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IS 13670:1993 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for cellular glass preformed thermal insulation. This standard specifies the requirements for preformed cellular glass thermal insulation, supplied in the form of blocks or pipe sections. It outlines material composition, physical properties such as thermal conductivity and compressive strength, dimensional tolerances, and test methods for quality assurance.
Specifies requirements for cellular glass preformed thermal insulating materials.
Standard Specification for Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation
Specifies requirements for cellular glass thermal insulation in block, pipe, board, and special shapes.
EN 13167:2012+A1:2015CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products for buildings - Factory made cellular glass (CG) products - Specification
Specifies requirements for factory-made cellular glass products used for thermal insulation of buildings.
ISO 21915-1:2019ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
HighCurrent
Thermal insulation products — Cellular glass products — Part 1: Specification for products for buildings
Specifies the requirements for factory-made cellular glass products for the thermal insulation of buildings.
Key Differences
≠The Indian standard provides a single grade of material, whereas international standards like EN 13167 use a detailed designation code system allowing for multiple levels of thermal conductivity, compressive strength, and other properties.
≠IS 13670 specifies water absorption by 24-hour immersion (max 0.2% by volume), while ASTM C552 has a less stringent limit (max 0.5% by volume) for the same test.
≠Fire performance in IS 13670 is described as 'non-combustible' per IS 3144. Modern standards like EN 13167 use the more detailed Euroclass system (e.g., Class A1), which provides a more nuanced assessment of reaction to fire.
≠IS 13670 specifies a single maximum value for thermal conductivity at a given temperature, while EN 13167 and ISO 21915-1 specify declared values by the manufacturer which must be met, allowing for product differentiation.
Key Similarities
≈All standards define the material as a closed-cell insulation made from fused crushed glass with a cellulating agent.
≈The core physical properties specified for testing and compliance are consistent across all standards, including thermal conductivity, compressive strength, water absorption, and dimensional stability.
≈All standards cover the primary product forms, such as blocks and preformed pipe insulation sections.
≈The specified maximum service temperature range is virtually identical across the standards, typically cited as -268 °C to +482 °C, highlighting the material's suitability for cryogenic and high-temperature applications.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Apparent Density
128 ± 16 kg/m³
120 kg/m³ nominal (with a typical tolerance of ±15%)
ASTM C552 (Type I, Block)
Thermal Conductivity (max)
0.055 W/m.K at 40°C mean temperature
0.055 W/m.K at 24°C mean temperature
ASTM C552 (Type I, Block)
Compressive Strength (min)
550 kPa (0.55 N/mm²)
517 kPa (75 psi)
ASTM C552 (Type I, Block)
Water Absorption (max, 24hr immersion)
0.2% by volume
0.5% by volume
ASTM C552
Flexural Strength (min)
390 kPa (0.39 N/mm²)
414 kPa (60 psi)
ASTM C552 (Type I, Block)
Maximum Service Temperature
+482 °C
+482 °C (900 °F)
ASTM C552
Minimum Service Temperature
-268 °C
-268 °C (-450 °F)
ASTM C552
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values7
Quick Reference Values
Maximum Thermal Conductivity at 24°C mean temp0.055 W/(m·K)
Minimum Compressive Strength690 kPa
Maximum Water Vapour Permeability2.9 x 10^-6 mg/(s·m·Pa)
Apparent Density Range120 to 165 kg/m³
Maximum Water Absorption by volume0.5 %
Service Temperature Limits-260 to +430 °C
CombustibilityNon-combustible
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements of Cellular Glass Insulation
Table 2 - Standard Sizes of Blocks and Pipe Sections