Rock Wool Board / Blanket
Rock Wool (Mineral Wool or Stone Wool) is a high-performance insulation material manufactured by melting natural rock (typically basalt or diabase) and recycled slag from metallurgical processes, then spinning the molten liquid into fine, fibrous strands. The fibers are then bound with a resin and fabricated into flexible blankets/rolls or rigid boards. Rock Wool is prized for its excellent fire resistance (non-combustibility), thermal stability, and superior acoustic absorption in the medium- to high-temperature range, typically up to 760°C (1400 F).
Main Composition
The material is predominantly inorganic Calcium Silicate and Magnesium Silicate derived from basalt and slag.
| CATEGORY | COMPOSITION BASE | TYPICAL MST (Continuous) | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| Rock Wool | Basalt and Slag | ~650°C to 760°C | Non-combustible and excellent acoustic damping. |
Key Forms and Use
| PRODUCT FORM | CONSTRUCTION | PRIMARY APPLICATION |
| Blanket/Roll | Flexible, often wired (stitched with metal mesh) | Insulation of boilers, large vessels, tanks, and ducts; typically used above 250°C where fiberglass fails. |
| Board | Rigid, high-density panel | Industrial oven walls, backup insulation behind refractory linings, structural acoustic barriers. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
Rock Wool is the leading choice for industrial and marine insulation applications that demand fire safety and resistance to continuous high heat, up to 760°C, exceeding the limit of standard fiberglass.
- High Fire Resistance: The inorganic fibers have a high melting point (often over 1000°C). While the binding resin may burn off at lower temperatures (around 250°C), the fibers themselves remain intact, providing a fire barrier and maintaining insulation integrity.
- Acoustic Absorption: The dense, non-directional fiber structure makes it an outstanding acoustic damper, reducing noise transmission in industrial environments (e.g., machinery enclosures, power plants).
- Thermal Performance: Provides a low thermal conductivity (k) across a wide temperature range, resulting in efficient heat retention and reduced energy consumption.
- Water Repellency: Most modern Rock Wool products are treated to be water-repellent, helping to shed moisture and reducing the risk of Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI).
Typical Industries and Applications
Rock Wool is critical in environments with fire risk and high operating temperatures:
- Industrial Processing: Blankets are used for large-scale high-temperature industrial piping, vessels, boilers, and heat exchangers.
- Marine and Offshore: Highly favored due to its non-combustible properties and excellent acoustic performance in ship bulkheads and offshore platforms.
- HVAC and Commercial Buildings: Used for thermal and acoustic insulation of air ducts, utility rooms, and fire-rated wall assemblies.
- Furnace Backup: Boards are used as a thermal backup layer behind dense refractory brick or castables in medium-temperature ovens and furnaces.
Key Data Sheet Properties to Consider
Selection must be tailored to the specific mechanical and thermal demands:
- Maximum Service Temperature (MST): CRITICAL VALUE. Ensure it exceeds the maximum cold-face temperature where the product is installed.
- Density: Higher density boards (e.g., 100 kg/m3) provide better compression strength, greater acoustic performance, and reduced air flow, but higher thermal mass.
- Facing (for Blankets): Look for Galvanized or Stainless Steel Mesh facing for mechanical strength and ease of installation on large, curved surfaces.
Technical Guidance: When used in applications above the binder’s burnout temperature (around 250°C), temporary smoke or odor may be produced during initial heat-up. Rock Wool should always be installed with a continuous outer metal jacketing or a vapor barrier (in cold applications) to protect it from mechanical damage and moisture.
✨ Customization Services
We offer product customization services, allowing you to tailor the appearance, dimensions, or specific markings of items like refractory shapes or bricks. This includes options for incorporating specific geometric requirements to ensure seamless integration into your process systems.
🔬 Sampling for Testing & Validation
Free product samples are available for thorough testing and validation. This allows you to confirm the quality, compatibility, and performance of our materials—such as specific bricks, castables, or raw materials—before committing to a full order.
💡 Expertise in Refractory Solutions
Leverage our deep expertise to receive detailed, application-specific refractory solutions. We move beyond just selling products by providing comprehensive plans that encompass material selection, installation guidance, and performance optimization to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your high-temperature processes.
Rabatec products are exclusively manufactured in facilities that have achieved rigorous ISO certifications across Quality (ISO 9001), Environmental Management, and Occupational Health & Safety. This commitment ensures every product, from refractory bricks to specialized equipment, meets the highest global benchmarks for performance, sustainability, and workplace safety.
📦 Logistics Excellence: Shipping, Packaging, and Marking
Minimizing Risk: We manage all logistics to minimize handling touchpoints and transit shock. Our carriers are pre-vetted for their experience in transporting heavy, fragile, and sensitive industrial materials.
Traceability: Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation and tracking information, providing end-to-end visibility and ensuring precise delivery coordination for your site.
Protection is Paramount: Our packaging strictly follows industry standards to prevent damage, corner chipping, and moisture absorption—especially critical for materials like Basic Refractory Bricks and Refractory Mortars & Mixes.
Robust Palletization: Products are secured on fumigated, high-strength export pallets (e.g., 1100x950mm or similar sturdy dimensions) using heavy-duty strapping and durable protective wrapping (polyethylene sheeting, cardboard, etc.) to withstand long-distance travel and multiple loadings.
Moisture Control: Sensitive materials are protected with appropriate sealing and, where necessary, desiccants or moisture-vapor proof enclosures to maintain the product's integrity until installation.
Clear Identification: All outer packaging is clearly marked on multiple sides with large, legible text for immediate identification and safe handling.
Full Traceability: Markings include all essential data points: Product Name, Quality Grade, Batch Number, Quantity, Net/Gross Weight, Order Number, and the Final Destination/Construction Area. This ensures every pallet can be accounted for and correctly staged upon arrival.
Safety & Compliance: We adhere to all regulatory requirements for marking, labeling, and placarding—especially for any items classified as Dangerous Goods—to ensure full compliance with international and domestic transport regulations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question | Elaborated Answer |
Q: What is the Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) of your refractories? | A: Refractoriness Under Load (RUL) is a critical property that defines the maximum temperature our materials can withstand while under compressive stress before deforming (softening). Since we offer a wide range of materials—from Alumina-Silicate Bricks to high-performance Silicon Carbide Bricks—the RUL varies significantly. For specific product data, please refer to the product data sheet or submit a quote request for the material you are interested in. |
Q: Where are the Rabatec refractories and materials produced? | A: Our products are primarily sourced from specialized manufacturing plants in China. Crucially, these facilities have all undergone rigorous audits and achieved comprehensive ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, and Safety), ensuring that production adheres to the highest global standards for consistency and performance. |
Q: What refractory materials does the company offer? | A: We supply a comprehensive portfolio of advanced refractory solutions, including: Shaped Products: Alumina & Silica Bricks, Basic & Specialized Bricks (e.g., Magnesia), SiC & Structural Ceramics, and Precast Shapes. Monolithic Products: Refractory Castables, Mixes & Mortars. Insulation: Insulation Fibre and High-Performance Insulation Products. |
Q: How should I choose the appropriate refractory material for my application? | A: Selecting the correct refractory is paramount to process efficiency. The choice depends on three key factors: 1. Operating Environment: Maximum process temperature and thermal cycling (shock). 2. Chemical Attack: Type of slag, molten metal, or corrosive gas being handled (acidic, neutral, or basic). 3. Mechanical Stress: Abrasion, erosion, and static load requirements. We recommend utilizing our detailed refractory solutions service to consult with our engineers for an optimized, application-specific recommendation. |
Q: Which monolithic material should I choose when patching an existing lining? | A: For patching and minor repairs, the ideal monolithic material depends on the parent lining material, the patching depth, and the need for a rapid return to service. Common choices include: Refractory Mortars & Mixes (for minor joints/surfaces) or Plastic Refractories (for areas requiring physical compaction). Always choose a patch material chemically compatible with the existing lining to ensure proper bonding and service life. |
Q: Can I receive product samples before placing a major order? | A: Yes. We gladly provide product samples for your internal testing and validation purposes. This ensures you can confirm the quality, composition, and fit of the material—such as our Refractory Castables or Alumina-Silicate Bricks—in your specific operational environment before committing to a bulk purchase. |
Q: Do you provide certifications to verify material quality? | A: Absolutely. We provide product-related inspection certificates and quality assurance documentation upon request. This verifies that your order has passed all internal quality control checks and meets the required material specifications and industry standards. |
Q: What measures are taken for product protection during transport? | A: We ensure quick, reliable transport by using robust, industrial packaging that strictly follows industry standards. This includes high-strength palletization, heavy-duty strapping, and weather-resistant wrapping to protect fragile items like bricks and mixes from corner chipping, mechanical damage, and moisture during transit. |
