As a ‘workhorse’ insulating material for industrial applications, cellular glass insulation performs across a broad range of temperatures, provides load-bearing capabilities and resists liquid or vapour moisture intrusion.

Delivering long-lasting thermal performance for liquid gas piping and equipment operating at cold or cryogenic temperatures, Owens Corning® FOAMGLAS® insulation is the preferred insulation for facilities and pipes that store or transport LNG, ethylene, LPG, LOX, nitrogen, ammonia, CO2 and other energy sources. The material is also well suited for insulating storage spheres operating at below ambient temperatures and for providing thermal protection on the roofs and walls of cryogenic tanks.

As compressive strength is essential in load-bearing industrial applications such as tank bases or load-bearing pipe supports, Owens Corning® FOAMGLAS® insulation delivers compressive strength up to 2400 kPa (348 lb/in2). Cellular glass is dimensionally stable across a range of temperatures and humidity levels, FOAMGLAS® insulation is trusted in industrial facilities around the globe for its ability to insulate without warping or buckling under stress.

Owens Corning® FOAMGLAS® insulation is made entirely of glass and does not support the absorption of water or hydrocarbons. Resistant to both vapour and liquid moisture as well as organic solvents and most acids, it helps safeguard against corrosion, which threatens equipment’s performance and longevity. The inert nature of cellular glass also allows it to resist the degradation that other materials experience as they age.

Safeguarding life safety

As part of a passive approach to life safety, cellular glass is well-suited for insulating the industrial equipment and systems that process flammable hydrocarbons such as, NG, PG, LOX, ethylene, and others. Installed in the impounding basins of fire suppression systems around the globe, FOAMGLAS® insulation provides passive protection to reduce heat flux and flame height.

Sound solutions for industrial noise mitigation

Research conducted at Europe’s most renowned acoustical laboratories has informed new insulating options for mitigating acoustic noise. Extensive multi-material system testing found that combining the cryogenic properties of cellular glass with the acoustic properties of mineral wool reduced insulating costs by lowering the levels of insulation needed to meet code compliance. Additional benefits of this approach include quicker installation, lower labour costs and less weight on the pipe.

Supporting the job site and the specifier

The ongoing labour shortage is inspiring more prefabricated approaches to support timely material installation, efficient shutdowns and reduced labour costs. Prefabricated cellular glass installed in industrial energy applications can also contribute to reduced use of adhesives and sealants and less onsite waste, helping support sustainability objectives.

As a global manufacturer with production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, Owens Corning provides resources to support project specifications that reduce energy consumption, improve thermal performance and contribute to sustainability efforts. Some of the consultative services and resources provided by Owens Corning include on-demand educational content, thermal imaging surveys, testing services, installation guides and detailed drawings.