Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP)
A Vacuum Insulation Panel (VIP) is an advanced insulation product consisting of a rigid, highly porous core material (such as fumed silica, microporous material, or fiberglass) that is encased in a low-permeability, metallic foil envelope and sealed under a high vacuum. The high vacuum eliminates almost all heat transfer through gas conduction and convection, resulting in an extremely low thermal conductivity (k) that is often 5 to 10 times better than conventional foam or fiber insulation.VIPs are used when the absolute maximum thermal performance is required within the most minimal possible thickness.
Main Components and Structure
The performance of a VIP is dependent on both the core material and the integrity of the sealed envelope.
| COMPONENT | MATERIAL | FUNCTION |
| Core | Fumed SiO2 / Microporous Material | Provides structural support and prevents radiation/solid conduction; supports the vacuum. |
| Envelope | Multi-layer barrier film (Metallized Polymer/Foil) | Maintains the high vacuum level; prevents gas ingress. |
| Vacuum | ~1 millibar (mbar) or lower | Eliminates gas conduction/convection, providing the ultra-low k value. |
| CLASSIFICATION | OPERATING TEMP RANGE | PRIMARY ADVANTAGE |
| General VIP | ~50°C to 80°C | Highest thermal resistance per thickness (low k). |
| High-Temp VIP | Up to ~100°C Envelope limited) | Extreme space efficiency in thermal applications. |
Key Performance Metrics
| PROPERTY | TYPICAL PERFORMANCE | MECHANISM OF ADVANTAGE |
| Thermal Conductivity (k) | ULTRA LOW (0.002 to 0.004 W/m.K) | Heat transfer via air/gas is virtually eliminated by the vacuum. |
| Thickness Equivalence | Superior | 10 mm VIP often equals 50 mm to 100 mm of conventional insulation. |
| Service Life | Limited | Performance degrades slowly as the vacuum is lost due to minute gas permeation over time. |
Advantages and Key Characteristics
VIP are the pinnacle of static insulation technology, offering thermal performance that is impossible to achieve with atmospheric-pressure materials.
- Unmatched Space Savings: The primary and defining characteristic. When space is severely limited (e.g., in a refrigerator door, a thin wall, or a battery casing), VIPs deliver the required thermal resistance at the thinnest possible profile.
- Superior Energy Efficiency: In applications like refrigerated transport or high-efficiency buildings, VIPs provide immense energy savings by drastically reducing heat flow.
- Clean and Lightweight: The panels are lightweight and produce no dust or residue, making them ideal for integration into appliances and clean industrial systems.
Typical Industries and Applications
VIPs are utilized in high-value, temperature-critical applications:
- High-End Appliances: Used in refrigerators and freezers to achieve thinner walls and maximize internal storage volume while meeting energy efficiency standards.
- Cold Chain Logistics: Insulated boxes and containers for transporting pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and high-value perishables that require precise, long-duration temperature control.
- Building Construction: Used as a thin, highly insulating layer in wall systems, window frames, and specialized roofing where thickness must be minimal (e.g., historic buildings).
- Industrial Equipment: Insulation of specialized ovens, test chambers, and battery enclosures where temperature stability and minimal footprint are critical.
Technical Guidance and Limitations
VIPs are high-performance but have critical limitations related to their installation and longevity:
- Envelope Integrity is Critical: Any puncture, cut, or fold in the metallic envelope will immediately destroy the vacuum and cause the thermal conductivity to rise dramatically (often to the level of the core material alone). Therefore, VIPs cannot be cut or trimmed on site and must be sized exactly to the installation space.
- Thermal Bridging: The edges of the panel, where the envelope folds and the core is closest to the surface, represent a thermal bridge. Careful design is required to ensure the joints and edges do not compromise the overall insulating value.
- Temperature Limitation: The MST of VIPs is limited by the stability of the metallic envelope and the sealant, typically restricting them to below 100°C, though specialized versions may reach slightly higher temperatures. They are generally not used for hot-face furnace linings.
✨ 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. |
