Insulation - new take on an old topic

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realdoctor
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#1: Post by realdoctor »

A lot has been posted about boiler insulation over the years. Interest has waned a bit, possibly because many modern machines are insulated at the factory. But those of us who have older machines with substantial sized boilers still deal with this issue.

Our brethren over at Kaffee-Netz have discussed an insulating material that has had little or no attention on HB as far as I can tell - wool. It has a high kindling temperature (up to 500 C supposedly), it is pliable, has a very high R value, and is non-toxic. A few people on Kaffee-Netz have reported using it to replace asbestos in creminas and commercial machines with no problems after a year or more of service.

Jim

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BaristaBoy E61
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#2: Post by BaristaBoy E61 »

Any suggestions as to the thickness to place on our dear little lambs?
"You didn't buy an Espresso Machine - You bought a Chemistry Set!"

realdoctor (original poster)
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#3: Post by realdoctor (original poster) »

Seems the guys at Kaffee-Netz have been using 10cm, but I have seen a picture of 2 group Bosco with insulation that looks like 2-3 thinner layers.

https://www.kaffee-netz.de/threads/kess ... lz.106252/

Easily available in Germany but I don't know anything about US availability.

Jim

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another_jim
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#4: Post by another_jim »

Wool felt is now standard for insulating carpets and ceiling panels. A quick search shows it comes in ratings F5, F7, etc. Not sure what the ratings mean. Since it's used where asbestos rolls were once used; it probably is a safe substitute for all former asbestos uses, including boiler insulation.
Jim Schulman

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CoffeeMac
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#5: Post by CoffeeMac »

How would wool compare to a ceramic fiber blanket? I have a 12"x24"x1/2" piece and was thinking of insulating my boiler with it. I was also looking at aerogel but that looks too difficult to work with.
Eventually you will end up with a lever.

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Marcelnl
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#6: Post by Marcelnl »

I want insulation in summer only, can someone please create seasonal insulation?
LMWDP #483

realdoctor (original poster)
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#7: Post by realdoctor (original poster) »

Correction to my post above. I meant 10mm thickness.

Jim

realdoctor (original poster)
Posts: 192
Joined: 16 years ago

#8: Post by realdoctor (original poster) »

This site suggests an R value of 3.5-3.8 per inch thickness. I believe that compares favorably to most synthetic blankets.

https://myecohub.com/sheeps-wool-insula ... -and-cons/

Jim