Overview
METHERM CS 650 is a microporous calcium silicate insulation board engineered for maximum thermal performance in the 300–650°C service temperature range. The product is based on a fine, controlled-porosity xonotlite crystal network produced through a modified hydrothermal synthesis route that yields a significantly finer and more uniform pore structure compared to standard calcium silicate board. This microporous structure suppresses gas-phase thermal conduction within the pore network, delivering thermal conductivity values notably lower than conventional calcium silicate at equivalent service temperatures — comparable performance to many higher-cost microporous materials, at calcium silicate board economics.
Calcium silicate achieves its thermal efficiency advantage in the 200–650°C range primarily through the combination of fine pore structure and low skeletal density. For steam pipe lagging, boiler jacketing, and industrial oven insulation — applications where energy efficiency is a primary commercial objective — METHERM CS 650 delivers a thinner insulation section than standard CS board for the same thermal resistance, reducing both materials cost and installation labour on large pipe runs and vessel surfaces.
Like all calcium silicate board, METHERM CS 650 is rigid, machinable, and moisture-tolerant. It can be cut and shaped on-site, it does not slump or settle in service, and it retains structural integrity after condensation or water exposure during plant maintenance and outages. These properties distinguish it from mineral wool and glass wool in demanding process plant environments.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Unit | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum service temperature | °C | 650 |
| Primary mineral phase | — | Xonotlite (microporous) |
| Typical density range † | kg/m³ | 150–300 |
| Thermal conductivity at 200°C † | W/(m·K) | 0.07–0.12 |
| Thermal conductivity at 400°C † | W/(m·K) | 0.10–0.18 |
| Fire classification | — | Class A (non-combustible) |
| Combustibility | — | Non-combustible |
| Asbestos content | — | None |
| CFC / HCFC content | — | None |
| Dimensional stability | — | Stable to 650°C — no settling or shrinkage |
| Machineable | — | Yes — saw, drill, mill with standard tools |
† Values are typical for the METHERM CS 650 grade class. Thermal conductivity varies with density sub-grade and mean temperature. Request CoA for certified test data.
Thermal conductivity comparison at 200°C (typical values):
| Material | λ at 200°C W/(m·K) |
|---|---|
| METHERM CS 650 (microporous) | 0.07–0.12 |
| Standard calcium silicate board | 0.10–0.16 |
| Mineral wool (400 kg/m³) | 0.08–0.12 |
| Glass wool | Typically not rated above 300°C |
The microporous structure provides an advantage over standard calcium silicate, with performance approaching high-density mineral wool while maintaining the rigidity and moisture tolerance that mineral wool lacks.
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Applications
Boilers and Steam Generation
The primary application for METHERM CS 650. Used in boiler shell insulation, steam drum jacketing, mud drum insulation, and economiser casing insulation in industrial, commercial, and power generation boilers. Rigid board format simplifies installation on curved cylindrical boiler surfaces — boards are cut to segment geometry and secured with stainless banding or adhesive, eliminating the slumping and settling problems associated with blanket insulation on hot cylindrical surfaces.
Steam Pipe Lagging
Pre-formed pipe-cover segments or flat-cut boards applied to steam mains, branch headers, and valve manifolds in industrial steam distribution systems. For large-diameter steam headers above DN400, flat-cut boards fitted in layers with staggered joints provide reliable, auditable insulation cover that can be removed and replaced during valve maintenance without replacing the bulk of the insulation run.
Thermal performance advantage at 200°C mean temperature: METHERM CS 650 at 0.07–0.12 W/(m·K) allows 20–40% thinner insulation sections compared to standard calcium silicate for equivalent heat loss targets.
Industrial Ovens and Dryers
Wall, roof, and door insulation in industrial drying ovens, curing ovens, paint baking ovens, and process dryers operating up to 650°C. Rigid board form factor is essential for oven door applications where blanket insulation compresses under repeated open/close cycling, degrading performance progressively.
Process Plant Pipe and Equipment Insulation
Hot oil systems, heat recovery exchangers, distillation column overhead lines, and process vessel nozzle areas in chemical processing and refining. Calcium silicate boards are preferred over mineral wool in these environments because they maintain insulation performance after contact with process liquids and steam leaks — a significant operational advantage in plants where incidental water contact during cleaning and maintenance is unavoidable.
District Heating Distribution
Valve vault insulation, expansion loop insulation, and flanged-joint protection in district heating networks. Boards are fitted in bolt-box format around flanges and valves to allow access for inspection without destroying the bulk insulation run.
Power Generation Support
Turbine steam pipe insulation, condensate return piping, flash tank insulation, and heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) casing backup insulation in combined-cycle and cogeneration plants.
HVAC and Building Services
High-pressure steam and condensate piping in commercial and industrial buildings. Used where rigid board is needed in confined plant room spaces where blanket insulation would require external support systems.
Packaging & Storage
METHERM CS 650 boards are supplied in standard flat board formats:
- Standard board sizes: 600 × 600 mm, 1000 × 500 mm (other sizes on enquiry)
- Standard thickness range: 25 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm
- Custom cut-to-size available for container-quantity orders; pipe-cover segments on enquiry
Boards are palletised and shrink-wrapped for ocean freight (FCL and LCL, FOB Shanghai). Store flat on a dry, level surface protected from water and rain. Boards that absorb moisture during outdoor storage can be re-dried before installation without permanent performance loss. No special temperature or humidity requirements beyond keeping boards dry. Shelf life is indefinite when stored correctly.
Related Products
- Calcium Silicate — parent hub with full product family overview
- METHERM CS 1050 — high-temperature grade, max 1050°C (furnaces, petrochemical)
- METHERM MD — composite silicate board for complex geometries and building applications
- MEGEL® Aerogel — aerogel felt where ultra-thin insulation sections are required (λ 0.018–0.022 W/m·K)
- MEVAC® VIP Panels — vacuum insulation panels for ultra-thin cold-side insulation
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