It is no surprise that in the cold-chain shipping industry, controlling thermal energy is of utmost importance. Without proper insulation and temperature control systems, expensive cargo can be lost due to heat transfer. Air bubble insulation has emerged as one of the newest and most effective ways to regulate the temperature in order to minimize thermal losses during transit. In this blog post, we’ll explore how air bubble insulation works, its benefits for cold-chain shippers, and a few tips on using it effectively for maximum protection against heat transfer. Investing in high-quality air bubble insulation could be a game changer for your bottom line, so read on.
A Closer Look at Air Bubble Insulation
Air bubble insulation is a type of insulation made from sheets of lightweight plastic that contain pockets of air. It works by trapping air within the individual bubbles, which act as insulating barriers to heat transfer. This creates an efficient thermal barrier that helps keep temperatures stable and prevents radiant heat infiltration. It has a multi-layered film that traps air within its unique bubble-shaped outer layer. The material is usually made up of polyethylene (PE) or foil-based laminates, which are then sealed together with air bubbles trapped within. The air bubbles act as an insulator, which makes the material ideal for shipping items that need to be maintained at a certain temperature.
A Brief History of Bubble Wrap
It was invented in 1957 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, who were trying to create textured wallpaper, and sealed two shower curtains with air bubbles trapped inside. This led to further developments and made what we now know as bubble wrap. It was originally used as a packaging material for transporting delicate goods.
It is useful in many other industries such as construction, automotive, electronics, and furniture manufacturing. Bubble wrap is versatile and can be used to protect a variety of items from damage during shipping or storage. With its air bubbles creating a strong shock absorption barrier, bubble wrap can help ensure that the items arrive safely and in the same condition as when they were sent. Air bubble materials are also useful in thermal insulation and have many applications in the cargo shipping industry as they can provide additional use in radiant heat control.
Why Does Radiant Barrier Foil Insulation Need an Air Gap?
Heat is transferred in three ways; conduction, convection, and radiation. When it comes to insulation, air gaps play an important role in preventing heat from transferring through conduction. Having an air gap between the foil and what it is insulating, greatly reduces the amount of heat transfer as there is no direct contact between them. Additionally, the reflective surface of the foil also works to reflect most of the radiation away.
How It Can Help Minimize Heat Transfer
When a reflective cargo blanket is used to cover a load of cargo, it comes into contact with the outside of the goods. Due to this, even though the reflective outer layer of the blanket reflects most of the radiant heat, there is a possibility for heat to reach the cargo through conduction. Having a single layer of air bubbles greatly reduces the conduction of heat from the outside, making it much more effective in keeping the cargo temperature under control. The air bubbles act as an insulator that slows down or stops the transfer of heat by conduction, keeping the temperature inside steady and preventing any unnecessary energy dissipation. This can be further advanced by increasing the number of layers of air bubbles.
This is the technology used in AstroAsia’s Radiant Barrier Insulated Blankets. The blankets are made of a multi-layered material with air bubbles sandwiched between two layers of reinforced pure aluminum foil. This creates an effective barrier preventing heat from entering or leaving the cargo, allowing for temperature control and energy efficiency. The air pockets trapped in the insulation sheet or blanket further reduce conduction by providing insulation, minimizing the rate at which heat is conducted through the material. This helps to maintain a constant temperature inside for longer periods of time, thus enhancing energy efficiency.
Is It Useful in Cargo Shipping?
Cargo shipping is a complex process that requires the right materials and techniques to ensure the safe delivery of goods. One solution that has become increasingly popular among cargo shipping professionals is bubble foil insulation. The air pockets in the cargo blanket can help maintain a consistent temperature throughout the shipping process, keeping products from becoming too hot or cold during transit. This helps to protect sensitive items and also prevents spoilage.
Let’s take a look at how AstroAsia’s bubble-insulated cargo blankets have performed in live testing. The following diagram shows how effective the radiant barrier with air bubbles is in protecting against heat fluctuations. While the external heat (shown in blue) fluctuates over 20 degrees, the temperature under the blanket only fluctuates between 5 degrees.
As well as protection against heat, the radiant barrier with air bubbles helps to protect against the cold. Here’s how AstroAsia’s insulated cargo blankets performed in a cold test. The temperature inside the insulated blanket (shown in red) remained above freezing, while the external temperature dropped below -16 degrees.
What Are the Benefits of Air Bubble Insulation?
Air bubble insulation has become a popular choice for businesses looking to reduce their energy costs and protect their products during shipping. Not only is air bubble insulation lightweight, easy to install, and cost-effective, but it’s also environmentally friendly due to its non-toxic nature. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of air bubble insulation and how it can help your business.
Lightweight and Easy to Install
One of the biggest advantages of air bubble insulation is its lightweight structure. It can be installed quickly and easily, making it a great option for businesses on a tight timeline or budget. Additionally, air bubble insulation does not require any special tools or supplies for installation, so you will not have to worry about extra expenses related to installation.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Air bubble insulation is an excellent alternative to active refrigerated shipping methods. While they can be more expensive and require more maintenance than air bubble insulation, they are still necessary for certain applications. For businesses that do not need active refrigeration, however, air bubble insulation can provide an energy-efficient and economical solution that will keep goods safe during transit without breaking the bank.
Environmentally Friendly and Reusable
Air bubble insulation is made from non-toxic material that does not contain any hazardous chemicals or substances. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a green solution that will not harm the environment. It is also reusable multiple times with proper care and handling, allowing you to get even more economical.
Get the Right Air Bubble Insulation Material for Your Cargo Shipment
Air bubble insulation is an effective, efficient, and cost-effective way to minimize heat transfer and protect goods in transit. This technology can help cargo shipments maintain optimal temperatures during transport while ensuring goods are not damaged upon arrival. Not only does it improve the transport process, but it also can drastically reduce shipping costs by improving fuel efficiency during transport.
In conclusion, air bubble insulation is an ideal solution when it comes to areas of cargo shipping where it’s paramount to minimize heat transfer. Whether you need insulated cargo blankets for seasonal shippers or require specialized temperature-controlled insulation products AstroAsia is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to find out how we can provide you with the right product that meets all your demands!
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