Calcium silicate insulation is a high heat-tolerant, durable material used in many industrial applications to limit heat transfer, including industrial furnaces, piping, steelmaking, and more. In its original form, it is a white powder that is mixed with water and molded into different shapes. Once cured, it becomes rigid.
Learn more about the properties of calcium silicate, different types and forms available, and typical applications for use.
Properties of Calcium Silicate Insulation
Calcium Silicate, is made of calcium oxide (lime), silica (SiO2), and cellulose fiber. This non-asbestos, inorganic mixture is blended into a pulp that can be molded into sheets of varying thicknesses.
Once cured, calcium silicate is incredibly heat-resistant and durable, making it suitable for many heavy-duty, high-temperature, and fire applications in different industries. The material’s properties include:
- Structural integrity at temperatures
- High compressive strength
- Low thermal conductivity
- Non-combustible
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- High strength
- Light weight
- Water resistant
- Corrosion resistant
- Minimal shrinkage
Depending on the type, calcium silicate components can withstand a range of operating temperatures, some as high as 1200°F or higher:
- Type I insulation for pipes and blocks, which can withstand temperatures of up to
- Type II fire endurance boards that can handle temperatures of up to 1700°F
WS Hampshire offers a family of calcium silicate insulation materials for different settings and applications.
Marinite® A, C, P, I, and M Fireproof Insulation
This fireproof material comes in several formulations for specific applications. Marinite® A and C and heat-treated for conveying, containing, and forming molten aluminum and non-ferrous alloys. Marinite® P, I, and M are oven-dried for use with machined parts, fire protection, and heat insulating processes. All formulations feature:
- Thermal shock resistance
- Low thermal conductivity
- High structural strength at elevated temperatures
- Incombustible
- Insoluble in water
- Corrosion resistance
- Easy machinability
- Available in 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets and thicknesses up to 3 in., or custom sizes
CS85 Product Line
CS85 calcium silicate boards are a high-temperature and electrically resistant material for applications reaching temperatures up to 1800°F. Some common applications for CS85 sheets or custom-fit shapes include:
- Electrical resistance insulation
- Foundry core and blow plates
- Hot glass handling
- Induction furnace casing
- Platen press insulation
Transite® HT and 1000
Transite® cement can be used for higher temperatures, loads, and electrical conditions than other asbestos-free products. They also shrink less than alternative materials. This material can be installed with busbars, press plates, foundry core plates, arc shields, and other high-temperature applications.
The Transite® HT formulation can be used in operating temperatures up to 450°F or 600°F if heat-conditioned. Transite® 1000 has an operating temperature range from 600°F to 1000°F.
Both formulations offer these benefits:
- Corrosion resistance
- Economical
- High density durability
- Available in 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets and thicknesses up to 3 in.
Advantages of Calcium Silicate Over Other Insulation Methods
Calcium silicate has several advantages over alternatives:
- Excellent thermal insulation performance for minimizing heat transfer and controlling temperatures
- Long service life
- Resistant to physical wear and impact
- Greater energy efficiency and heat containment in commercial and industrial applications
- Will not ignite or smoke
- Resistance to moisture damage and mold growth
- Does not shrink
- Dimensional stability at high temperatures
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Pre-formed components install easily
Applications
Calcium Silicate components are used in very high-heat applications to prevent heat transfer and to protect underlying materials from moisture and corrosion. Some common applications include:
- Aluminum production
- Ceramics processing
- Fuel cells for batteries
- Furnaces
- Glass production
- Iron work
- Power generation applications
- Process piping
- Solar power generation
- Steelmaking
Learn More From WS Hampshire
High-performance heat insulation solutions effectively contain heat to protect surrounding equipment, materials, and personnel, and they help maintain proper processing temperatures. Durable, energy-efficient calcium silicate is a non-toxic choice that can be molded into custom forms, or used in pre-formed flat and curved pieces.
WS Hampshire serves many industries by providing standard and custom Calcium Silicate components and thermoplastic and thermoset products, including bearings, bushings, sheaves, and wear pads. For over 130 years, we have invested in the latest technologies and material science data to bring customers high-quality products that replace or outperform metal counterparts.
Contact us today to learn more about our long-lasting and lightweight solutions.