The following table gives an indication of the various panel thickness used in conjunction with the given temperature range.

Figure1 Surface Options

Core Material

1. Polystyrene
2. Styrofoam
3. Mineral fiber

EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE

Polystyrene is polymerized styrene and is produced from benzene and ethylene with polymerization accomplished in the presence of catalysts using organic peroxides. In the expanded by treatment with steam to form pre-foam of the required density.

EPS contains no CFC's and is considered ozone friendly by the Wildlife-Society of South-Africa.

* Thermal Insulation in cold rooms, deep freezers, vessels and for pipe and duck lagging.
* Construction, including general insulation of roofs, walls and floors.
* Packaging and protective packaging

Polystyrene is manufactured in a range of grades:

* 16 Density
* 24 Density
* FR Grade (Flame Retardant)
* X Grade (Low Density)

Polystyrene has the following advantages:

* Resistant to vibration
* CFC-Free
* Resistant to ageing, bacteria and rot
* Easily cut and worked
* No continuous barding

Figure2 Joints

1. Tongue and groove joint
2. Super seal joint
3. Conventional weather-proof joint

ROCKWOOL

Rock wool is mainly used for thermal and acoustic insulation of pipe-work in power generation, oil refineries, chemical plants, etc.

The operating temperature could be up to 650¬ƒC, which would suit any hot room and the like. but due to the brittle nature of rock wool, the overall strength would not be suitable to roll a long wall or ceiling panel.

The result would be tremendous deflection, which would ultimately result in delaminating and breakage of the panel.

FIBREGLASS

Fibre glass on the other hand can be manufactured in a variety of densities. The most suitable density would be 64 kg/m3. This would be sandwiched between two chromadek sheets as seen on detail 1. The complete panel would have excellent thermal resistance and conductivity.

Fiberglass is manufactured in a variety of densities, ranging from 24 to 47.5 to 64 to 96 kg/m3. We have tested each density and have concluded that the 24 and 47.5kg/m3is too fragile and would bend beyond proportion. But the 64 kg/m3 density is most suitable and does not deflect when manufacturing.

For any application we would require a 100mm thick panel, meaning it compromises out of 2 layers staggered in order to render the structural strength. Furthermore we have calculated the external surface temperature of the panel and derive at about 28¬ƒC (As seen on table 2). This would be subject to chromadek sheeting internally and externally. A sample product of 80kg/m3 was tested by the SABS in 1995, proving that the sample is non combustible at 750¬ƒ C.

GENERAL

Furthermore, the purpose of the insulation is to reduce the rate of energy transferred, thereby reducing the rate of heat loss to or from the body. We measure the effectiveness of insulation by its thermal resistance R, derived by:

R= X/K

R= Thermal Resistance
X= Thickness in meters
K= Thermal Conductivity

For the product that we would offer, the equation would be as follows:

From the above we can clearly see, that the thinner we manufacture the panel, the lesser the heat resistance will become.

To sum up, the Fiberglass panels have the following advantages:

1. Non-combustible. Conforms to SABS 0177, Part 5
2. Fire index conforms to SABS 0177, Part 3 (Class 1)
3. Excellent thermal and acoustical performance
4. does not sag
5. Aesthetic finish
6. Suitable for high humidity applications.