How to Select Insulation Materials for Glass Furnaces

The external wall of the regenerators of glass furnaces is the part with the largest heat dissipation area. Its insulation has direct effect on the energy consumption of the furnaces. Recently, the crown of the regenerators adopts a composite insulation method of sealing layer and insulation layer. The sealing layer and the insulation layer is laid on the crown and supported by the crown. 

Different from the crown, the external walls of the regenerators require insulation along the vertical direction and are in the range of sight. So, the insulation materials should meet the property requirements and consider the connection and support between the insulation materials and walls and the aesthetics. Currently, the popular insulation materials used in the regenerators of glass furnaces include fire clay insulation brick, ceramic fiber board, calcium silicate board and insulation coatings. 

 

Ceramic fiber board is made by adding organic and inorganic binders to the ceramic fiber, mixing, pulping, molding and drying. According to the working temperature, it can be classified into low temperature type, standard type, high purity type and high temperature type. The board used in the regenerator is usually the standard type. The commonly used fire clay insulation brick is QN-1(AD 1000kg/m3). The commonly used calcium silicate board is 1000# xonotlite type porous calcium silicate board. The main film materials of the insulation coating include fiber minerals, small amount of organic and inorganic binders and lightweight cellular fillers. 
 

When having the same thickness, calcium silicate boards have the best insulation performance and then insulation coating, ceramic fiber board and fire clay insulation brick. 
 

In terms of the complexity of construction, ceramic fiber board is the most complex to construct and then lightweight insulation brick, calcium silicate board and insulation coating. 
 

In terms of cost, fire clay insulation brick is the most costly and the insulation coating is the cheapest. The insulation coating has a whole seamless, smooth white surface; fire clay insulation brick has a brick surface; the lightweight calcium silicate board is inserted into the transverse weld angle steel, but it has a problem of heat loss; the ceramic fiber board is criss-crossed with a problem of fiber shedding. In short, the thermal insulation coating is the most beautiful.
 

Considering the thermal insulation properties, complexity of construction, economy and aesthetics, the insulation coating is the most reasonable choice. In the upper part of the regenerator where the temperature is the highest, the composite form of fire clay insulation layer and insulation coating works best.