The Sulzer EPS process represents a unique, patented process for the continuous production of EPS micro pellets by melt impregnation. The process includes a proprietary combination of dosing devices, static mixer(s), cooler(s) and an underwater pelletiser. The Sulzer EPS process takes advantage of static mixer technology for the dispersion and dissolution of a pentane blowing agent into the polymer melt as well as the admixing of heat-sensitive additives.

The technological benefits of the process include: formulation flexibility through excellent dispersion of pigments, efficient temperature and shear control throughout the process, the ability to recycle excess impregnated material and the production of EPS micro pellets with a narrow size distribution. EPS micro pellets from the Sulzer EPS process can be processed and converted into foamed parts, applying the same processes as for conventionally-produced EPS beads.

Insulation scrap recycled into value-added product secures new customers...

Stone wool was first produced commercially from slag in the 1800s but it took a collaboration between an insulation manufacturer and PremierTech Chronos to figure out how to make this material from discarded scrap.

Finding cost-effective ways to produce stone wool is a strategic way to profit from the growing market for this and other types of organic insulation. As reported in 2012 at the 7th Global Insulation Conference & Exhibiton, organic insulation commands a 68% market share of the Korean market. In the EU, the insulation industry is predicted to increase in size by approximately 30% over the next eight years. In addition, the stone wool market in Russia is expected to double by 2016.

One of the world's leading producers of mineral wool is Knauf Insulation, which has a manufacturing facility in Škofja Loka, Slovenia. It is part of the Knauf Group, a multinational manufacturer of building materials and construction systems that was founded in 1932 to process gypsum and is headquartered in Germany. Knauf Insulation is the fastest growing producer of insulation worldwide, with annual sales that exceed US$1.5bn and manufacturing facilities in the US, UK, Russia and Europe, including the plant at Škofja Loka.

Since 2000 research has been conducted at the University of Kansas (KU) to evaluate the thermal performance of building walls fitted with phase change materials (PCMs). The purpose of the investigations was to assess peak air conditioning demand reductions, thermal load shifting and energy savings. PCMs work by storing relatively large amounts of heat energy when melting. This heat is released upon solidification of the PCM when the temperature surrounding the PCM drops to below the PCM solidification point.

For building applications PCM phase changes are predominantly of solid-liquid transitions. The PCM can be organic, for example paraffins, waxes and oils, or inorganic, for example, hydrated salts.

Growing concerns about climate change, irreversible environmental damage and rapid depletion of non-renewable resources have made a great impact on the global construction industry. This has resulted in a search for renewable next generation construction materials. Could biofoams be a viable possibility?

Bio-based renewable construction materials are not a new concept for the construction industry. Indeed, they have been widely used as various building components all over the world for building construction for many years. However, in modern construction, the ratio of bio-based to non-renewable building materials is very low.

Mechanical insulation systems are used on cold and hot pipes, tanks, ducts, vessels and equipment to conserve energy, prevent surface condensation, prevent contact burns and more. In most outdoor applications and some indoor locations, these systems use an outer protective metal jacketing to provide UV- and damage-resistance and water shedding. Regardless of the type of metal used, this jacketing is susceptible to galvanic and pitting/crevice type corrosion on the interior surface caused by the intrusion of water into the insulation system. Here, the use of a moisture barrier to help prevent this type of corrosion is described and a recommendation on the best type of moisture barrier to use is provided.

Insulation is used on the exterior surface of pipes, tanks, ducts, vessels and equipment for the same reason that insulation is used on building envelopes - to reduce the flow of heat. In this application, the insulation is part of a complex construction generically called a mechanical insulation system, which can include one or more layers of insulation, adhesive at the insulation joints, vapour retarders and metal jacketing.

These systems are often more complicated than building envelope insulation because of their complex geometry, the unidirectional heat/moisture flow, the extreme temperatures of the mechanical equipment being insulated and the often outdoor exposed location of the systems. Table 1 shows some common examples of applications for outdoor mechanical insulation systems, their operating temperatures and a brief description of the insulation system used.