Description

Cellular foam glass insulation is a premium thermal material made entirely from glass, foamed into a structure of millions of sealed glass cells. This unique composition makes the material completely inorganic, non-combustible, and impermeable to moisture, vapor, and liquids, which is a critical performance advantage over organic or fibrous insulants. Its ability to maintain its thermal performance indefinitely, even when exposed to water, makes it an essential choice for systems demanding long-term reliability.

The material offers exceptional performance across a wide industrial temperature spectrum, from cryogenic lows (e.g., -268 °C) to high heat resistance (e.g., +482 °C). Furthermore, its high compressive strength allows it to bear significant loads without deforming, preventing issues like Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) by eliminating pathways for moisture ingress and supporting heavy protective jacketing.

The Complete Range of Cellular Glass Insulation

Gitco-sa.com supplies a complete range of these high quality cellular foam glass insulation products, tailored for every application geometry:

• Insulation Blocks and Boards: Supplied in standard block and slab forms for insulating flat and curved surfaces, equipment, vessels, and floors.

• Pre-formed Pipe Sections and Segments: Precisely cut into half-sections and curved segments to fit standard pipe diameters, flanges, and fittings, ensuring seamless application and continuous vapor barrier integrity.

• High-Density Load Bearing Inserts: Specialized sections used within a cold pipe support system to carry heavy loads without compromising the thermal barrier, often replacing HDPIR in high-spec, fire-sensitive areas.

• Thickness and Density Variations: Available in various thicknesses to meet required R-values and different densities to accommodate specific compressive strength requirements for optimal system design.

We guarantee that our cellular foam glass insulation materials are the best isolation products for delivering maximum safety, longevity, and thermal efficiency. Gitco-sa.com ensures the complete range of these materials is available for delivery and complex project support in Dammam, Al-Khobar, Al Jubail, Riyadh, Jeddah, and across Saudi Arabia.

Key Applications

• Cryogenic and Cold Systems: Insulating pipelines and vessels for LNG, LPG, and other cold/chilled media, providing protection against moisture ingress and CUI.

• Industrial Hot Systems: Used for high-temperature piping, boilers, and heat exchangers where its non-combustibility is vital.

• Building Envelopes and Roofs: Ideal for high-traffic or ‘inverted’ roof systems (like parking garages) and foundations where moisture resistance and high load bearing are necessary.

• Below-Ground Insulation: Used for foundation walls and buried pipework, where its waterproof nature prevents failure from soil moisture.

Know more about Cellular Glass Insulation :

1. What is Cellular Foam Glass Insulation?
   It is a lightweight, rigid, inorganic insulation material composed entirely of millions of hermetically sealed glass cells.
2. What are the key raw materials used to produce it?
   It is manufactured by heating pulverized glass along with a small amount of a blowing agent (typically carbon) until the material foams and solidifies.
3. Is the material fireproof?
   Yes, because it is made of 100% glass, the material is completely non-combustible and does not contribute to fire spread, typically holding the highest fire ratings.
4. Is the material organic or inorganic?
   It is 100% inorganic, meaning it is rot-proof, chemically inert, and does not support the growth of mold, fungi, or pests.
5. What is the main thermal benefit of the closed-cell structure?
   The sealed glass cells make the material absolutely impermeable to water and water vapor, guaranteeing that its specified thermal conductivity (λ) will not increase due to moisture ingress.
6. How does Cellular Foam Glass prevent Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)?
   It is a prime CUI mitigation material because it is not only impervious to water but also non-absorbent and pH-neutral, preventing the conditions necessary for external corrosion.
7. Does it have high compressive strength?
   Yes, Cellular Foam Glass is a high-density, rigid insulation known for its high compressive strength (often 6.9 N/mm² or more), making it suitable for load-bearing applications.
8. What is the significance of its dimensional stability?
   The material is thermally stable and exhibits minimal thermal expansion or contraction across its operating range, reducing stress on the piping or equipment interface.
9. How does its density compare to other insulation materials?
   Its density is significantly higher than plastic foams (PUR/PIR) but is necessary to achieve its high compressive strength and stability.
10. What is the typical operational temperature range for Cellular Foam Glass?
    It is one of the most versatile industrial insulators, covering a massive range from -268 °C (cryogenic) up to +482 C (high-temperature industrial).
11. What critical cold applications use it?
    It is the preferred insulation for extremely cold systems, such as LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) storage tanks, process piping, and cold boxes.
12. What high-temperature applications use it?
    It is used for insulating steam lines, hot oil/gas lines, and equipment in chemical, petrochemical, and power generation facilities, where fire safety is paramount.
13. Is it suitable for equipment bases or tank bottoms?
    Yes, due to its high compressive strength, it is widely used as a load-bearing insulation layer in tank bottom systems and equipment foundations.
14. Is it used for underground insulation?
    Yes, its high strength and impermeability make it an excellent choice for buried piping systems and foundation insulation where moisture is a constant threat.
15. What is the primary ASTM Standard governing its manufacture?
    It must adhere to ASTM C552 (Standard Specification for Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation).
16. How is the material supplied for piping?
    It is supplied in various forms, including pre-formed pipe sections, segments, elbows, and bevelled lags to fit standard components perfectly.
17. What is required to ensure a vapor-tight system?
    Installation requires specialized sealant/adhesive to bond the sections and ensure the joints are hermetically sealed, maintaining the vapor-tight integrity across the entire system.
18. Can the material be used without external jacketing?
    While the material itself is weatherproof, it is always recommended to use an external metal jacketing (aluminum, stainless steel) for mechanical protection, especially in industrial environments.
19. Is the material environmentally friendly?
    Cellular Foam Glass is made from abundant natural ingredients, often including recycled glass, and is free of binding agents and toxic flame retardants, making it a sustainable choice