A Comparison between Actual and Published k-Values for Saudi Insulation Materials

Abstract

The objective of this technical note is to compare the tested results of the k-values of Saudi manufacturers' insulation materials with the same manufactur ers published values. The test insulation materials include expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, extruded polystyrene, light weight concrete (Siporex), polyiso cyanurate, glass fiber, and perlite from different Saudi manufacturers. The ASTM test for "Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate" (C-177) was utilized for testing the insulation samples. A guarded-hot-plate thermal conductance measuring system was utilized for conduct ing the tests. Insulation material samples from over 14 Saudi insulation manufacturers were ob tained. The results indicate that published thermal conductivity values do not necessarily represent the proper values for Saudi climatic conditions.