EPS Explained
Thermal transfer with EPS.
EPS insulation is produced by expanding EPS pellets in an pre-expander with pentane gas and heat. The Pentane expands the pellet 20 – 40 times their size into tiny balls. The pentane released is then used to heat the boiler.
The pellets are then forced into a large block former where high pressure steam is forced in, melding the EPS into a large block. A high pressure vaccum is then used to remove moisture. There is moisture remaining in each bead following this process. The remaining moisture now clings to the surface of the inside of the ball allowing thermal energy to transfer.
As the temperature decreases the moisture in the ball crystalizes and drops to the bottom of the ball.
This dramatically increases R-Value as the temperature decreases.
EPS increases in thermal efficency as the temperature decreases below freezing.
R Value
R Value = |
Temperature Difference x Area x Time Heat Loss |
When explaining “R” value there is nominal “R” value which is the value placed on the material when tested at 72° F and insulation only.
True “R” value can be explained as the value the material achieves on whole. Exterior finish, insulation, air space etc. EPS actually achieves much higher values as temp decreases. Our walls at – 20° achieves up to R-34 which is considerably higher than the value of the insulation alone at 72°. |
