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Cryogel Z Insulation
TECHNICAL GUIDE
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Cryogel Z Insulation
(Headings/page#s linked) TECHNICAL GUIDE

Contents

Introduction 3

Thermal Conductivity 4
ASTM C 177 – Thermal Conductivity

Dimensional and Mechanical Stability 5
ASTM E 228 – Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
ASTM C 165 – Compressive Stress Strain
ASTM C 1101 – Flexibility at Ambient Temperature
ASTM C 1101 Modified – Flexibility at Cryogenic Temperature

Water Resistance 6
ASTM C 1104 – Water Vapor Sorption
ASTM C 1511 – Water Retention (Repellency)
ASTM E 96 – Water Vapor Transmission Rate

Chemical and Corrosion Resistance 7

ASTM C 871 – Standard Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use
in Contact With Austenitic Steel

Non-Combustibility and Fire Performance 7

ASTM E 84 – Flame and Smoke Spread
UL 1709 – Structural Steel Fire Protection

Appendix A ASTM C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY 8

Appendix B ASTM E 228 – Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 17

Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN 27

Appendix D ASTM C 1104 – WATER VAPOR SORPTION 37

ASTM C 1511 – WATER RETENTION (REPELLENCY)
ASTM C 1101 – FLEXIBILITY at ambient temperature
ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED – FLEXIBILITY AT CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURE
ASTM E 96 – Water Vapor Transmission Rate

Appendix E VAPOR BARRIER VENDOR DATA SHEET 43

Appendix F ASTM C 871 – Standard Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use 44
in Contact with Austenitic Steel

Appendix G ASTM E 84 – Flame and Smoke Spread 46

Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION 50


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Cryogel Z Insulation
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Introduction

Aspen Aerogels developed Cryogel™ insulation for chilled and cryogenic applications. The basis of Cryogel is needled
polyester and glass infused with aerogel. The needled material has been designed to maximize robustness required for
installation, while still maintaining the low thermal conductivity and flexibility at cryogenic operating conditions.
Cryogel Z is a 5 mm and 10 mm polyester and glass blend product for onshore cryogenic piping, robust for handling in
manual field installations and automated high tension wrapping processes. Cryogel Z includes an aluminum-based vapor
barrier laminate impermeable to water vapor.

Cryogel Z Advantages
• Superior Thermal Performance – 2 to 3 times more efficient than competing insulation products
• Reduced Thickness and Profile – Equal thermal resistance at a fraction of the thickness
• Less Time and Labor to Install – Easily cut and conformed to complex shapes, tight curvatures, and spaces with restricted access
• Zero Permeability Due to Integral Vapor Barrier – Provides redundant moisture protection in an easy-to-install package
• Physically Robust – Soft and flexible but with excellent springback, Cryogel Z recovers its thermal performance even after
compression events as high as 850 psi
• Shipping and Warehousing Savings – Reduced material volume, high packing density, and low scrap rates can reduce logistics costs
by a factor of five or more compared to rigid, pre-formed insulations
• Eliminates Contraction Joints – Because it remains flexible even at cryogenic temperatures, Cryogel Z eliminates the contraction
joints used to prevent compressive failure in other insulation materials
• Environmentally Safe – Landfill disposable, shot-free, with no respirable fiber content

Specification Compliance and Performance

Cryogel’s main properties are categorized and described on the following pages. Below is summary of key test results. (Click test name to jump to report.)

Test Procedure Property Results

ASTM C 165 Compressive Stress Strain 7.5 psi @ 10%, 25.0 psi @ 25%

ASTM C 177 Thermal Conductivity 10.7 mW/m-K @ -160°C

14.1 mW/m-K @ 0°C
18.3 mW/m-K @ 100°C
ASTM C 871 Standard Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use in Contact With Austenitic Steel PASS

ASTM C 1101 Flexibility Flexible

ASTM C 1101 Flexibility at Cryogenic Temperature Resilient Flexible

ASTM C 1104 Water Vapor Sorption <1.1% (mass)

ASTM C 1511 Water Retention after Submersion in Water <4% (mass)

ASTM E 84 Flame and Smoke Spread Class A: FSI <5 SDI 20

ASTM E 96 Water Vapor Transmission Rate (with vapor barrier) 0.00 perm

ASTM E 228 Linear Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (@ -150°C) x 1.26 x 10-5 K-1
y 1.34 x 10-5 K-1
UL 1709 Structural Steel Fire Protection 30 mm 147 min 175 mm 173 min
50 mm 109 min 100 mm 180+ min

NOTE: Aspen Aerogels’ internal material designation for Cryogel Z formerly was Cryogel 10201Z. For commercial puproses, this was shortened to Cryogel Z. All tests indicating Cryogel 10201Z are
equivalent to Cryogel Z.

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Thermal Conductivity

ASTM C 177 - THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

Aspen has completed third-party validation of its thermal conductivity results. Thermal conductivity of the Cryogel material
is as follows:

• 10.7 mW/m-K @ -160°C

• 14.1 mW/m-K @ 0°C

• 18.3 mW/m-K @ 100°C

The final report in Appendix A shows the full thermal conductivity curve from cryogenic to laboratory conditions.

Thermal Conductivity
ASTM C 177 Results
Mean Temperature (°F)
-300 -200 -100 0 100 200 300
25
Thermal Conductivity, k (Btu-in/hr-ft2-°F)

Mean Temp. °C -200 -150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150

0.16
Thermal Conductivity, k (mW/m-K)

°F -328 -238 -148 -58 32 122 212 302

0.14 20
k mW/m-K 9.8 11.4 12.3 12.9 13.8 15.5 18.6 23.6

0.12 Btu-in/hr-ft2-°F 0.0681 0.0793 0.0852 0.0894 0.0956 0.1076 0.1291 0.1637

0.10 15

0.08
10
0.06

0.04
5
0.02

0 0
-200 -150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150
Mean Temperature (°C)

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Dimensional and Mechanical Stability

ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

The test report in Appendix B illustrates that the materials exhibited less than 0.23% contraction when exposed to
cryogenic temperatures (-150°C). This translates to a coefficient of thermal expansion in the X direction of 1.26 x 10-5
K-1 at cryogenic conditions. In the Y direction, the coefficient of thermal expansion is lower at 1.34 x 10-5 K-1 at cryogenic
conditions. The CTE is available for a range of temperatures from +100°C to -170°C.

ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

The test report in Appendix C describes the compressive properties of Cryogel and Cryogel Z when tested according to
ASTM C 165. The average compressive stress values for Cryogel are 7.2 psi @ 10% strain and 23.4 psi @ 25% strain. The
average compressive stress values for Cryogel Z are 7.5 psi @ 10% strain and 25 psi @ 25% strain. Stress-strain curves
are given in the appendix up to loadings of 800 psi.

ASTM C 1101 – FLEXIBILITY and FLEXIBILTY CRYOGENIC TEMPERATURE

The test report in Appendix D indicates the “Flexible” nature of Cyrogel and Cryogel Z. This property allows the
insulation blankets to easily conform around pipes during installation. The report also shows the “Resilient Flexible” nature
of the Cryogel and Cryogel Z at cryogenic temperatures. The cryogenic testing was completed using a modified version of
ASTM C 1101, where the Cryogel was immersed in liquid nitrogen for >5 minutes and subsequently draped over a liquid
nitrogen cooled pipe.

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Water Resistance

ASTM C 1104 - WATER VAPOR SORPTION

Cryogel and Cryogel Z absorbed less than 1.1% weight after exposure to 95% relative humidity for 96 hours. The testing
was performed in accordance with ASTM C 1104 and results are described in Appendix D.

ASTM C 1511 – WATER RETENTION (REPELLENCY)

Cryogel is hydrophobic and repels water. When submerged in a water bath for 15 minutes, Cryogel retained less than 4%
water by mass. This result is listed in Appendix D.

ASTM E 96 - WATER VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATE

The water vapor transmission rate was measured per ASTM E 96 as shown in Appendix D. Although an open cell
material, the nanopore structure results in Cryogel having a relatively low water vapor transmission rate and permeability.
The water vapor transmission rate was measured at 1290 ng / Pa-s-sq m.

For cryogenic and low temperature applications requiring water vapor control, Cryogel Z is laminated with a vapor barrier.
The perm rating for this material is 0.00 perm. The vendor data sheet can be found in Appendix E.

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Chemical and Corrosion Resistance

ASTM C 871 - STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR THERMAL INSULATION FOR USE IN

CONTACT WITH AUSTENITIC STEEL

Appendix F has the test report for ASTM C 871. The chemical requirements are covered in ASTM C 871. As indicated
in the concentration of chlorides and fluorides, both are well within acceptable limits of the ASTM C 871 standard. The
fluoride concentration is <1 ppm and the chloride is well within acceptable limits when considering the sodium and silicate
concentrations.

Non-Combustibility and Fire Performance

ASTM E 84 - FLAME AND SMOKE SPREAD

Testing in accordance with ASTM E 84 was performed per the report in Appendix G. Cryogel is rated Class A for both
smoke and flame spread indices: FSI <5, SDI 20.

The vapor barrier also achieved a Class A rating: FSI 10, SDI 20. The vendor data sheet is in Appendix E.

UL 1709 - STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

Cryogel Z was tested for Rapid Rise Fire Tests of Protection Materials for Structural Steel. The sample is subjected to
furnace heat of 2000°F and the approximate heat flux of 204 kW/m2. Thermocouples recorded the temperature of the
steel pipe under the insulation, and the time to reach 1200°F under the insulation is reported.

Six layers of Cryogel Z take 47:20 (MM:SS) to reach 1200°F. The third party test results can be found in Appendix H.

Cryogel Z Thickness Fire Resistance (min)

30 47
50 109
75 173
100 180+

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix A C 177 – THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix B ASTM E 228 – LINEAR COEFFICIENT OF THERMAL EXPANSION

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix C ASTM C 165 – COMPRESSIVE STRESS STRAIN

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Appendix D ASTM C 1101, ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED, ASTM C 1104, ASTM C 1511, ASTM E 96

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Appendix D ASTM C 1101, ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED, ASTM C 1104, ASTM C 1511, ASTM E 96

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Appendix D ASTM C 1101, ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED, ASTM C 1104, ASTM C 1511, ASTM E 96

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Appendix D ASTM C 1101, ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED, ASTM C 1104, ASTM C 1511, ASTM E 96

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Appendix D ASTM C 1101, ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED, ASTM C 1104, ASTM C 1511, ASTM E 96

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Appendix D ASTM C 1101, ASTM C 1101 MODIFIED, ASTM C 1104, ASTM C 1511, ASTM E 96

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Appendix E VAPOR BARRIER VENDOR DATA SHEET

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Appendix F ASTM C 871

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Appendix F ASTM C 871

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Appendix G ASTM E 84 – FLAME AND SMOKE SPREAD

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Appendix G ASTM E 84 – FLAME AND SMOKE SPREAD

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Appendix G ASTM E 84 – FLAME AND SMOKE SPREAD

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Appendix G ASTM E 84 – FLAME AND SMOKE SPREAD

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Appendix H UL 1709 – STRUCTURAL STEEL FIRE PROTECTION

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Aspen Aerogels, Inc. phone 508.691.1111 Cryogel is a registered trademark

™ 30 Forbes Road, Building B fax 508.691.1200 of Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
Northborough, MA 01532 email [email protected] © 2008 Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
www.aerogel.com REV 2.0

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