5.

Thermal insulation materials, technical characteristics

and selection criteria
5.1 Heat transmission modes and technical terms

5.1.1 Heat transmission modes

It is important to know how heat is transferred in fish holds. Heat is transferred by conduction,
convection or radiation, or by a combination of all three. Heat always moves from warmer to colder
areas; it seeks a balance. If the interior of an insulated fish hold is colder than the outside air, the fish
hold draws heat from the outside. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the heat flows to
the colder area.

Conduction. By this mode, heat energy is passed through a solid, liquid or gas from molecule to
molecule in a material. In order for the heat to be conducted, there should be physical contact
between particles and some temperature difference. Therefore, thermal conductivity is the measure of
the speed of heat flow passed from particle to particle. The rate of heat flow through a specific
material will be influenced by the difference of temperature and by its thermal conductivity.

Convection. By this mode, heat is transferred when a heated air/gas or liquid moves from one place
to another, carrying its heat with it. The rate of heat flow will depend on the temperature of the moving
gas or liquid and on its rate of flow.

Radiation. Heat energy is transmitted in the form of light, as infrared radiation or another form of
electromagnetic waves. This energy emanates from a hot body and can travel freely only through
completely transparent media. The atmosphere, glass and translucent materials pass a significant
amount of radiant heat, which can be absorbed when it falls on a surface (e.g. the ship’s deck surface
on a sunny day absorbs radiant heat and becomes hot). It is a well known fact that light-coloured or
shiny surfaces reflect more radiant heat than black or dark surfaces, therefore the former will be
heated more slowly.

In practice, the entry of heat into fish holds/fish containers is the result of a mixture of the three modes
mentioned above, but the most significant mode is by conduction through walls and flooring.

5.1.2 Definitions

The thermal properties of insulating materials and other common fishing vessel construction materials
are known or can be accurately measured. The amount of heat transmission (flow) through any
combination of materials can be calculated. However, it is necessary to know and understand certain
technical terms to be able to calculate heat losses and understand the factors that are involved.

By convention, the ending -ity means the property of a material, regardless of its thickness and the
ending -ance refers to the property of a specific body of given thickness.

Heat energy

One kilocalorie (1 kcal or 1 000 calories) is the amount of heat (energy) needed to raise the
temperature of one kg of water by one degree Celsius (°C). The SI standard unit for energy is Joule
(J). One kcal is approximately 4.18 kJ (this varies slightly with temperature). Another unit is the Btu
(British thermal unit). One Btu corresponds roughly to 1 kJ.

Thermal conductivity

In simple terms this is a measure of the capacity of a material to conduct heat through its mass.
Different insulating materials and other types of material have specific thermal conductivity values that
can be used to measure their insulating effectiveness. It can be defined as the amount of heat/energy
(expressed in kcal, Btu or J) that can be conducted in unit time through unit area of unit thickness of
material, when there is a unit temperature difference. Thermal conductivity can be expressed in kcal
m-1 °C-1, Btu ft-1 °F-1 and in the SI system in watt (W) m-1 °C-1. Thermal conductivity is also known as the
k-value.

Coefficient of thermal conductance “ l” (kcal m-2 h-1 °C-1)

This is designated as l (the Greek letter lambda) and defined as the amount of heat (in kcal)
conducted in one hour through 1 m2 of material, with a thickness of 1 m, when the temperature drop
through the material under conditions of steady heat flow is 1 °C. The thermal conductance is
established by tests and is the basic rating for any material. l can also be expressed in Btu ft-2 h-1 °F-
1
(British thermal unit per square foot, hour, and degree Fahrenheit) or in SI units in W m-2 Kelvin (K)-1.

Thermal resistivity

The thermal resistivity is the reciprocal of the k-value (1/k).

Thermal resistance (R-value)

The thermal resistance (R-value) is the reciprocal of l (1/l) and is used for calculating the thermal
resistance of any material or composite material. The R-value can be defined in simple terms as the
resistance that any specific material offers to the heat flow. A good insulation material will have a high
R-value. For thicknesses other than 1 m, the R-value increases in direct proportion to the increase in
thickness of the insulation material. This is x/l, where x stands for the thickness of the material in
metres.

Coefficient of heat transmission (U) (kcal m-2 h-1 °C-1)

The symbol U designates the overall coefficient of heat transmission for any section of a material or a
composite of materials. The SI units for U are kcal per square metre of section per hour per degree
Celsius, the difference between inside air temperature and outside air temperature. It can also be
expressed in other unit systems. The U coefficient includes the thermal resistances of both surfaces
of walls or flooring, as well as the thermal resistance of individual layers and air spaces that may be
contained within the wall or flooring itself.

Permeance to water vapour (pv)

This is defined as the quantity of water vapour that passes through the unit of area of a material of
unit thickness, when the difference of water pressure between both faces of the material is the unit. It
can be expressed as g cm mmHg-1 m-2 day-1 or in the SI system as g m MN-1 s-1 (grams metre per mega
Newton per second).

Resistance to water vapour (rv)

This is the reciprocal of the permeance to water vapour and is defined as rv = 1/pv.

5.2 Why insulation is necessary

The primary function of thermal insulation materials used in small fishing vessels using ice is to
reduce the transmission of heat through fish hold walls, hatches, pipes or stanchions into the place
where chilled fish or ice is being stored. By reducing the amount of heat leak, the amount of ice that
melts can be reduced and so the efficiency of the icing process can be increased. As has already
been discussed, ice is used up because it removes heat energy from the fish but also from heat
energy leaking through the walls of the storage container. Insulation in the walls of the container can
reduce the amount of heat that enters the container and so reduce the amount of ice needed to keep
the contents chilled.
The main advantages of insulating the fish hold with adequate materials are:

 to prevent heat transmission entering from the surrounding warm air, the engine room and
heat leaks (fish hold walls, hatches, pipes and stanchions);
 to optimize the useful capacity of the fish hold and fish-chilling operating costs;
 to help reduce energy requirements for refrigeration systems if these are used.

5.2.1 Insulating materials

Because hold space is often at a premium on small vessels and the costs of insulation can amount to
a significant proportion of the costs involved in construction, the choice of insulation material can be
very important.

Several thermal insulation materials are used commercially for fishing vessels, but few are completely
satisfactory for this purpose. The main problems are lack of sufficient mechanical strength and
moisture absorption. The latter is a particularly significant problem in fishing vessels, where melting
ice is used as a chilling medium. Thermal insulators work by trapping bubbles or pockets of gas inside
a foam structure. When these cells of gas are filled with moisture, there are significant losses in
insulating efficiency.

The thermal conductivity of water (at 10 °C) is 0.5 kcal m-1 h-1 °C-1 and that of ice (at 0 °C) is 2 kcal m-
1
h-1 °C-1 (about four times the value of water). In comparison, dry stagnant air is about 0.02 kcal m-1 h-
1
°C-1. Figure 5.1 shows the thermal conductivities of R-11, dry air, water vapour and ice within an
insulation material and illustrates the significant increase in thermal conductivity that can occur if
air/gas is replaced by water vapour in the insulation.

Absorption of moisture by the insulating materials can take place not only by direct contact with water
leaking into the hold walls, but also by condensation of water vapour in the walls where the dew point
is reached in the temperature gradient through the walls.

The proper design of water vapour barriers is therefore of utmost importance for protecting the
insulation from gaining moisture. In most climates the transmission of water vapour will tend to be
from the outside to the inside of the hold walls, as the external temperature is likely to be higher than
the internal temperature. This requires an impervious moisture-proof layer on the outside of the
insulation, as well as a waterproof barrier on the lining to prevent liquid melt water entering the
insulation. The vapour barrier can be achieved either through watertight surfaces of prefabricated
insulation panels (sandwich-type panels, with one face being the vapour barrier of light-gauge
galvanized steel sheets and the other face being the internal finish of plastic-coated aluminium or
galvanized iron sheets), reinforced plastic materials, polythene sheets, plastic films of minimum
thickness of 0.2 mm or aluminium foil of minimum thickness of 0.02 mm, laminated with a bitumen
membrane. The minimum thickness of aluminium or galvanized sheets should be 0.3 mm.

FIGURE 5.1 Comparison of thermal conductivities of R-11, dry air, water vapour, water and ice
within an insulation material

Source: ASHRAE, 1981.

BOX 5.1
Desirable characteristics for insulation materials for fish holds

Thermal conductivity

Best insulation materials should have the lowest thermal conductivity, in order to
reduce the total coefficient of heat transmission. Thus, less insulating material
will be required. Dry stagnant gas is one of the best insulating materials. The
insulating properties of commercially available insulating materials are
determined by the amount of gas held inside the material and the number of gas
pockets. Therefore, the higher the number of cells (which can maintain the gas
stagnant) and the smaller their size, the lower the thermal conductivity of such
insulating material. These cells should not be interlinked, as this will allow
convection of heat.

Moisture-vapour permeability

Best insulation materials should have very low moisture-vapour permeability.

Thus, water absorption becomes negligible. Condensation and corrosion are
minimized.

Resistance/installation features

The insulation material should be resistant to water, solvents and chemicals. It

should be durable, and not lose its insulating efficiency quickly. It should allow a
wide choice of adhesives for its installation. It should be easy to install, of light
weight and easy to handle. Ordinary tools can be used for its installation. It
should be economical, with significant savings on initial cost as well as savings
on long-term performance. It should not generate or absorb odours. It should be
unaffected by fungus or mildew and should not attract vermin. It should be
dimensionally stable, so it will not crumble or pack down.

Safety features

The insulation material should be rated as non-flammable and non-explosive. In

the event that the insulation material burns, the products of combustion should
not introduce toxic hazards.

Box 5.1 shows the main characteristics that a suitable insulation material should have.

5.3 Thermal insulation materials

A wide range of insulation materials is available; however, few meet the requirements of modern fish
hold construction. Selection of insulation material should be based on initial cost, effectiveness,
durability, the adaptation of its form/shape to that of the fish hold and the installation methods
available in each particular area. From an economic point of view, it may be better to choose an
insulating material with a lower thermal conductivity rather than increase the thickness of the
insulation in the hold walls. By reducing the thermal conductivity, less insulation will be required for a
given amount of refrigeration and more usable volume will be available in the fish hold. The space
occupied by the insulation materials in fishing vessels can represent, in many instances, about 10 to
15 percent of the gross capacity of the fish hold.

TABLE 5.1
Density values and thermal conductivity at 20-25 °C of polyurethane insulation

Type Density Thermal conductivity

(kg/m3) (W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)
Foam 30 0.026/0.0224
Rigid expanded board 30 0.02-0.025/0.0172-0.0215
average: 0.0225/0.0193
Rigid expanded board 40 0.023/0.02
Rigid expanded board 80 0.04/0.34
Foamed in place 24-40 0.023-0.026/0.0198-0.0224
average: 0.0245/0.0211
Source: FAO, 1989.

5.3.1 Polyurethane foam

One of the best commercially available choices of insulation material for fishing vessels is
polyurethane foam. It has good thermal insulating properties, low moisture-vapour permeability, high
resistance to water absorption, relatively high mechanical strength and low density. In addition, it is
relatively easy and economical to install. The main features of polyurethane foams are shown in Table
5.1.

Polyurethane foam is effective as an insulator because it has a high proportion (90 percent minimum)
of non-connected closed microcells, filled with inert gas. Until recently, the inert gas most commonly
used in polyurethane foams was R-11 (trichlorofluoromethane). However, the Montreal Protocol on
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has called for the phasing out of the use of CFCs such as
R-11. Replacement foaming agents are being investigated at the present time, with hydrocarbons,
hydrofluorocarbons and inert gases such as carbon dioxide being developed as substitutes.

The main ways polyurethane foams can be applied and used are as rigid boards/ slabs and pre-
formed pipes, which can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes. The main applications of
these types of foam are in chill rooms, ice stores and cold stores. Structural sandwich panels
incorporating slabs of foam can be produced for prefabricated refrigerated stores.

Foam can also be produced in situ by a variety of means, as follows:

 It can be poured in place. This involves mixing the chemicals either manually or by
mechanical means and pouring in open moulds or spaces where insulation is required. The
mixture creates a foam and solidifies. If necessary, the solidified foam can be cut to the
required size or shape.
 It can be sprayed directly onto a solid surface using guns that mix and atomize the foam as it
is being applied. For example, fish holds or tanks can be sprayed directly on the outside
surface and inaccessible areas may be sprayed on and built up without the need of moulds.
The foam will adhere to itself and most metals, wood and other materials. It can also be
injected into a cavity (e.g. it can be used for moulded insulated boxes). Spray and injection
techniques are becoming the most widely used for the installation of rigid polyurethane foam
in ships and fishing vessels.
 In frothing, the mixture of chemicals is dispensed partially pre-expanded, like an aerosol
cream. Appropriate equipment, including an extra blowing agent, is required for immediate
pre-expansion. The final phase of expansion takes place as the chemical reaction reaches
completion. This technique is used when rigid foams/panels with a high strength-weight ratio
are required.

BOX 5.2
Precautions against fire during the application of rigid polyurethane foam
in ships

Storage on site

Urethane chemicals do not constitute a fire hazard.

Naked flames and sources of high radiant heat should be prohibited in areas
where board or slabstock are stored. Inflammable solvents and adhesives should
be stored under conditions where the usual precautions applicable to such
materials are observed.

Site application

General - Whenever possible all welding and other operations involving naked
flames or high temperatures in the proposed insulated area, or on external
surfaces of it, should be completed before the foam is applied. All these
operations, and smoking, must be prohibited while the application of the foam is
in progress to prevent ignition of exposed foam, solvents or adhesives.

Dispensing in situ - The foaming takes place in cavities protected by cladding.

There is no extra fire hazard associated with this operation, or with this type of
insulation, other than the hazard of any inflammable solvent used for cleaning
the equipment. The type of cladding must be approved by the Board of Trade (or
the competent authority).

Spraying - Immediately after spraying, the foam is left exposed. In this condition,
it constitutes a hazard if subjected to sources of heat or ignition. All welding or
other operations involving naked flames or high temperatures in the area must
be prohibited until the foam is suitably protected. Also, before the foam is
protected, naked flames or high temperatures must not be allowed to penetrate
the foam area from outside, e.g. by welding or cutting the plates behind the
insulation. Dust arising from sanding or buffing operations, which may be carried
out to produce a flat foam surface, may, in common with other dusts, constitute a
fire hazard. Suitable precautions should be taken by removing the dust as soon
as possible. The sprayed foam surface must be covered as soon as practicable,
by cladding approved by the competent authority.

Board or slabstock - Particular attention must be paid to the fire hazards arising
from the use of inflammable adhesives. Immediately after application the
insulation is exposed and therefore constitutes a fire hazard similar to that of
unprotected sprayed foam. The precautions detailed above for sprayed foam
must be taken before the foam is protected by cladding approved by the
competent authority.

Repair work

It may be found necessary to remove the cladding from the foam. If any welding
or other operation involving naked flames or high temperatures is to be carried
out, the foam must be cut back to at least 1 ft (0.33 m) from the site of operation.
All exposed foam must be protected (e.g. with an asbestos blanket) from the
naked flames or high temperatures.

Toxic hazards arising from burning foam

In common with wood, wool, feathers, etc. the products of combustion of

urethane foam and other plastics are hazardous. In the case of fire, the normal
dangers such as lack of oxygen, dense smoke and hot gases are present and
normal fire-fighting drill should be observed.

Note: these guidelines only refer to those rigid polyurethane foams which
incorporate a fire-retardant additive and which are made from methane
diisocyanate.

Source: Doherty and Wilson, 1969.

Fire regulations require that fire-retarding agents should be incorporated into polyurethane insulation
foam. In addition, a protective lining should be incorporated so as to make the foam more difficult to
ignite from a small source of flame. Laboratory tests indicate that unprotected (rigid) polyurethane
foam containing a fire-retardant will not ignite from small flame sources such as matches, but will burn
rapidly when exposed to large sources of flame and heat. However, when the polyurethane foam is
protected from direct contact with flames and air is excluded, the burning of the foam is eliminated.
Also the type of resin and isocyanate used in the production of the foam can influence its performance
against fire. Foams produced with toluene diisocyanate show a tendency to soften and melt more
readily under the influence of heat than those foams made from methane diisocyanate. The
precautions against fire during the application of polyurethane foam in ships listed in Box 5.2 should
be taken into consideration.

Several grades of polyurethane foams are available, including grades that are particularly fire-
resistant. These foams, which contain isocyanurate, can survive for 10-25 minutes before burn-
through occurs, when exposed to a flame from a propane torch at 1 200 °C (standard polyurethane
foams under the same test conditions are penetrated in about 10 seconds), therefore offering high
resistance to actual penetration by fire. Commercially available isocyanurate foams have an average
density of 35 kg/m3, thermal conductivity of 0.022 kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1 and permeance to water vapour of
16.7 g cm m-2 day-1 mmHg-1. Figure 5.2 shows the relationship between the R-value and thickness of
commercial isocyanurate foams.

Other grades of polyurethane are particularly strong, having quite high densities. For example,
standard rigid foam used as insulation in chill rooms can have densities of around 30-40 kg/m3 in
comparison with other grades of foam used as a structural core in boats with a density of 100
kg/m3 up to 300 kg/m3. Its resistance to compression varies according to the density of the foam, with
2-3 kg/cm2 for foams with densities of 35-40 kg/m3 and higher resistance for higher densities. Table
5.2 gives the main physical properties of some commercial grades of polyurethane foam. These
foams do not react with solvents used in the installation of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (such as
styrene formulated polyesters or acetone). Therefore, expanded polyurethane foams are widely used
as insulation in fish holds/fish containers together with a lining of fibreglassreinforced plastic, despite
the fact that they are significantly more expensive than expanded polystyrene. Their main technical
limitation is the fact that they are more likely to absorb water than expanded polystyrene, and can
burn and produce toxic substances during ignition. Figure 5.3 shows the permeability of different
insulation materials to water and water vapour.

FIGURE 5.2 Relationship between thermal resistance (R-value) and thickness of commercial
isocyanurate foam sheathing (data obtained from a Canadian manufacturer)

FIGURE 5.3 Comparison of permeability of different insulation materials to water and water
vapour at 20 °C and 65 percent relative humidity

Source: Prepared by authors based on data from ASHRAE, 1981 and Melgarejo, 1995.

TABLE 5.2
Physical properties of some grades of polyurethane foams

America Grades of polyurethane foam

n Society
for
Test
Physical Testing
Test units temp. 9002- 9002- 9005- 9002-
properties and 9006-4
(°F/°C)
Materials 2B 3B 2 4B
(ASTM)
method
Nominal lb/ft (kg/m3) 74/23.3 D1622 2 3(48) 4(64) 2(32) 4(64)
density (32)
Type1 I I I III III
Class 1
2 - - 2 3
Compressive
strength:
a) Parallel PSI2 74/23.3 D1621 38 70 100 25 75
b) PSI 74/23.3 D1621 18 36 68 20 48
Perpendicula
r
Compressive
modulus:
a) Parallel PSI 74/23.3 D1621 1 050 1750 2 500 600 2 000
b) PSI 74/23.3 D1621 450 950 1 500 500 900
Perpendicula
r
Tensile
strength:
a) Parallel PSI 74/23.3 D1623 56 84 112 40 90
b) PSI 74/23.3 D1623 40 65 90 35 77
Perpendicula
r
Shear PSI 74/23.3 C273 33 50 65 26 50
strength:
Perpendicula
r
Flame NA 74/23.3 D1692 none none none non- non-
resistance burnin burning
g
Thermal Btu/ft2.h°F/ 74/23.3 C177 0.11
conductivity, in to
also called K 0.16
factor
Water
absorption (2
days under
2” head):
a) By volume % 74/23.3 D2127
b) By weight lb/ft2 74/23.3 D2127 0.04 0.025 0.02 0.04 0.04
Dimensional 1.6 1 0.8 1.7 1.7
stability:
a) Net
change in
volume:
1 day % 160/71. D2126 1.5
1 Prac. E
7 days % 160/71. D2126 2 1 1 1.2 1.3
1 Prac. E
28 days % 160/71. D2126 2.5 1.5 1.5 1.7 2.7
1 Prac. E
b) Average 2 2 2.7 3.6
linear change
1 day % 160/71. D2126 0.7 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6
1 Prac. E
7 days % 160/71. D2126 1 0.7 0.7 0.8 1.4
1 Prac. E
28 days % 160/71. D2126 1.2 1 1 1.4 1.8
1 Prac. E

1
As specified by US Federal Specification HHI-I-00530.
2
1 PSI (pound/square inch) = 0.070307 kg/cm2.
Source: American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Book of Standards and CPR Division.
The Upjohn Co., USA.

TABLE 5.3
Thermal conductivity and density values at 0 °C of polystyrene insulation

Type Density Thermal conductivity

(kg/m3) (W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)
Expanded foam Type I 10 0.057/0.049
Expanded foam Type II 12 0.044/0.038
Expanded foam Type III 15 0.037/0.032
Expanded foam Type IV 20 0.034/0.029
Expanded foam Type V 25 0.033/0.028
Rigid extruded foam 33 0.033/0.028

5.3.2 Expanded polystyrene

Through polymerization styrene can be made into white pearls/beads of polystyrene plastic. These
beads can then be expanded to form a foam known as expanded polystyrene. There are two main
ways of making of expanded polystyrene: by extrusion and by moulding of slabs.

Extruded foams are made by mixing the polystyrene with a solvent, adding a gas under pressure and
finally extruding the mixture to the required thickness. The extrusion process improves the
characteristics of the final foam, such as its mechanical resistance, producing non-interconnecting
pores and a more homogeneous material. The mechanical resistance of expanded polystyrene foams
can vary from 0.4 to 1.1 kg/cm2. There are several grades of foams available with densities from 10 to
33 kg/m3, with thermal conductivities that are lower with the increase in density, as shown in Table
5.3.

Expanded polystyrene foams have a number of technical limitations:

 they are flammable, although fire-retardant grades are available;

 they break down gradually when exposed to direct sunlight;
 they react with solvents used in the installation of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (such as
styrene-formulated polyesters) as well as with other organic solvents (petrol, kerosene,
acetone, etc.).

This last characteristic makes them unsuitable for use in fish holds/fish containers that have a lining of
fibreglass-reinforced plastic where the fibreglass is applied in situ directly onto the insulation material.

Rigid board panels can be made with expanded polystyrene of different densities, various thicknesses
and sizes.

5.3.3 Expanded perlite

Perlite is a volcanic rock containing from 2 to 5 percent bonded water. It is a chemically inert
substance composed basically of silica and aluminium, but some impurities, such as Na2O, CaO,
MgO and K2O, which are hygroscopic, can absorb moisture easily. Therefore, depending on the
storage conditions and the quality of the perlite, moisture absorption can be minimized. The average
density of expanded perlite is about 130 kg/m3 and its thermal conductivity is about 0.04 kcal m-1 h-1 °C-
1
(0.047 W m-1 °C-1). The perlite is expanded by means of rapid heating at a temperature between 800
and 1 200 °C. The vaporization of the bonded water and the formation of natural glass results in the
expansion of the perlite particles, which have a granular shape. Therefore, the main parameters that
define the characteristics of expanded perlite are:
  the origin of the mineral perlite;
 the granulometric characteristics of the mineral before the expansion process;
 the temperature of expansion.

However, despite its good insulating efficiency, this is only effective when it is dry or in a loose
granular state. As these granules tend to absorb moisture and settle after installation, it becomes less
effective as an insulation material with time. The most common way of applying perlite is pouring the
granules and spreading them manually. It can fill small spaces more completely than fibrous insulation
materials. Loose-fill insulation, such as expanded perlite, may be used in combination with other types
of insulation material (e.g. slabs of cellular plastics) for filling awkwardly shaped areas of the fish hold
where cutting of slabs to the desired shape would be time-consuming and incomplete.

Caution is needed during handling and installation of expanded perlite, as perlite dust can cause
chronic poisoning.

5.3.4 Fibreglass

Fibreglass matting is also used as insulating material and offers the following advantages:

 high resistance to fire;

 high resistance to microbiological attack;
 good resistance to most chemicals;
 high heat resistance;
 available in a variety of presentations (e.g. blankets, mats, loose fill and boards);
 low thermal conductivity (see Table 5.4).

Fibreglass insulation is available in rolls of different thickness, also called blankets and mats. The
width of the blankets and mats will depend on the way they are to be installed and some come faced
on one side with foil or Kraft paper, which serve as vapour barriers.

However, the main technical limitations of fibreglass matting as insulation are:

 poor structural strength or compression resistance;

 a tendency to settle after installation if not properly installed;
 its permeability to moisture.

Rigid board panels can be made with compressed fibreglass. These lightweight insulation boards
have relatively high R-values for their thickness.

5.3.5 Cork

Cork is probably one of the oldest insulation materials used commercially, and in the past it was the
most widely used insulation material in the refrigeration industry. At present, due to the scarcity of
cork-producing trees, its price is relatively high in comparison with other insulating materials.
Therefore, its use is very limited, with the exception of some machine foundations to reduce the
transmission of vibrations. It is available as expanded slabs or boards as well as in granular form, its
density varies from 110 to 130 kg/m3 and it has an average mechanical resistance of 2.2 kg/m2. It can
only be used up to temperatures of 65 °C. It has good thermal insulating effectiveness, is fairly
resistant to compression and is difficult to burn. Its main technical limitation is the tendency to absorb
moisture with an average permeance to water vapour of 12.5 g cm m-2 day-1 mmHg-1. Table 5.5 gives
some typical characteristics of cork.

TABLE 5.4
Thermal conductivity and density values at 0 °C of fibreglass insulation

Type Density Thermal conductivity

 (kg/m3) (W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)
Type I 10-18 0.044/0.038
Type II 19-30 0.037/0.032
Type III 31-45 0.034/0.029
Type IV 46-65 0.033/0.028
Type V 66-90 0.033/0.028
Type VI 91 0.036/0.031
Glass fibre, resin bonded 64-144 0.036/0.031

Source: Prepared by authors based on data from Melgarejo, 1995.

TABLE 5.5
Thermal conductivity and density values at 20-25 °C of cork insulation

Type Density Thermal conductivity

(kg/m ) (W m-1 °C-1) / (kcal h-1 m-1 °C-1)
3

Granulated loose, dry 115 0.052/0.0447

Granulated 86 0.048/0.041
Expanded cork slab 130 0.04/0.344
Expanded cork board 150 0.043/0.037
Expanded bonded with resins/bitumen 100-150 0.043/0.037
Expanded bonded with resins/bitumen 150-250 0.048/0.041

Source: Prepared by authors based on data from Melgarejo, 1995.

5.3.6 Comparison of the various insulants

Some of the more common materials used for insulation are compared in Table 5.6 with their relative
insulating values and the advantages and disadvantages of particular types. In general, the more
expensive materials, such as the polyurethane foams are more efficient insulators for given
thicknesses. Using the “R” system of grading (see definitions in paragraph 5.1.2), it is possible to
arrive at equivalent “R values” for a variety of insulating material types.

Figure 5.4 shows the comparison of typical thicknesses of different insulation materials used for chill
rooms and ice stores, operating on shore, in temperate and tropical areas, at average ambient air
temperatures of 20, 30 and 40 °C. Some designers indicate that the thermal conductance coefficient
(l) for shore-based chill and ice stores should not exceed 0.26 kcal m-2 h-1 °C-1 (equivalent to an R-
value = 18.8 ft2 h °F Btu-1). However, the setting of this value depends basically on the energy costs,
therefore it may be reduced if, in the future, energy costs increase.

TABLE 5.6
Common insulating materials, “R” values, advantages and disadvantages

Insulating material “R” value Advantages Disadvantages

per inch
(2.54 cm)
Polyurethane, board 6.25 Very good R-value, Not always easily
can be used with available, relatively
fibreglass resins expensive
Polyurethane, spray 7.0 Very good R-value, Not always easily
on can be used with available, expensive,
fibreglass resins, requires special spray
 easy application with equipment
spray equipment
Polyurethane, poured 7.0 Very good R-value, Not always easily
(two-part chemical) can be used with available, expensive,
fibreglass resins, requires very careful
relative ease of volume calculations
application
Polystyrene, sheets 5.0 Readily available, low
Cannot be used with
(smooth) cost, reasonable R- fibreglass resins unless
Trade name value protected, easily
“Styrofoam” damaged
Polystyrene, foamed in 3.75 to Reasonable R- Cannot be used with
place and expanded 4.0 values, lower cost fibreglass resins unless
moulded beads. than smooth surfaced protected, easily
Known as Isopor, sheets damaged
Polypor, etc.
Cork board 3.33 Availability in many Lower R-values than
markets, reasonable polyurethane for
cost, can be covered styrene foams
with fibreglass
Fibreglass wool batts 3.3 Low cost, ease of Readily absorbs water
installation or other fluids, loses
insulating value when
wet
Rock wool batts 3.7 As above As above
Wood shavings 2.2 Readily available, low Absorbs moisture and
cost loses R-values when
wet, decays
Sawdust 2.44 Readily available, low Absorbs moisture and
cost loses R-value when
wet, packs down under
vibration
Straw Readily available, low Absorbs moisture and
cost loses R-value when
wet, host to insects,
etc.
Air space 1.0 No cost Has to be completely
approx. sealed to prevent air
circulation causing heat
infiltration

The selection of the optimum insulation thickness for fish holds will depend on factors such as the
insulation costs (materials and installation), ice costs (or power and equipment costs according to the
refrigeration requirements), annual cost savings in refrigeration due to improved insulation efficiency,
and local conditions (type of fishing operations and vessel, species caught, fish prices, borrowing
costs). Therefore, the optimum thickness of insulation should be selected on an individual basis.
However, taking into account the local environmental conditions in which the fishing vessel is likely to
operate, which do not depend on economic calculations, a minimum recommended thickness of
insulation should be determined. In practice, a compromise should be reached between the optimum
economic insulation thickness and the ice/refrigeration costs.

It is also important, for planning purposes, to take into consideration the heat gains from radiation and
conduction, to select the optimum insulation thickness.
FIGURE 5.4 Comparison of typical insulation thickness for shore-based chilled and ice stores
operating at average ambient air temperatures of 20 °C, 30 °C and 40 °C (thickness rounded up
to nearest 5 mm)

5.4 Types of protective lining for fish holds and selection of

insulation materials
Certain aspects of the selection of insulation materials and protective lining for fish holds require
careful consideration. For example, perlite, cork and other highly hygroscopic insulation materials
should not be used on the sidewalls or flooring of the fish hold (due to the extremely wet conditions in
these areas), unless suitable protective watertight linings are placed over them. Types of lining such
as wood planking and plywood sheets alone are not suitable for protecting insulation materials for wet
walls or flooring in fish holds. Protective metal linings that can be welded or soldered are a suitable
alternative, provided that joints and seams are strong and complete watertightness can be ensured.
The most suitable commercially available metal linings for fish holds are extruded aluminium alloy
boards and mild steel plates. However, as welding of aluminium alloys is difficult and expensive, the
aluminium alloy lining should be prepared before the application of the insulation, in order to prevent
fire risks of some cellular insulation materials. Otherwise, strict fire precautions should be taken during
installation of the lining or when repairs are needed. With the application of foam in-place insulation
materials, fish holds or CSW/RSW tanks can be easily insulated by applying the foam in between the
hull and the steel plate of the tank or fish hold walls, thus avoiding fire risks caused by welding
operations.

A commonly used lining material for fish holds, in particular for wooden hull vessels, is fibreglass-
reinforced plastic (FRP), which can be applied directly to some expanded cellular plastic insulation
materials (such as polyurethane foams). In commercial practice, two or three layers of fibreglass (450
g/m2 density mat) and resin, or two layers of 450 g/m2 mat and a finishing layer of 300 g/m2 mat and
resin, are applied over the insulation material; the polyester resins are applied (with a roller) until a
lining about 4-5 mm thick is obtained. An alternative method for the use of expanded polystyrene
foam in conjunction with an FRP lining is to protect the insulation with marine plywood sheets not less
than 8 mm thick and a layer of tar, then cover the marine plywood with a layer of FRP no less than 4
mm thick. Adequate provisions should be made to ensure proper ventilation between the marine
plywood and the hull planking, to prevent fungal rot in the wooden hull and moisture absorption by the
insulation material.