Dragon Jacket Insulation VS Cellular Glass – Which is Better Over the Long-Term?
Cellular glass insulation, such as Foamglas®, and Dragon Jacket’s polyurea-encapsulated, closed-cell foam insulation are insulation options that each have their strengths. Both are engineered to withstand extreme weather and operational conditions, but which one truly delivers the best value over time? When comparing, there are many considerations to keep in mind, the most important being long-term performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Durability: One-Time Use vs. Long-Term Performance
One of the biggest distinctions between cellular glass and Dragon Jacket insulation is their durability. Cellular glass insulation is brittle and must be handled with care. This can make removal and reinstallation difficult. In contrast, Dragon Jacket insulation is built to be removed and reinstalled over and over again. Its closed-cell foam engineering is tough enough to withstand frequent handling while maintaining its shape and performance ability. This makes Dragon Jacket a better investment for operations looking to minimize material replacement costs over time.
Protection and Resilience: Cladding vs. Fully Encapsulated Design
Cellular glass insulation requires external cladding, adding another layer of complexity to installation and maintenance. This cladding must be properly installed and maintained to prevent system damage and the possibility of water infiltration at joints, which can compromise the system’s integrity and lead to the development of CUI.
Dragon Jacket Insulation, on the other hand, is a self-contained system that does not require additional cladding. Its fully encapsulated design is easy to handle and install using standard tools and requires minimal maintenance. The elimination of cladding also means fewer points of failure, reducing the risk of degradation and CUI.
Thermal Efficiency: Comparing R-Values
Insulation effectiveness is largely determined by its R-value, which measures thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation material is at resisting heat transfer. Cellular glass insulation has an average R-value of 3.44 per inch, which, while effective, falls short compared to Dragon Jacket insulation’s static R-value of 6.25 per inch.
This difference in thermal performance means that Dragon Jacket insulation provides superior freeze protection and greater stability in process control applications. With higher insulation efficiency, operations can achieve better temperature regulation, potentially reducing energy consumption and costs.
Installation and Maintenance: Complexity vs. Simplicity
Industrial insulation systems need to be both effective and practical. Cellular glass insulation requires specialized handling during installation due to its rigid structure and fragility. It is also heavier than alternative insulation materials, making transportation and application more labor-intensive. Regular inspections and potential replacements may be necessary because cellular glass insulation can be damaged by vibration and is susceptible to thermal expansion.
Dragon Jacket insulation, on the other hand, is lightweight and easy to install. Streamlined installation makes it an attractive option for projects that need to be completed efficiently and quickly. Further, Dragon Jacket insulation is designed to withstand environmental stressors, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing downtime.
Long-Term Cost Savings: Investment vs. Expense
When evaluating insulation options, it’s important to consider not just the initial material cost but the long-term expenses associated with maintenance, replacement, and energy efficiency. While cellular glass insulation may have a lower upfront cost, its one-time use, fragility, and complicated installation can lead to replacement costs that add up over time.
Dragon Jacket insulation provides significant cost savings in the long run. Its reusable design, high R-value, and resistance to environmental damage mean fewer replacements, lower maintenance costs, and greater energy efficiency.
