The exponential growth in international trade has resulted in a massive transportation and logistics industry. As much as the industry is growing, the challenges are numerous as well. One of the significant challenges faced by logistics companies is to move large quantities of goods over long distances without compromising their quality. This is especially true for products that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations or require special handling during transportation. To ensure safe and efficient transportation, thermal insulation materials have become a necessity in the industry. But how do they help with controlling the temperature of the cargo? This article discusses heat conductivity and how thermal insulation blanket materials affect it.
What Is Heat Conductivity?
Heat is transferred from one body to another through three main methods; conduction, convection, and radiation. Let’s take a look at them in detail.
Conduction
Heat conduction occurs through the physical contact of two bodies. The heat from the object with the higher temperature is transferred to the other until the it reaches an equilibrium. This process continues and speeds up as the temperature difference between two objects increases.
Convection
Convection is the transfer of heat through liquids and gasses. It occurs when liquid or gas molecules carry heat from one place to another. The molecules move in an upwards and downward cycle, which is known as a convection current.
Radiation
Thermal radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. This is different from conduction and convection in that it does not require any physical contact between two objects. Thermal radiation can travel through a vacuum, and it is the primary way that heat reaches Earth from the sun.
Heat Conductivity
Heat conductivity is the measure of a material’s ability to transmit heat and thermal energy through conduction. It is affected by the properties of the materials involved; their ability to store or transfer heat, their specific heat capacity, and their density. The more efficient a material’s ability to transfer and store heat, the higher its heat conductivity.
Conductive materials have a low resistance to heat transfer and are good at transferring heat energy from one point to another. Thermal insulation materials, on the other hand, are designed with high resistance to heat transfer to keep temperature fluctuations as minimal as possible. Examples of materials with high thermal conductivity are metals such as copper and aluminum, while materials with low thermal conductivity include plastic, wood, and wool.
How Does the Type of Thermal Insulation Material Affect Heat Conductivity?
Thermal insulation materials are designed to reduce the amount of heat that passes through them and keep goods at consistent temperatures during transportation. The type of material used for thermal insulation affects the rate at which heat is transferred, and a higher quality material will have a better rating in terms of its thermal conductivity.
Heat transfer through materials can be decreased by using multiple layers, as more layers create an even stronger barrier between the two points. Different types of insulation materials are also used for different applications. In addition to selecting the right type of material for your project, several other factors can affect how well your chosen material will protect your cargo from extreme temperature excursions.
Thermal Conductivity (λ)
The most important factor in determining the effectiveness of thermal insulation is its thermal conductivity (also known as lambda or λ). This measures how quickly heat passes through a material and is measured in Watts per Meter Kelvin (W/mK). A lower thermal conductivity indicates better insulating properties and improved energy efficiency. Different materials have varying levels of thermal conductivity, so understanding these differences helps you choose the right type of insulation for your needs.
Thermal Resistance (R)
Another important factor in choosing an effective thermal insulation material is its resistance to heat transfer. This is also known as the R-value, which measures the ability of a material to resist heat flow from one side to another. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation performance will be. Different types of materials have different levels of R-values; for example, fiberglass fabric has a much higher R-value than styrofoam or cellulose insulation, making it a better choice for high-performance insulation.
Specific Heat Capacity
Specific heat capacity measures how much energy is required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of the material by one degree Celsius; this should always be considered when selecting an efficient material since higher specific heat capacities indicate better insulating abilities.
Density
Density measures how much mass per unit volume an insulation material has; denser materials will provide more consistent long-term performance since they are less likely to shift or settle over time. However, higher density means heavier material and this could affect functionality.
Thermal Diffusivity
Comparing a material’s capacity to transfer thermal energy with its capability of preserving it, Thermal diffusivity provides an indication of how well the material conducts heat.. Materials with lower diffusivities will offer better insulating properties than those with higher diffusivities. A low diffusivity indicates that it takes longer for the same amount of heat energy to pass through a given area, resulting in better insulation.
Types of Thermal Insulation Blanket Material
Thermal blankets have become an integral part of the transportation industry, especially in cold-chain logistics where the cargo is sensitive to temperature. These insulation blankets provide an extra layer of protection against heat, cold, and moisture. Different types of insulation blankets are available, depending on the application and environment. This type of insulation is usually made from synthetic fibers or natural fibers like cotton or wool. Synthetic materials are much more resistant to moisture and fire than natural ones, but they can be less durable.
Fiberglass Insulation
The most common type of thermal blanket material is fiberglass. This material is made from glass that has been melted down and spun into fibers. It is one of the most popular types of insulation because it is lightweight, durable, and easy to install. The fibers trap air pockets, which results in increased thermal insulation qualities.
Cellulose Insulation
Cellulose insulation blankets are made from recycled paper products such as newspaper or cardboard boxes that have been treated with chemicals for fire resistance and insect repellent purposes. Cellulose has excellent soundproofing capabilities but its thermal performance can vary depending on how thick the blanket is installed and the type of chemical treatment it has undergone. It also requires more maintenance than other types of thermal insulation blankets since it needs to be checked periodically for mold or mildew growth due to moisture accumulation over time.
Foam Insulation
Foam insulation materials are made from either polyurethane or polystyrene foam, which has both excellent thermal and soundproofing capabilities. These materials are lightweight and easy to install. They also offer long-term protection against extreme heat fluctuations since they are resistant to both water and fire. However, foam insulation can be quite expensive and requires more maintenance than other types of thermal insulation blankets.
Why You Should Use Thermal Insulation Blankets for Cargo Transport
Transporting cargo comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when dealing with long-distance trips and exposure to the external elements. Thermal insulation blankets offer a great solution for keeping your cargo safe during transport. Not only do they protect from exposure to low or high temperatures, but also provide resistance against moisture, wind, and UV radiation.
These blankets can help reduce the risk of condensation inside the container and promote a higher degree of safety thanks to their fireproof material. Hence, using proper insulation blankets is without a doubt one of the best strategies for protecting your cargo during shipping and ensuring it gets to its destination in perfect condition.
AstroAsia’s Specialized Thermal Insulation Blankets
AstroAsia specializes in providing thermal insulation blankets for cargo transportation. These blankets are designed to keep the cargo safe and secure during transport. They offer superior protection from moisture, extreme temperatures, UV radiation, windy weather, condensation, and much more.
Astro-Quilt
Astro-Quilt is an innovative solution for protecting cargo during shipping! It is composed of six layers of Polyethylene foam with either a metalized Polyethylene or aluminum-coated woven Polyethylene exterior. This means that they are incredibly durable and reliable, perfect for protecting pallets, roll cages, containers, and anything else you need to ship. By utilizing Astro-Quilt during transportation, you gain peace of mind regarding the safety and security of your cargo. With its high-quality construction, you can trust that your investment will be well-protected – giving you extra assurance in your shipment process.
Poly-Wool Quilt
Poly-Wool Quilt is the perfect choice for a diverse range of needs. Incorporating a core of hollow fiber Polyester Wool, it provides insulation and safety for the shipments. To make the quilt even more durable in rugged conditions, its aluminum-coated woven Polyethylene exterior helps to protect it from abrasions and wear, making it suitable for pallet quilts, cargo quilts, roll cage covers, and full container blankets. With its unique combination of functionality and resilience, Poly-Wool Quilt is a great choice wherever you need a reliable form of insulation and protection and long-lasting convenience.
Get the Right Thermal Insulation Blanket for Your Cargo
Thermal blankets are an important part of cargo transport. They play a crucial role in keeping the temperature regulated and protecting goods from damage. The material used to manufacture the thermal insulation blankets are important since the heat resistivity depends on it. AstroAsia manufactures specialized thermal insulation blankets that are designed to meet the specific needs of your business from cold-chain to high temperature applications. Contact us today for more information about our products and services!
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