When it comes to insulation in industrial applications, rock wool is generally the best choice. It's made from basalt and slag. Basalt is a natural volcanic rock and slag is a waste byproduct from industrial ore refining. Basalt and slag are mixed together and subjected to extremely high temperatures, which causes them to melt. The melted material is spun into thin threads, which are then compressed into sheets. These sheets can be glued onto surfaces with a strong adhesive in order to insulate them.
Rock wool is not only an excellent insulator, but it also has other properties that make it perfect for industrial use. To learn more about what sets rock wool apart from other insulation choices, read on to learn three reasons why rock wool insulation is perfect for industrial applications.
1. Highest Fire Resistance
The most important reason why rock wool insulation is perfect for industrial applications is its superior fire resistance. Rock wool has over twice the melting point of fiberglass, which allows it to delay the spread of fires. With special-fire resistant sheathing, it can even act as an effective fire barrier.
Delaying the spread of fire helps to protect your employees and your operations. It allows extra time for your fire protection system to extinguish the fire, which reduces the risk your industrial equipment will be damaged.
2. Good Insulating Ability, Even When Wet
When fiberglass insulation gets wet, its ability to act as an insulator is ruined. Since rock wool is made of stone and slag, it isn't affected by water — water simply drains through the mesh. Rock wool's water resistance is one reason why it's commonly used around pipes and boilers. It's not affected by any leaks that may spring up. You'll still have to repair the leaks, but you won't have to replace your insulation.
3. Ambient Noise Reduction
Finally, rock wool insulation has excellent soundproofing qualities. The inside of a factory floor is often incredibly noisy, and this can pose a danger to worker safety — workers may not be able to hear spoken warnings or the sound of mechanical problems within your equipment. When you use rock wool insulation, you'll be able to slightly reduce the amount of ambient noise on the floor. Other types of insulation don't give you this benefit.
Overall, rock wool insulation's fire resistance makes it the best choice of insulation for industrial applications. However, you gain the added benefit of its water resistance and its soundproofing qualities. Whether you're insulating boilers, pipes or refrigerated tanks, rock wool insulation is one of the best materials to use for this purpose.
For more information on rock wool insulation, contact a local industrial equipment supplier.
Share23 July 2020
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