In cold storage construction, the proper selection of insulation materials directly affects the energy efficiency of the refrigeration system and fire safety. Senbin Holdings (Hubei) Co., Ltd. strictly follows relevant national standards and has outlined the core requirements for insulation materials in cold storage. We advocate the use of high-performance insulation materials such as B1-grade flame-retardant polyurethane, ensuring low thermal conductivity, high closed-cell ratio, and compliance with fire safety acceptance standards. The following are the specific technical requirements for insulation materials in cold storage:
The selection and installation of insulation materials in cold storage directly affect energy consumption, service life, and fire safety. According to current national standards (such as the "Code for Construction and Acceptance of Cold Storage" GB51440-2021), strict requirements are imposed on insulation materials, mainly covering four core aspects: fire resistance, physical properties, moisture resistance, and installation specifications.
1. Fire Performance Classification Requirements
Insulation materials for cold storage must meet national standards for combustion performance. According to regulations, insulation materials must meet B1-grade (flame-retardant) or higher fire resistance requirements. A-grade materials are non-combustible (e.g., rock wool) and do not burn when exposed to open flames; B1-grade materials have self-extinguishing properties, and the charred layer formed during combustion effectively blocks flame spread. For places with high occupancy, the standards explicitly require the use of A-grade fire-resistant materials to prevent fire hazards.
2. Physical Performance Technical Indicators
The physical properties of insulation materials directly determine the thermal insulation effect and structural stability of the cold storage:
Thermal conductivity: The standards require that the thermal conductivity of insulation materials be strictly controlled to ≤0.035 W/(m·K) (some high-standard requirements specify ≤0.024 W/(m·K)) to ensure excellent insulation performance.
Compressive strength: The material must have sufficient mechanical properties to withstand external forces, generally requiring a compressive strength of ≥150 kPa (for load-bearing areas such as floors, ≥200 kPa or higher is required).
Water absorption: To prevent moisture from compromising insulation effectiveness, water absorption must be strictly controlled (e.g., polyurethane ≤2.5%, XPS extruded board ≤0.7%).
3. Moisture and Vapor Barrier Construction Standards
Cold storage operates in a low-temperature, high-humidity environment, making moisture protection a top priority. If the pores of the material are filled with water or ice, the thermal conductivity increases dramatically. Therefore, the standards require:
The moisture content of insulation materials must be strictly controlled and must not exceed the allowable limit.
A complete vapor barrier (e.g., 0.8mm PE film) must be installed, and for special scenarios such as quick-freezing warehouses, a double-layer staggered joint installation technique is required, with joint sealant fill rate exceeding 95%.
The substrate must be dry and clean to prevent the insulation layer from absorbing moisture from the substrate.
4. Installation and Acceptance Standards
Incoming inspection: Insulation materials delivered to the site must be sampled under the supervision of the project supervisor and sent to a qualified institution for re-testing of thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and combustion performance.
Cold bridge prevention: During installation, it is strictly prohibited to arbitrarily cut openings in the insulation layer for pipe installation. Metal pipes, cables, and other components that penetrate the insulation layer must be properly treated to break cold bridges and prevent localized condensation.
Prohibited materials: Loose-fill insulation materials are generally not used in cold storage projects, and coal-tar asphalt-based materials are strictly prohibited.
In summary, the standard requirements for insulation materials in cold storage constitute a systematic project. When selecting materials, it is essential to comprehensively consider the fire resistance rating, thermal conductivity, and moisture resistance of the material. During installation, strict adherence to vapor barrier, cold bridge prevention, and joint sealing techniques is required to ensure the long-term, safe, and energy-efficient operation of the cold storage.
The above are the core requirements for insulation materials in cold storage. Choosing insulation materials that meet the standards is not only a prerequisite for ensuring the safe and compliant operation of the cold storage but also the key to reducing long-term energy consumption and improving operational efficiency. Senbin Holdings (Hubei) Co., Ltd. is always committed to providing customers with high-quality insulation solutions under high standards and strict requirements, helping enterprises build safe, energy-efficient, and modern cold storage facilities. If you need more technical specifications or professional material selection advice, please feel free to contact us.
