What is BS 2972 - Test methods for inorganic thermal insulating materials about?
The quality and performance of thermal insulation products are critical when it comes to achieving operational energy efficiency in buildings, as they can effectively minimize heat loss and heat gain, as per the external weather conditions.
BS 2972 is a British Standard on the testing methods for Inorganic thermal insulating materials. The main aim of BS 2972 is to provide manufacturers with best industry practices to demonstrate the performance of thermal insulation products and details of basic tests for the assessment of a range of properties that are likely to be of value to a potential user.
BS 2972 specifies methods of test for inorganic thermal insulating materials, including preformed, plastic composition, flexible and loose-fill materials.
Who is BS 2972 - Test methods for inorganic thermal insulating materials for?
BS 2972 on test methods for inorganic thermal insulating materials is useful for:
- Thermal and sound insulating material manufacturers
- Inorganic thermal insulating materials manufacturers
- Contractors
- Civil engineers
- Consultancies for thermal insulation
- Specifiers and installers
- Quality control and testing personnel
Why should you use BS 2972 - Test methods for inorganic thermal insulating materials?
According to chemical composition, thermal insulating materials are classified into inorganic, organic and composite. Inorganic thermal insulating materials adopt minerals as raw materials, usually in fibrous form and porous form, and can be produced into panels, sheets, coils or pipe shells. These raw materials are very poor conductors of heat and are therefore good thermal insulators that help to conserve energy use and keep the temperature constant.
BS 2972 specifies the following methods of test for inorganic thermal insulating materials:
Section 2. Dimensions
Section 3. Bulk density
Section 4. Thermal properties
Section 5. Assessment of fire hazard
Section 6. Heat stability
Section 7. Resistance to compression
Section 8. Interlaminar strength
Section 9. Vibration settlement
Section 10. Covering capacity
Section 11. Moisture content
Section 12. Water absorption
Section 13. Water vapour permeance
Section 14. Coarse shot content
Section 15. Oil content
Section 16. Organic matter
Section 17. Air permeability
Section 18. Flexural strength
Section 19. Fibre diameter
Section 20. Electrical conductivity of aqueous extract
Section 21. Determination of trace quantities of water-soluble chlorides
Section 22. pH value of water extract
Thus, if you are a manufacturer of inorganic thermal insulating materials for thermal insulation, complying with BS 2972 can help demonstrate the performance and reliability of your product, ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS 2972:1989 supersedes BS 2972:1975. BS 2972:1989 includes some technical changes with respect to BS 2972:1975. These include:
- All the test methods of the 1975 edition have been reviewed
- The new section 8 gives a test for interlaminar strength
- The new section 22 gives a method of testing for the pH value of a water extract
- Significant modifications have been made to the sections
