5. Thermal insulation materials, technical characteristics ...

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5.1 Heat transmission modes and technical terms

5.1.1 Heat transmission modes

It is important to know how heat is transferred in fish holds. Heat is transferred by conduction, convection or radiation, or by a combination of all three. Heat always moves from warmer to colder areas; it seeks a balance. If the interior of an insulated fish hold is colder than the outside air, the fish hold draws heat from the outside. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the heat flows to the colder area.

Conduction. By this mode, heat energy is passed through a solid, liquid or gas from molecule to molecule in a material. In order for the heat to be conducted, there should be physical contact between particles and some temperature difference. Therefore, thermal conductivity is the measure of the speed of heat flow passed from particle to particle. The rate of heat flow through a specific material will be influenced by the difference of temperature and by its thermal conductivity.

Convection. By this mode, heat is transferred when a heated air/gas or liquid moves from one place to another, carrying its heat with it. The rate of heat flow will depend on the temperature of the moving gas or liquid and on its rate of flow.

Radiation. Heat energy is transmitted in the form of light, as infrared radiation or another form of electromagnetic waves. This energy emanates from a hot body and can travel freely only through completely transparent media. The atmosphere, glass and translucent materials pass a significant amount of radiant heat, which can be absorbed when it falls on a surface (e.g. the ship’s deck surface on a sunny day absorbs radiant heat and becomes hot). It is a well known fact that light-coloured or shiny surfaces reflect more radiant heat than black or dark surfaces, therefore the former will be heated more slowly.

In practice, the entry of heat into fish holds/fish containers is the result of a mixture of the three modes mentioned above, but the most significant mode is by conduction through walls and flooring.

5.1.2 Definitions

The thermal properties of insulating materials and other common fishing vessel construction materials are known or can be accurately measured. The amount of heat transmission (flow) through any combination of materials can be calculated. However, it is necessary to know and understand certain technical terms to be able to calculate heat losses and understand the factors that are involved.

By convention, the ending -ity means the property of a material, regardless of its thickness and the ending -ance refers to the property of a specific body of given thickness.

Heat energy

One kilocalorie (1 kcal or 1 000 calories) is the amount of heat (energy) needed to raise the temperature of one kg of water by one degree Celsius (°C). The SI standard unit for energy is Joule (J). One kcal is approximately 4.18 kJ (this varies slightly with temperature). Another unit is the Btu (British thermal unit). One Btu corresponds roughly to 1 kJ.

Thermal conductivity

In simple terms this is a measure of the capacity of a material to conduct heat through its mass. Different insulating materials and other types of material have specific thermal conductivity values that can be used to measure their insulating effectiveness. It can be defined as the amount of heat/energy (expressed in kcal, Btu or J) that can be conducted in unit time through unit area of unit thickness of material, when there is a unit temperature difference. Thermal conductivity can be expressed in kcal m-1 °C-1, Btu ft-1 °F-1 and in the SI system in watt (W) m-1 °C-1. Thermal conductivity is also known as the k-value.

Coefficient of thermal conductance “ l” (kcal m-2 h-1 °C-1)

This is designated as l (the Greek letter lambda) and defined as the amount of heat (in kcal) conducted in one hour through 1 m2 of material, with a thickness of 1 m, when the temperature drop through the material under conditions of steady heat flow is 1 °C. The thermal conductance is established by tests and is the basic rating for any material. l can also be expressed in Btu ft-2 h-1 °F-1 (British thermal unit per square foot, hour, and degree Fahrenheit) or in SI units in W m-2 Kelvin (K)-1.

Thermal resistivity

The thermal resistivity is the reciprocal of the k-value (1/k).

Thermal resistance (R-value)

The thermal resistance (R-value) is the reciprocal of l (1/l) and is used for calculating the thermal resistance of any material or composite material. The R-value can be defined in simple terms as the resistance that any specific material offers to the heat flow. A good insulation material will have a high R-value. For thicknesses other than 1 m, the R-value increases in direct proportion to the increase in thickness of the insulation material. This is x/l, where x stands for the thickness of the material in metres.

Coefficient of heat transmission (U) (kcal m-2 h-1 °C-1)

The symbol U designates the overall coefficient of heat transmission for any section of a material or a composite of materials. The SI units for U are kcal per square metre of section per hour per degree Celsius, the difference between inside air temperature and outside air temperature. It can also be expressed in other unit systems. The U coefficient includes the thermal resistances of both surfaces of walls or flooring, as well as the thermal resistance of individual layers and air spaces that may be contained within the wall or flooring itself.

Permeance to water vapour (pv)

This is defined as the quantity of water vapour that passes through the unit of area of a material of unit thickness, when the difference of water pressure between both faces of the material is the unit. It can be expressed as g cm mmHg-1 m-2 day-1 or in the SI system as g m MN-1 s-1 (grams metre per mega Newton per second).

Resistance to water vapour (rv)

This is the reciprocal of the permeance to water vapour and is defined as rv = 1/pv.

5.2 Why insulation is necessary

The primary function of thermal insulation materials used in small fishing vessels using ice is to reduce the transmission of heat through fish hold walls, hatches, pipes or stanchions into the place where chilled fish or ice is being stored. By reducing the amount of heat leak, the amount of ice that melts can be reduced and so the efficiency of the icing process can be increased. As has already been discussed, ice is used up because it removes heat energy from the fish but also from heat energy leaking through the walls of the storage container. Insulation in the walls of the container can reduce the amount of heat that enters the container and so reduce the amount of ice needed to keep the contents chilled.

The main advantages of insulating the fish hold with adequate materials are:

• to prevent heat transmission entering from the surrounding warm air, the engine room and heat leaks (fish hold walls, hatches, pipes and stanchions);

• to optimize the useful capacity of the fish hold and fish-chilling operating costs;

• to help reduce energy requirements for refrigeration systems if these are used.

5.2.1 Insulating materials

Because hold space is often at a premium on small vessels and the costs of insulation can amount to a significant proportion of the costs involved in construction, the choice of insulation material can be very important.

Several thermal insulation materials are used commercially for fishing vessels, but few are completely satisfactory for this purpose. The main problems are lack of sufficient mechanical strength and moisture absorption. The latter is a particularly significant problem in fishing vessels, where melting ice is used as a chilling medium. Thermal insulators work by trapping bubbles or pockets of gas inside a foam structure. When these cells of gas are filled with moisture, there are significant losses in insulating efficiency.

The thermal conductivity of water (at 10 °C) is 0.5 kcal m-1 h-1 °C-1 and that of ice (at 0 °C) is 2 kcal m-1 h-1 °C-1 (about four times the value of water). In comparison, dry stagnant air is about 0.02 kcal m-1 h-1 °C-1. Figure 5.1 shows the thermal conductivities of R-11, dry air, water vapour and ice within an insulation material and illustrates the significant increase in thermal conductivity that can occur if air/gas is replaced by water vapour in the insulation.

Absorption of moisture by the insulating materials can take place not only by direct contact with water leaking into the hold walls, but also by condensation of water vapour in the walls where the dew point is reached in the temperature gradient through the walls.

The proper design of water vapour barriers is therefore of utmost importance for protecting the insulation from gaining moisture. In most climates the transmission of water vapour will tend to be from the outside to the inside of the hold walls, as the external temperature is likely to be higher than the internal temperature. This requires an impervious moisture-proof layer on the outside of the insulation, as well as a waterproof barrier on the lining to prevent liquid melt water entering the insulation. The vapour barrier can be achieved either through watertight surfaces of prefabricated insulation panels (sandwich-type panels, with one face being the vapour barrier of light-gauge galvanized steel sheets and the other face being the internal finish of plastic-coated aluminium or galvanized iron sheets), reinforced plastic materials, polythene sheets, plastic films of minimum thickness of 0.2 mm or aluminium foil of minimum thickness of 0.02 mm, laminated with a bitumen membrane. The minimum thickness of aluminium or galvanized sheets should be 0.3 mm.

FIGURE 5.1 Comparison of thermal conductivities of R-11, dry air, water vapour, water and ice within an insulation material

Source: ASHRAE, .

BOX 5.1
Desirable characteristics for insulation materials for fish holds

Thermal conductivity

Best insulation materials should have the lowest thermal conductivity, in order to reduce the total coefficient of heat transmission. Thus, less insulating material will be required. Dry stagnant gas is one of the best insulating materials. The insulating properties of commercially available insulating materials are determined by the amount of gas held inside the material and the number of gas pockets. Therefore, the higher the number of cells (which can maintain the gas stagnant) and the smaller their size, the lower the thermal conductivity of such insulating material. These cells should not be interlinked, as this will allow convection of heat.

Moisture-vapour permeability

Best insulation materials should have very low moisture-vapour permeability. Thus, water absorption becomes negligible. Condensation and corrosion are minimized.

Resistance/installation features

The insulation material should be resistant to water, solvents and chemicals. It should be durable, and not lose its insulating efficiency quickly. It should allow a wide choice of adhesives for its installation. It should be easy to install, of light weight and easy to handle. Ordinary tools can be used for its installation. It should be economical, with significant savings on initial cost as well as savings on long-term performance. It should not generate or absorb odours. It should be unaffected by fungus or mildew and should not attract vermin. It should be dimensionally stable, so it will not crumble or pack down.

Safety features

The insulation material should be rated as non-flammable and non-explosive. In the event that the insulation material burns, the products of combustion should not introduce toxic hazards.

Box 5.1 shows the main characteristics that a suitable insulation material should have.

5.3 Thermal insulation materials

A wide range of insulation materials is available; however, few meet the requirements of modern fish hold construction. Selection of insulation material should be based on initial cost, effectiveness, durability, the adaptation of its form/shape to that of the fish hold and the installation methods available in each particular area. From an economic point of view, it may be better to choose an insulating material with a lower thermal conductivity rather than increase the thickness of the insulation in the hold walls. By reducing the thermal conductivity, less insulation will be required for a given amount of refrigeration and more usable volume will be available in the fish hold. The space occupied by the insulation materials in fishing vessels can represent, in many instances, about 10 to 15 percent of the gross capacity of the fish hold.

TABLE 5.1
Density values and thermal conductivity at 20-25 °C of polyurethane insulation

Type

Density
(kg/m3)

Thermal conductivity
(W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)

Foam

30

0.026/0.

Rigid expanded board

30

0.02-0.025/0.-0.
average: 0./0.

Rigid expanded board

40

0.023/0.02

Rigid expanded board

80

0.04/0.34

Foamed in place

24-40

0.023-0.026/0.-0.
average: 0./0.

Source: FAO, .

5.3.1 Polyurethane foam

One of the best commercially available choices of insulation material for fishing vessels is polyurethane foam. It has good thermal insulating properties, low moisture-vapour permeability, high resistance to water absorption, relatively high mechanical strength and low density. In addition, it is relatively easy and economical to install. The main features of polyurethane foams are shown in Table 5.1.

Polyurethane foam is effective as an insulator because it has a high proportion (90 percent minimum) of non-connected closed microcells, filled with inert gas. Until recently, the inert gas most commonly used in polyurethane foams was R-11 (trichlorofluoromethane). However, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has called for the phasing out of the use of CFCs such as R-11. Replacement foaming agents are being investigated at the present time, with hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and inert gases such as carbon dioxide being developed as substitutes.

The main ways polyurethane foams can be applied and used are as rigid boards/ slabs and pre-formed pipes, which can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The main applications of these types of foam are in chill rooms, ice stores and cold stores. Structural sandwich panels incorporating slabs of foam can be produced for prefabricated refrigerated stores.

Foam can also be produced in situ by a variety of means, as follows:

• It can be poured in place. This involves mixing the chemicals either manually or by mechanical means and pouring in open moulds or spaces where insulation is required. The mixture creates a foam and solidifies. If necessary, the solidified foam can be cut to the required size or shape.

• It can be sprayed directly onto a solid surface using guns that mix and atomize the foam as it is being applied. For example, fish holds or tanks can be sprayed directly on the outside surface and inaccessible areas may be sprayed on and built up without the need of moulds. The foam will adhere to itself and most metals, wood and other materials. It can also be injected into a cavity (e.g. it can be used for moulded insulated boxes). Spray and injection techniques are becoming the most widely used for the installation of rigid polyurethane foam in ships and fishing vessels.

• In frothing, the mixture of chemicals is dispensed partially pre-expanded, like an aerosol cream. Appropriate equipment, including an extra blowing agent, is required for immediate pre-expansion. The final phase of expansion takes place as the chemical reaction reaches completion. This technique is used when rigid foams/panels with a high strength-weight ratio are required.

BOX 5.2
Precautions against fire during the application of rigid polyurethane foam in ships

Storage on site

Urethane chemicals do not constitute a fire hazard.

Naked flames and sources of high radiant heat should be prohibited in areas where board or slabstock are stored. Inflammable solvents and adhesives should be stored under conditions where the usual precautions applicable to such materials are observed.

Site application

General - Whenever possible all welding and other operations involving naked flames or high temperatures in the proposed insulated area, or on external surfaces of it, should be completed before the foam is applied. All these operations, and smoking, must be prohibited while the application of the foam is in progress to prevent ignition of exposed foam, solvents or adhesives.

Dispensing in situ - The foaming takes place in cavities protected by cladding. There is no extra fire hazard associated with this operation, or with this type of insulation, other than the hazard of any inflammable solvent used for cleaning the equipment. The type of cladding must be approved by the Board of Trade (or the competent authority).

Spraying - Immediately after spraying, the foam is left exposed. In this condition, it constitutes a hazard if subjected to sources of heat or ignition. All welding or other operations involving naked flames or high temperatures in the area must be prohibited until the foam is suitably protected. Also, before the foam is protected, naked flames or high temperatures must not be allowed to penetrate the foam area from outside, e.g. by welding or cutting the plates behind the insulation. Dust arising from sanding or buffing operations, which may be carried out to produce a flat foam surface, may, in common with other dusts, constitute a fire hazard. Suitable precautions should be taken by removing the dust as soon as possible. The sprayed foam surface must be covered as soon as practicable, by cladding approved by the competent authority.

Board or slabstock - Particular attention must be paid to the fire hazards arising from the use of inflammable adhesives. Immediately after application the insulation is exposed and therefore constitutes a fire hazard similar to that of unprotected sprayed foam. The precautions detailed above for sprayed foam must be taken before the foam is protected by cladding approved by the competent authority.

Repair work

It may be found necessary to remove the cladding from the foam. If any welding or other operation involving naked flames or high temperatures is to be carried out, the foam must be cut back to at least 1 ft (0.33 m) from the site of operation. All exposed foam must be protected (e.g. with an asbestos blanket) from the naked flames or high temperatures.

Toxic hazards arising from burning foam

In common with wood, wool, feathers, etc. the products of combustion of urethane foam and other plastics are hazardous. In the case of fire, the normal dangers such as lack of oxygen, dense smoke and hot gases are present and normal fire-fighting drill should be observed.

Note: these guidelines only refer to those rigid polyurethane foams which incorporate a fire-retardant additive and which are made from methane diisocyanate.

Source: Doherty and Wilson, .

Fire regulations require that fire-retarding agents should be incorporated into polyurethane insulation foam. In addition, a protective lining should be incorporated so as to make the foam more difficult to ignite from a small source of flame. Laboratory tests indicate that unprotected (rigid) polyurethane foam containing a fire-retardant will not ignite from small flame sources such as matches, but will burn rapidly when exposed to large sources of flame and heat. However, when the polyurethane foam is protected from direct contact with flames and air is excluded, the burning of the foam is eliminated. Also the type of resin and isocyanate used in the production of the foam can influence its performance against fire. Foams produced with toluene diisocyanate show a tendency to soften and melt more readily under the influence of heat than those foams made from methane diisocyanate. The precautions against fire during the application of polyurethane foam in ships listed in Box 5.2 should be taken into consideration.

Several grades of polyurethane foams are available, including grades that are particularly fire-resistant. These foams, which contain isocyanurate, can survive for 10-25 minutes before burn-through occurs, when exposed to a flame from a propane torch at 1 200 °C (standard polyurethane foams under the same test conditions are penetrated in about 10 seconds), therefore offering high resistance to actual penetration by fire. Commercially available isocyanurate foams have an average density of 35 kg/m3, thermal conductivity of 0.022 kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1 and permeance to water vapour of 16.7 g cm m-2 day-1 mmHg-1. Figure 5.2 shows the relationship between the R-value and thickness of commercial isocyanurate foams.

Other grades of polyurethane are particularly strong, having quite high densities. For example, standard rigid foam used as insulation in chill rooms can have densities of around 30-40 kg/m3 in comparison with other grades of foam used as a structural core in boats with a density of 100 kg/m3 up to 300 kg/m3. Its resistance to compression varies according to the density of the foam, with 2-3 kg/cm2 for foams with densities of 35-40 kg/m3 and higher resistance for higher densities. Table 5.2 gives the main physical properties of some commercial grades of polyurethane foam. These foams do not react with solvents used in the installation of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (such as styrene formulated polyesters or acetone). Therefore, expanded polyurethane foams are widely used as insulation in fish holds/fish containers together with a lining of fibreglassreinforced plastic, despite the fact that they are significantly more expensive than expanded polystyrene. Their main technical limitation is the fact that they are more likely to absorb water than expanded polystyrene, and can burn and produce toxic substances during ignition. Figure 5.3 shows the permeability of different insulation materials to water and water vapour.

FIGURE 5.2 Relationship between thermal resistance (R-value) and thickness of commercial isocyanurate foam sheathing (data obtained from a Canadian manufacturer)

FIGURE 5.3 Comparison of permeability of different insulation materials to water and water vapour at 20 °C and 65 percent relative humidity

Source: Prepared by authors based on data from ASHRAE, and Melgarejo, .

TABLE 5.2
Physical properties of some grades of polyurethane foams

Physical properties

Test units

Test temp.
(°F/°C)

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method

Grades of polyurethane foam

-2B

-3B

-2

-4B

-4

Nominal density

lb/ft (kg/m3)

74/23.3

D

2 (32)

3(48)

4(64)

2(32)

4(64)

Type1

I

I

I

III

III

Class1

2

-

-

2

3

Compressive strength:

a) Parallel

PSI2

74/23.3

D

38

70

100

25

75

b) Perpendicular

PSI

74/23.3

D

18

36

68

20

48

Compressive modulus:

a) Parallel

PSI

74/23.3

D

1 050

2 500

600

2 000

b) Perpendicular

PSI

74/23.3

D

450

950

1 500

500

900

Tensile strength:

a) Parallel

PSI

74/23.3

D

56

84

112

40

90

b) Perpendicular

PSI

74/23.3

D

40

65

90

35

77

Shear strength: Perpendicular

PSI

74/23.3

C273

33

50

65

26

50

Flame resistance

NA

74/23.3

D

none

none

none

non-burning

non-burning

Thermal conductivity, also called K factor

Btu/ft2.h°F/in

74/23.3

C177

0.11 to 0.16

Water absorption (2 days under 2” head):

a) By volume

%

74/23.3

D

b) By weight

lb/ft2

74/23.3

D

0.04

0.025

0.02

0.04

0.04

Dimensional stability:

1.6

1

0.8

1.7

1.7

a) Net change in volume:

1 day

%

160/71.1

D Prac. E

1.5

7 days

%

160/71.1

D Prac. E

2

1

1

1.2

1.3

28 days

%

160/71.1

D Prac. E

2.5

1.5

1.5

1.7

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2.7

b) Average linear change

2

2

2.7

3.6

1 day

%

160/71.1

D Prac. E

0.7

0.5

0.5

0.6

0.6

7 days

%

160/71.1

D Prac. E

1

0.7

0.7

0.8

1.4

28 days

%

160/71.1

D Prac. E

1.2

1

1

1.4

1.8

1 As specified by US Federal Specification HHI-I-.
2 1 PSI (pound/square inch) = 0. kg/cm2.

Source: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Book of Standards and CPR Division. The Upjohn Co., USA.

TABLE 5.3
Thermal conductivity and density values at 0 °C of polystyrene insulation

Type

Density

Thermal conductivity

(kg/m3)

(W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)

Expanded foam Type I

10

0.057/0.049

Expanded foam Type II

12

0.044/0.038

Expanded foam Type III

15

0.037/0.032

Expanded foam Type IV

20

0.034/0.029

Expanded foam Type V

25

0.033/0.028

Rigid extruded foam

33

0.033/0.028

5.3.2 Expanded polystyrene

Through polymerization styrene can be made into white pearls/beads of polystyrene plastic. These beads can then be expanded to form a foam known as expanded polystyrene. There are two main ways of making of expanded polystyrene: by extrusion and by moulding of slabs.

Extruded foams are made by mixing the polystyrene with a solvent, adding a gas under pressure and finally extruding the mixture to the required thickness. The extrusion process improves the characteristics of the final foam, such as its mechanical resistance, producing non-interconnecting pores and a more homogeneous material. The mechanical resistance of expanded polystyrene foams can vary from 0.4 to 1.1 kg/cm2. There are several grades of foams available with densities from 10 to 33 kg/m3, with thermal conductivities that are lower with the increase in density, as shown in Table 5.3.

Expanded polystyrene foams have a number of technical limitations:

• they are flammable, although fire-retardant grades are available;

• they break down gradually when exposed to direct sunlight;

• they react with solvents used in the installation of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (such as styrene-formulated polyesters) as well as with other organic solvents (petrol, kerosene, acetone, etc.).

This last characteristic makes them unsuitable for use in fish holds/fish containers that have a lining of fibreglass-reinforced plastic where the fibreglass is applied in situ directly onto the insulation material.

Rigid board panels can be made with expanded polystyrene of different densities, various thicknesses and sizes.

5.3.3 Expanded perlite

Perlite is a volcanic rock containing from 2 to 5 percent bonded water. It is a chemically inert substance composed basically of silica and aluminium, but some impurities, such as Na2O, CaO, MgO and K2O, which are hygroscopic, can absorb moisture easily. Therefore, depending on the storage conditions and the quality of the perlite, moisture absorption can be minimized. The average density of expanded perlite is about 130 kg/m3 and its thermal conductivity is about 0.04 kcal m-1 h-1 °C-1 (0.047 W m-1 °C-1). The perlite is expanded by means of rapid heating at a temperature between 800 and 1 200 °C. The vaporization of the bonded water and the formation of natural glass results in the expansion of the perlite particles, which have a granular shape. Therefore, the main parameters that define the characteristics of expanded perlite are:

• the origin of the mineral perlite;

• the granulometric characteristics of the mineral before the expansion process;

• the temperature of expansion.

However, despite its good insulating efficiency, this is only effective when it is dry or in a loose granular state. As these granules tend to absorb moisture and settle after installation, it becomes less effective as an insulation material with time. The most common way of applying perlite is pouring the granules and spreading them manually. It can fill small spaces more completely than fibrous insulation materials. Loose-fill insulation, such as expanded perlite, may be used in combination with other types of insulation material (e.g. slabs of cellular plastics) for filling awkwardly shaped areas of the fish hold where cutting of slabs to the desired shape would be time-consuming and incomplete.

Caution is needed during handling and installation of expanded perlite, as perlite dust can cause chronic poisoning.

5.3.4 Fibreglass

Fibreglass matting is also used as insulating material and offers the following advantages:

• high resistance to fire;

• high resistance to microbiological attack;

• good resistance to most chemicals;

• high heat resistance;

• available in a variety of presentations (e.g. blankets, mats, loose fill and boards);

• low thermal conductivity (see Table 5.4).

Fibreglass insulation is available in rolls of different thickness, also called blankets and mats. The width of the blankets and mats will depend on the way they are to be installed and some come faced on one side with foil or Kraft paper, which serve as vapour barriers.

However, the main technical limitations of fibreglass matting as insulation are:

• poor structural strength or compression resistance;

• a tendency to settle after installation if not properly installed;

• its permeability to moisture.

Rigid board panels can be made with compressed fibreglass. These lightweight insulation boards have relatively high R-values for their thickness.

5.3.5 Cork

Cork is probably one of the oldest insulation materials used commercially, and in the past it was the most widely used insulation material in the refrigeration industry. At present, due to the scarcity of cork-producing trees, its price is relatively high in comparison with other insulating materials. Therefore, its use is very limited, with the exception of some machine foundations to reduce the transmission of vibrations. It is available as expanded slabs or boards as well as in granular form, its density varies from 110 to 130 kg/m3 and it has an average mechanical resistance of 2.2 kg/m2. It can only be used up to temperatures of 65 °C. It has good thermal insulating effectiveness, is fairly resistant to compression and is difficult to burn. Its main technical limitation is the tendency to absorb moisture with an average permeance to water vapour of 12.5 g cm m-2 day-1 mmHg-1. Table 5.5 gives some typical characteristics of cork.

TABLE 5.4
Thermal conductivity and density values at 0 °C of fibreglass insulation

Type

Density

Thermal conductivity

(kg/m3)

(W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)

Type I

10-18

0.044/0.038

Type II

19-30

0.037/0.032

Type III

31-45

0.034/0.029

Type IV

46-65

0.033/0.028

Type V

66-90

0.033/0.028

Type VI

91

0.036/0.031

Glass fibre, resin bonded

64-144

0.036/0.031

Source: Prepared by authors based on data from Melgarejo, .

TABLE 5.5
Thermal conductivity and density values at 20-25 °C of cork insulation

Type

Density

Thermal conductivity

(kg/m3)

(W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)

Granulated loose, dry

115

0.052/0.

Granulated

86

0.048/0.041

Expanded cork slab

130

0.04/0.344

Expanded cork board

150

0.043/0.037

Expanded bonded with resins/bitumen

100-150

0.043/0.037

Expanded bonded with resins/bitumen

150-250

0.048/0.041

Source: Prepared by authors based on data from Melgarejo, .

5.3.6 Comparison of the various insulants

Some of the more common materials used for insulation are compared in Table 5.6 with their relative insulating values and the advantages and disadvantages of particular types. In general, the more expensive materials, such as the polyurethane foams are more efficient insulators for given thicknesses. Using the “R” system of grading (see definitions in paragraph 5.1.2), it is possible to arrive at equivalent “R values” for a variety of insulating material types.

Figure 5.4 shows the comparison of typical thicknesses of different insulation materials used for chill rooms and ice stores, operating on shore, in temperate and tropical areas, at average ambient air temperatures of 20, 30 and 40 °C. Some designers indicate that the thermal conductance coefficient (l) for shore-based chill and ice stores should not exceed 0.26 kcal m-2 h-1 °C-1 (equivalent to an R-value = 18.8 ft2 h °F Btu-1). However, the setting of this value depends basically on the energy costs, therefore it may be reduced if, in the future, energy costs increase.

TABLE 5.6
Common insulating materials, “R” values, advantages and disadvantages

Insulating material

“R” value per inch (2.54 cm)

Advantages

Disadvantages

Polyurethane, board

6.25

Very good R-value, can be used with fibreglass resins

Not always easily available, relatively expensive

Polyurethane, spray on

7.0

Very good R-value, can be used with fibreglass resins, easy application with spray equipment

Not always easily available, expensive, requires special spray equipment

Polyurethane, poured (two-part chemical)

7.0

Very good R-value, can be used with fibreglass resins, relative ease of application

Not always easily available, expensive, requires very careful volume calculations

Polystyrene, sheets (smooth)
Trade name “Styrofoam”

5.0

Readily available, low cost, reasonable R-value

Cannot be used with fibreglass resins unless protected, easily damaged

Polystyrene, foamed in place and expanded moulded beads. Known as Isopor, Polypor, etc.

3.75 to 4.0

Reasonable R-values, lower cost than smooth surfaced sheets

Cannot be used with fibreglass resins unless protected, easily damaged

Cork board

3.33

Availability in many markets, reasonable cost, can be covered with fibreglass

Lower R-values than polyurethane for styrene foams

Fibreglass wool batts

3.3

Low cost, ease of installation

Readily absorbs water or other fluids, loses insulating value when wet

Rock wool batts

3.7

As above

As above

Wood shavings

2.2

Readily available, low cost

Absorbs moisture and loses R-values when wet, decays

Sawdust

2.44

Readily available, low cost

Absorbs moisture and loses R-value when wet, packs down under vibration

Straw

Readily available, low cost

Absorbs moisture and loses R-value when wet, host to insects, etc.

Air space

1.0 approx.

No cost

Has to be completely sealed to prevent air circulation causing heat infiltration

The selection of the optimum insulation thickness for fish holds will depend on factors such as the insulation costs (materials and installation), ice costs (or power and equipment costs according to the refrigeration requirements), annual cost savings in refrigeration due to improved insulation efficiency, and local conditions (type of fishing operations and vessel, species caught, fish prices, borrowing costs). Therefore, the optimum thickness of insulation should be selected on an individual basis. However, taking into account the local environmental conditions in which the fishing vessel is likely to operate, which do not depend on economic calculations, a minimum recommended thickness of insulation should be determined. In practice, a compromise should be reached between the optimum economic insulation thickness and the ice/refrigeration costs.

It is also important, for planning purposes, to take into consideration the heat gains from radiation and conduction, to select the optimum insulation thickness.

FIGURE 5.4 Comparison of typical insulation thickness for shore-based chilled and ice stores operating at average ambient air temperatures of 20 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C (thickness rounded up to nearest 5 mm)

5.4 Types of protective lining for fish holds and selection of insulation materials

Certain aspects of the selection of insulation materials and protective lining for fish holds require careful consideration. For example, perlite, cork and other highly hygroscopic insulation materials should not be used on the sidewalls or flooring of the fish hold (due to the extremely wet conditions in these areas), unless suitable protective watertight linings are placed over them. Types of lining such as wood planking and plywood sheets alone are not suitable for protecting insulation materials for wet walls or flooring in fish holds. Protective metal linings that can be welded or soldered are a suitable alternative, provided that joints and seams are strong and complete watertightness can be ensured. The most suitable commercially available metal linings for fish holds are extruded aluminium alloy boards and mild steel plates. However, as welding of aluminium alloys is difficult and expensive, the aluminium alloy lining should be prepared before the application of the insulation, in order to prevent fire risks of some cellular insulation materials. Otherwise, strict fire precautions should be taken during installation of the lining or when repairs are needed. With the application of foam in-place insulation materials, fish holds or CSW/RSW tanks can be easily insulated by applying the foam in between the hull and the steel plate of the tank or fish hold walls, thus avoiding fire risks caused by welding operations.

A commonly used lining material for fish holds, in particular for wooden hull vessels, is fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), which can be applied directly to some expanded cellular plastic insulation materials (such as polyurethane foams). In commercial practice, two or three layers of fibreglass (450 g/m2 density mat) and resin, or two layers of 450 g/m2 mat and a finishing layer of 300 g/m2 mat and resin, are applied over the insulation material; the polyester resins are applied (with a roller) until a lining about 4-5 mm thick is obtained. An alternative method for the use of expanded polystyrene foam in conjunction with an FRP lining is to protect the insulation with marine plywood sheets not less than 8 mm thick and a layer of tar, then cover the marine plywood with a layer of FRP no less than 4 mm thick. Adequate provisions should be made to ensure proper ventilation between the marine plywood and the hull planking, to prevent fungal rot in the wooden hull and moisture absorption by the insulation material.

View(s)

Loft roll called 'loft board' or 'loft roll' is easier to install correctly than other insulants such as PIR rigid insulation boards because it adapts to any slight imperfections in the substrate and knit together, eliminating any air gaps. When buying an insulation roll it is worth considering a few simple factors such as roll width, length, type and thermal conductivity. While width determines the ease of installation, length determines the coverage area and number of joints. Type of insulation roll on the other hand refers to different roll parameters and ingredients used in the production. Regardless of the type, the most important factor when choosing an insulation roll is its thermal conductivity. Thermal conductivity refers to the intrinsic ability of a material to transfer or conduct heat. The lower the thermal conductivity of a roll, the better its thermal performance.
Let&#;s take a closer look at the most popular insulation rolls used in UK market. Below, you will find information of the most types of insulation rolls together with their applications and main points of concerns. For sure, having a basic understanding of the differences between mineral wool and fibreglass you can quickly determine which option is the best solution for your specific situation.

 

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

BEST LOFT ROLL INSULATION
UK TYPES OF LOFT INSULATION ROLL 
STONE WOOL INSULATION ROLL
GLASS WOOL INSULATION ROLL
LOFT ROLL SIZES ǀ MANUFACTURERS ǀ THICKNESSES
INSULATION ROLL BUILDING REGULATIONS
8 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ROCK WOOL AND GLASS WOOL
LOFT ROLL WEIGHT
LOFT ROLL vs SOUNDPROOFING
LOFT ROLL INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY
LOFT ROLL DRYING POTENCIAL
LOFT ROLL FIRE RISK
LOFT ROLL SKIN IRRITATION/RASH
LOFT ROLL INSULATION PRICES UK/M2/COST
CONCLUSION
LOFT INSULATION DO'S AND DON&#;TS

Generally speaking, there are 2 types of roll insulation - stone or glass. Each roll has different parameters and other ingredients are used in the production of these rolls. While both types of wool are ideal for insulating your loft, they may have different insulating properties. Both rock wool (mineral wool) and glass wool (fibreglass) can be produced in a variety of densities, making both options versatile and suitable for a wide range of building applications.

STONE WOOL INSULATION ROLL

Stone wool is pretty much just what it sounds like: stone and minerals spun into wool. Stone wool roll is made of basalt - volcanic rock melted at a temperature of over °C. This type of roll products derive their thermal properties from tiny pockets of air trapped within the physical structures of the stone wool. 

Stone wool roll is composed of raw materials of volcanic origin, so you can expect its excellent acoustic insulation. Rock wool is one of the most commonly used insulation materials for soundproofing.

MANUFACTURERS

Rockwool ǀ Terra

 

 

GLASS WOOL INSULATION ROLL

Fibreglass is made from glass fibres rather than rock, but also works extremely well as an insulator. It is also the cheapest and easiest type of insulation to install, so you will be able to install or replace your insulation more quickly than other types.

They become even more popular due to the fact that they are readily available in well known stores near your location such as B&Q, Wickes or Travis Perkins.

MANUFACTURERS

Ursa ǀ Isover ǀ Superglass ǀ Knauf

Glass wool brand comparison table

 

Rolls are mm wide and ready-cut to produce three, 400mm centre rolls, or two, 600mm wide rolls and manufactured to a minimum density of 10Kg/m3 meeting the requirements outlined within relevant sound related Building Regulations. Loft Rolls are available in various thicknesses covering 11m2, 15m2, 15.6m2, 24m2. All are delivered in polythene wrap, which is designed for short term protection only. They should be kept indoors or undercover and off the ground to stay fit for use. Range of acoustic rolls features products from industry-leading manufacturers such as Isover, Knauf, Ursa, Terra, Rockwool or Superglass. The rolls of loft insulation you can buy come in lots of seemingly random thicknesses, for example 50mm, 60mm, 75mm, 80mm 100mm, 120mm, 150mm and 170mm. The reason for this is that the insulation manufacturers are trying to make it easier to hit the 270mm thickness spot.

According to current building regulations recommended thickness for loft insulation should be at least 270mm. This figure can vary slightly, depending on the type of materials used &#; for example, the recommended depth for rock wool is 250mm, whilst for cellulose it&#;s just 220mm. By insulating your loft to the recommended depth of 270mm you can save wasted energy and money. All lofts in new build homes will have been designed to carry storage loads of 25kg per square metre plus the weight of a person walking in the loft (BS -1:). Currently, the recommended R-value for attic insulation is between 6.1 and 7, a combination of thickness and conductivity. Knowing where you stand with the recommended R-value for attic insulation will ensure that you receive the right insulation for your home.

The main difference is that while glass roll represents an entire array of insulation materials, the other represents an insulation solution developed by a manufacturer (ROCKWOOL). 

Rock wool vs Glass wool comparison table

Rock wool is slightly heavier than glass mineral wool, easier to cut, move and fit into place. In applications like an attic, where the insulation will be resting directly on the gypsum board, the weight of mineral wool could be prohibitive, making fiberglass a better choice.

Rock mineral wool is also a denser material which means it provides exceptional protection against excess noise. Being almost 2 times denser than glass wool, it has better acoustic properties. 

With a density over 2 times that of glass wool, rock wool doesn't tend to flop over as easily as fiberglass, making it easier to put in place. Because it&#;s denser, it&#;s also heavier, which can make it more ungainly to handle during ceiling installations. The lower density fiberglass tends to be much more flexible. It is worth noting that despite its flexibility, stable, bonded glass fibers will not slump within the wall cavity, settle or break down in normal applications. In contrast to the flexibility of fiberglass, mineral wool is much more rigid because of its density. Some installers prefer the rigidity of mineral wool to the flexibility of fiberglass. Handling preferences can vary among installers, and in this category, it comes down largely to personal preference.

Rock wool has hydrophobic properties and can keep the water at bay and any problems that can result from water absorption. If you decide to go use glass wool, then you need to remember that it tends to gold the absorbed water which can lead to significant reduction of insulation effectiveness. Simply saying- when glass wool gets wet, it can absorb water, causing it to lose R-value.

Despite glass wool and rock mineral wool both being cited as non-combustible, the actual fire resistance of each product varies. Rock mineral wool delivers far more effective performance regarding fire resistance. While rock wool melting temperature is °C, glass wool is 400°C. 

Both fibreglass and mineral wool insulation can cause skin irritation so it is important to wear gloves and protection when installing the material. However, most builders say from their experience that rock wool is less itchy and less irritating during the installation process. Fiberglass insulation is not generally considered to be dangerous, but it can irritate the skin and respiratory system.

Glass wool is the cheapest of all the insulation products, with rolls available from DIY shops for about £3.8/m2. Rock wool costs approximately £6.6/m2 as of . Generally speaking fibreglass insulation costs 25 to 50% less than stone wool. 
The cheapest rolls can cost as little as £23 for a roll which will cover around 8m2. This means you can insulate the loft yourself for less than £115.

The higher the R-value, the better. Glass roll has an R-value of approximately 2.2 to 2.7 per inch of thickness. Stone wool has a slightly higher R-value, ranging between 3.0 and 3.3 per inch. 

 

To sum all up rock wool material delivers greater results. If you want to soundproof a wall or a ceiling, rock wool would be the best option. This is, of course, associated with higher costs. On the other hand, glass mineral roll, as it has a lower density, can be better compressed than stone wool roll - compressed to reduce its volume. If, however, you only care about thermal factors, ordinary fibre glass wool will do the trick. Although two of them are non-combustible, their melting point varies and this can affect the building structure in the event of a fire. Here again, rock wool is the winner. No wonder why this type of insulation is often used in commercial places, offering excellent soundproofing and additional fire safety. Moreover, it does not degrade over time. Here is the conclusion - if you insulate commercial places - use rock wool, if you insulate your own home - use glass wool.

It&#;s a smart thought to know precisely the loft insulation dos and don&#;ts, as well as understanding the loft insulation rules and regulations too. When it comes to loft insulation dos and don&#;ts, the don&#;ts are particularly important to remember, as they mostly relate to saving you money.

DOS

-Do check your home&#;s existing insulation, particularly if your property is more than 10 years old.
-Do install only insulation that meets the regulations set out by the government.
-Do consider foam insulation if your loft is small or awkwardly shaped.
-Do research for the cheapest place for loft insulation 'near me'.
-Do shop around. While shops such as Srewfix, B&Q or Wickes offer good deals, online insulation shops can offer better deals. It is because products come to you directly from the manufacturer or seller without involving middlemen.

DON'TS

-Don&#;t underestimate the savings that you could experience on your energy bills by installing loft insulation in your home.
-Don&#;t try to do the job yourself - this is a professional product, and requires a professional installer.
-Don&#;t ignore the loft insulation regulations regarding aspects of quality and thickness.
-Don&#;t use insulation materials that have not been approved for use in lofts.
-Don&#;t lay loft insulation over electrical cables.
-Don't go for a cheaper alternative.
-Don't carry out loft insulation yourself.

 

 

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