The recent takeover of SIBLI (formerly EFISOL) has enabled SOPREMA to continue expanding its expertise in the field of insulation. SIBLI supplies insulation materials for the construction sector and for industry. Thanks to their thermal and acoustic insulation properties, vermiculite and perlite are two of the most popular insulation products. These 100% natural and eco-friendly minerals remain stable, even under extreme temperatures. But that is just one of their strengths. In this article, read about how mineral wool insulation can be used for industrial applications.
Vermiculite And Perlite
Mineral wool insulation is made from vermiculite and perlite. Vermiculite is a hydrated magnesium-iron-aluminium silicate, while perlite is a type of volcanic glass. Both minerals acquire their airy structure through heating, and it is this structure that makes them excellent insulators. Perlite and vermiculite are naturally occurring materials and we process them in-house at our production plant in Andenne on the banks of the Meuse. Mineral wool insulation is 100% non-flammable, completely eco-friendly, solvent free, and can be used for a wide variety of applications thanks to its lightweight properties.
Perlite In Industry: Cryogenics
CRYOAPP PERLITE is ideal for industrial thermal insulation at extremely negative temperatures, down as far as -200°C. This makes it suitable for use in cryogenics and for industrial sectors such as the medical and chemical industries. Not only that, you can also count on CRYOAPP PERLITE for storage and transport of liquid gas by using it inside the hollow, doubly insulating walls of tanks and pipes.
Also Suitable For Use At Extremely High Temperatures
Vermiculite and perlite perform well not only at extremely low temperatures, but also at extremely high temperatures, up to as much as 650°C, which makes these minerals among the most resistant industrial thermal insulation materials on the market. As vermiculite and perlite are immutable and imperishable, you can be sure you are choosing a product that lasts. Due to their high levels of heat-resistance, they are used in the production of casting moulds (‘matrices’) and crucibles. They can also be used for hot topping, so that their insulating properties minimise the loss of heat during transport. Traditional foundries rely on perlite and vermiculite to absorb residues.
Thanks to their outstanding ability to withstand high temperatures, perlite and vermiculite can also be used as fire-resistant insulation and passive fire safety features. What is more, the minerals do not attract rodents or insects and they last for years. This means you can opt for panels of exfoliated vermiculite, or fine-ground perlite and vermiculite to add to varnish, putty, sealants or plastics.
Perlite And Vermiculite For Gas And Oil Extraction
In order to provide more efficient protection for oil wells against leaks, perlite and vermiculite form part of the petrochemical production process of the cements that are used for the wells. Thanks to their low density, exceptional fire resistance, robustness and durability, the minerals ensure maximum oil well capacity is maintained over years. What is more, they offer two eco-friendly benefits: they are not harmful to the environment and they protect the water layers underneath the wells by preventing production liquids and gases from seeping in.
Minerals For Packaging, As Sorbents, And For Filtration
Vermiculite absorbs vibrations, making it the perfect material for safe transport. It is also an excellent sorbent for liquids. It can be used as a packaging material to protect hazardous goods from leaks and knocks. Vermiculite also meets the standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in relation to the transport of hazardous goods. The mineral is even suitable for use in the large-scale cleaning up of spills of hazardous products, and it complies with the ADR regulations as well as the recommendations of the IATA and ICAO.
Vermiculite and perlite are also highly suitable for the separation of different substances in industrial environments. This means that the minerals have come into common use in various sectors, including waste processing, the chemicals and energy, and foodstuffs. For example, perlite is used as a filter aid in cloth filters in order to purify air.
Perlite And Vermiculite For The Production Of Lightweight Aggregates
Perlite and vermiculite can be used as aggregates in the process of manufacturing certain construction materials. They have three important effects on the end-product. First of all, they reinforce the end-result of construction works and public works. They also reduce the level of map cracking by influencing the drying time. Finally, they provide resistance to fire and the most extreme temperatures in this application.
Mixtures For Lightweight Concrete And For Spray
SOPREMA offers mixtures that are ready to use or are packed for dosing as needed, as an easy way of making conventional concrete and mortar types more lightweight. But they can also be added to plasterboard or coatings. In this case, the key reason for adding perlite or vermiculite to other materials is to reduce the risk of fire.
Perlite As An Abrasive
Perlite has excellent abrasive properties, making this mineral a key ingredient in the production of abrasive materials, specifically in the automotive sector. Perlite is increasingly being used in smaller quantities in cosmetics, and it is also used on a large scale as an abrasive in cleaning products. It comes in the form of micro-particles in powders, liquids, foams, and gels, and is very effective at removing the large amount of dirt that can accumulate in small spaces. Perlite is also often used as a polish and for industrial maintenance, or in the preparation of industrial abrasives.
Agriculture, Horticulture, Hydroculture, And Use For Animals
In agriculture and horticulture, perlite and vermiculite are used mainly as substrates, while they are popular in hydroculture due to their capacity to encourage root growth and promote long life and production of plants. Finally, these minerals are useful for keeping animals. Vermiculite is used mainly for terraria for reptiles, spiders, and insects. Its lightweight, airy texture, its ability to absorb water and then gradually release it, and its neutral pH make it especially animal-friendly. Vermiculite is also found in the livestock feed sector, as a mineral carrying medium for liquid vitamins and medication, which the animals can take by eating the grains. What is more, the animals’ droppings can then be used as a soil supplement.
Looking For Something Else?
SOPREMA offers a wide range of synthetic, natural and acoustic insulation. Our experts are, of course, always pleased to answer your questions. Feel free to contact us.