Overview
Calcium silicate insulation is a rigid, load-bearing, high-temperature thermal insulation material manufactured from silica (SiO₂), lime (CaO), and reinforcing fibres through an autoclave hydrothermal synthesis process. The reaction between silica and lime under steam pressure produces crystalline calcium silicate mineral phases — primarily xonotlite (Ca₆Si₆O₁₇(OH)₂) at higher temperatures and tobermorite (Ca₅Si₆O₁₆(OH)₂) at lower grades. These interlocking crystal networks yield a porous, mechanically stable matrix that is inherently non-combustible and dimensionally stable under thermal cycling.
The METHERM® line from Henan Minmetals East covers three product types addressing the primary market segments: ultra-high-temperature industrial furnace insulation (CS 1050), energy-efficient steam and boiler insulation (CS 650 microporous), and flexible composite applications (MD). All METHERM products are asbestos-free, CFC/HCFC-free, and comply with Class A non-combustibility requirements.
For procurement engineers and EPC contractors, calcium silicate boards offer advantages over mineral wool and glass wool that matter in aggressive industrial environments: they are rigid boards that can be cut, shaped, and machined without slumping or settling; they maintain compressive integrity at elevated temperatures; they resist moisture saturation; and they remain dimensionally stable over repeated heat-up and cool-down cycles. This makes them the specification-grade choice for industrial furnace linings, steam pipe lagging, petrochemical vessel insulation, and process plant maintenance where long service life and minimal replacement frequency are commercial priorities.
Product Comparison
| Property | CS 1050 | CS 650 | MD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max service temperature | 1050°C | 650°C | Contact for spec |
| Structure | Xonotlite / ceramic fibre reinforced | Microporous xonotlite | Multi-component composite |
| Typical density range (kg/m³) | 200–950 | 150–300 | Contact for spec |
| λ at 200°C (W/m·K) † | 0.10–0.16 | 0.07–0.12 | Contact for spec |
| λ at 600°C (W/m·K) † | 0.15–0.25 | — | — |
| Fire classification | Class A1 (EN 13501-1) | Class A | Class A |
| Asbestos-free | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Machineable / sawable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Primary markets | Industrial furnaces, petrochemical, steel, glass | Boilers, steam piping, process plant | Building, industrial |
† Thermal conductivity values are typical for the grade class. Request CoA for certified test data.
Grades
METHERM CS 1050 — High-Temperature Refractory Calcium Silicate
Max service temperature 1050°C. Xonotlite mineral matrix, optionally ceramic-fibre reinforced for the highest-temperature sub-grades. Suitable for industrial furnace linings, petrochemical insulation, steel and glass plant applications. Dimensionally stable under repeated thermal cycling across the full service temperature range.
Full specification → METHERM CS 1050
METHERM CS 650 — Microporous Calcium Silicate
Max service temperature 650°C. Microporous xonotlite structure provides lower density and significantly better thermal conductivity than standard calcium silicate board at equivalent temperature. Suitable for boilers, steam pipes, industrial ovens, and process plant insulation where energy efficiency is the primary design driver.
Full specification → METHERM CS 650
METHERM MD — Composite Silicate Board
Multi-component composite silicate insulation offering application flexibility for complex geometries, architectural fire protection, and special surface or facing requirements. Used in both building/construction and industrial settings.
Full specification → METHERM MD
Why Calcium Silicate vs Mineral Wool and Glass Wool
| Factor | Calcium silicate (METHERM) | Mineral wool | Glass wool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature ceiling | Up to 1050°C (CS 1050) | Typically 600–700°C | Typically 300–400°C |
| Form factor | Rigid board — cut, machine, drill | Flexible blanket or semi-rigid slab | Flexible blanket |
| Dimensional stability | Stable to max service temp — no slump | Settles and slumps above ~400°C in vibration service | Settles significantly |
| Compressive strength | High — can be load-bearing | Low — not load-bearing above contact temp | Very low |
| Moisture behaviour | Resistant; structural integrity retained after wetting and drying | Loses 30–60% insulation value when wet | Loses 60–80% insulation value when wet |
| Machineable | Yes — saw, drill, mill, shape on-site | No | No |
| Dust during installation | Low (rigid board) | High (fibre release) | High (fibre release) |
For industrial applications above 600°C or where dimensional stability and compressive strength are required, calcium silicate is the engineering specification material.
Applications
Industrial Furnaces and Kilns
METHERM CS 1050 is used in the lining of industrial furnaces and kilns across steel, aluminium, glass, and ceramics manufacturing. Typical applications include furnace wall backup insulation (behind hot-face refractories), roof and crown insulation, door frames, and expansion joint backup. Rigid boards allow precise fitting without specialist refractory installation skills.
Petrochemical and Process Plant
High-temperature pipe insulation, vessel jacketing, and equipment insulation in oil refining, gas processing, and petrochemical plants. Calcium silicate boards maintain integrity in the presence of steam and moisture — a critical advantage in environments where water ingress or condensation is unavoidable.
Boilers and Steam Systems
METHERM CS 650 microporous is the specified material for boiler shell insulation, steam header boxes, steam pipe lagging, and valves / flanges in steam distribution systems. Microporous structure delivers superior thermal resistance per unit thickness, reducing heat loss and improving plant energy efficiency.
Steel and Aluminium Industries
Ladle covers, tundish lids, soaking pit covers, and backup insulation for aluminium holding furnaces and casting equipment. METHERM CS 1050 withstands the extreme thermal shock associated with molten metal handling.
Glass Manufacturing
Crown insulation, sidewall backup, and regenerator insulation in float glass, container glass, and specialty glass furnaces. Dimensions-stable boards resist the radiant heat and thermal cycling of continuous float furnace operation.
Power Generation
Turbine casing insulation, boiler casing backup, steam chest insulation, and flue duct lining in coal, gas, and biomass power plants.
Fire Protection (Building and Construction)
METHERM MD composite silicate is used in structural steelwork fire protection, firewall construction, fire door cores, and cable tray fire barriers in commercial and industrial buildings.
Packaging & Storage
METHERM calcium silicate boards are supplied as flat boards. Standard board formats are typically 600 × 600 mm and 1000 × 500 mm; custom cut-to-size is available for large orders. Thickness ranges from 25 mm to 100 mm in standard increments; non-standard thicknesses are available on enquiry.
Boards are palletised and shrink-wrapped for ocean freight. FCL and LCL shipment available; FOB Shanghai. Boards must be stored flat on a dry, level surface, protected from water and direct rain exposure. Boards that have absorbed moisture can be re-dried before installation without permanent performance loss. Standard pallet quantity and minimum order quantities: contact the sales team for current availability and project pricing.
Shelf life: indefinite when stored dry. No special temperature or humidity storage requirements beyond keeping boards dry.
Cross-References and Sister Sites
- For aerogel-based insulation where minimum thickness is the primary requirement (λ 0.018–0.022 W/m·K), see MEGEL® Aerogel
- For VIP (vacuum insulation panels) for ultra-thin cold-side insulation, see MEVAC® VIP Panels
- For furnace lining system design and refractory-grade aerogel blanket, see thermaleast.com — the SEMITECH sister site focused on high-temperature refractory and furnace insulation systems
Related Products
- MEGEL® Aerogel — ultra-low thermal conductivity aerogel felt and powder
- MEVAC® VIP Panels — vacuum insulation panels for ultra-thin cold-side applications
- METHERM CS 1050 — high-temperature refractory grade, max 1050°C
- METHERM CS 650 — microporous grade, max 650°C
- METHERM MD — composite silicate board
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