How vacuum insulation panels deliver effective performance

Insulation methods are an essential part of almost every industry but their purpose, means of application and general function varies.

In construction for example, insulation is essential for buildings both to retain heat or protect from thermal transfer from parts within the property. For industrial to domestic applications, insulation supports operational or safety requirements and performance for many forms of manufacturing at scale, to supporting safe and prolonged use of domestic goods.

The range of applications for vacuum insulation panels is extensive and ever evolving. Siltherm works with all industries to develop and deliver insulation products that provide performance and efficiency for every application.

Why choose Vacuum Insulation Panels

With most traditional insulations hitting a performance wall at 0.020W/mK, Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs), offer a step change improvement, achieving thermal conductivities in the range of 0.004W/mK, thus resulting in significantly thinner thicknesses of insulation to achieve the same thermal insulation performance.

The power of VIPs can be clearly explained by understanding the following scientific principles:

Restrict Molecular Movement:

This is achieved through the high surface area microporous fumed silica core material. The pores are so tiny (nanometres) that they are smaller than the ‘mean free path’ of air molecules (The Knudsen Effect). Where trace amounts of gas remain, the molecules are trapped and cannot transfer heat.

Eliminate Convection:

Given that heat is highly efficient at travelling through air, VIPs are evacuated of the air inside the panels and sealed within a high performing barrier film. The vacuum environment which has then been created within the panel means that gas convection is eliminated. This very scientific principle is how the everyday thermos flask keeps your coffee warm, just this time in a flat insulation panel!

Blocking Radiation:

This is achieved through incorporating Opacifiers into the core material. The two most commonly used would be either Silicon Carbide or Carbon Black. Siltherm chooses to utilise Silicon Carbide as it is extremely chemically stable and combines better with fumed silica for longer term stable insulation performance.

Using these scientific principles, Siltherm manufactures and delivers a core range of product to meet the performance requirements of all industries. Producing efficient, world-leading materials designed for your business and continues to develop solutions for the needs of today and beyond.

Explore our current insulation product range and discuss your insulation needs with our team.