown in foam sticks to the inside real well and is a pain to get off.  The hardest part is usually figuring out how to take the freezer/fridge apart so you can get the foam out.  At least to talk it apart in a manner that will let you put it back together.
Okay, I still have one nut left! I'll be back! Thanks!

Andy
 
I have used glass wool to insulate my double barrel smoker, the only problem I am facing right now is making it stick since the binding agent I used can't take the heat.

I am using aluminum tape and the glue melts with time.

I am thinking of using a 0.5 mm steel shell to cover the insulated area.

Good thing now is that I am using less charcoal and temperature swings are very rare.

Good luck with yours ;)


 
 
That looks great Hakamo0o! How about some steel banding strap or plumbers tape.



And what is the pipe wrench for?
That is what I am currently looking for, I need to go to the hardware marketplace this weekend.

As for the pipe wrench; I am currently using it as a weight to gold the door down, I can't seem to find a proper lock.

Hardware supplies are very different in Egypt, so I am trying to adapt to the market. 
 
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