Types of Ceramic Insulation

Ceramic fibre insulation comes in several forms. They are made from the same kind of heat-resistant fibre, but each form suits a different job. This page gives a short overview to help you choose.

The main types

Type	What it is	Best for
Blanket	Soft, flexible mat	Wrapping, lining curved surfaces, doors
Board	Stiff flat sheet	Walls, roofs, heat shields, hot gas flow
Paper	Thin flexible sheet	Gaskets, seals, tight spaces
Modules	Folded blanket blocks with anchors	Fast lining of large furnace walls and roofs
Rope and tape	Braided or twisted fibre	Door seals, gaps, pipe joints
Bulk fibre	Loose fibre	Filling gaps and joints, making shapes
Vacuum-formed shapes	Fibre moulded to a shape	Burner blocks, tubes, special parts

How to choose

1. Temperature. Pick a grade whose classification temperature is at least 100–150 °C above your real working temperature.
2. Shape of the surface. Curves and pipes need a flexible blanket. Flat walls can use board or modules.
3. Gas flow and wear. Where hot gas moves fast or the load can rub, use board or a high-density product on the hot face.
4. Space. Where only a few millimetres are free, use paper or tape.
5. Heating cycles. Furnaces that start and stop often save the most energy with a light fibre lining.

Ceramic fibre or firebrick?

Firebrick is strong and resists wear, but it is heavy and stores a lot of heat. Ceramic fibre is light and stores little heat, so the furnace heats up faster and uses less fuel. Many furnaces use both: brick where the load sits or where metal or slag touches the wall, and fibre for the rest. Our furnace insulation page explains how layers work together.

Safety

Ceramic fibres can irritate the skin, eyes and throat. When cutting or fitting them, wear gloves, long sleeves, eye protection and a dust mask, and keep the work area clean.

Need help?

Tell us about your furnace or equipment, its temperature and what you want to improve. We will suggest the right type and amount. Contact us.