01 March 2017

Cleanroom insulation

Some modular wall manufacturers’ products include panels without insulation. Avoid use of product that may lead to fumes in case of fire, cost and easier use of wall interior for utilities or electrical wiring.

Aluminum honeycomb: cell size, grade of aluminum, depth of the material, and thickness of the cell wall are all variable that can vary based on different application and requirements

Advantages:

High fire resistance
Very well accepted by FM
Low weight/high strength
Mechanical stability

Negatives:

Higher cost
Low thermal and noise insulation

Styrofoam is a trademarked name for a specific form of insulation manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company; "styrofoam" is not synonymous with "polystyrene;" polystyrene is a vinyl polymer

Advantages:

Very good insulation performances (noise and heat)
No problem if exposed to installer during cutting for modifications on site
Very good mechanical stability
Competitive price

Negatives:

Fire resistance not as good as other insulating material
FM requires stricter anti fire measures if polystyrene is used.
Due to fire resistance codes, it requires enclosing structure

Rockwool: a mass of fine intertwined fibers with a typical diameter of 6 to 10 micrometers; mineral wool may contain a binder and an oil to reduce dustingand making it water repellent (hydrophobic)

Advantages:

Good insulation performances (noise and heat)
Good fire resistance performance; well accepted by FM

Negatives:

Poor mechanical stability performance; it normally requires enclosing and supporting structure
Light precaution must be taken if operators are exposed to rock wool fibers

Polyurethane: a polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane,used for this purpose as rigid foam

Advantages: