Production of innovative insulation technology using vacuum in Germany

Starting situation:

The vacuum insulation panel (VIP) is still relatively unknown on the market. This new insulation technology can be used to insulate applications in extreme temperature ranges; for instance, vaccine storage over several days at minus 80°C in transport boxes. Long-lasting residential space insulation also requires the panels to combine a high vacuum value with reliable tightness. A useful life of up to 50 years is expected in arithmetical terms.

Challenges:

The manufacturer wants to work in a range of 0.01 mbar. You read right, the work is to be done below one millibar! The value is to be achieved not only in theory but must also be measured. It is important to know here that most pressure gauges used today cannot measure reliably anything below one millibar.

The vacuum panel has a core of pyrogenic silica, a natural material that does not pose any health risk. After the manufacturing process, the core still has residual moisture, which is reduced over time in the vacuum. Hence it is necessary to keep constant the value of 0.01 mbar, with an open bag, over a defined period of time.

Our solution:

After extensive research and development, a special construction for pumps was designed. The booster and the roots pump were assembled together on a frame.

To achieve the required vacuum and keep it constant, changed valve arrangements and shortened pipe paths were necessary. Reprogramming the controller was also required to achieve a stable and comprehensible process. Special terminals for pneumatics and powerful seals were installed. All in all, an exciting project with a successful outcome.