Fire Resistance in Aerogel Insulation: Safety Beyond Efficiency with Aerohik

In the rapidly evolving field of industrial and building insulation, Swiss aerogel technology has earned a reputation for exceptional thermal performance, lightweight structure, and versatility. Aerohik, a trusted provider operating across Switzerland (aerohik.ch), Germany (aerohik.de), and globally via aerohik.com, specializes in high-quality aerogel insulation solutions engineered for maximum safety. While most insulation solutions are judged primarily on their ability to prevent heat loss and improve energy efficiency, in high-risk sectors like oil & gas, petrochemical, aerospace, and heavy manufacturing, fire safety is equally—if not more—important.

This blog explores how Swiss aerogel and Germany aerogel products from Aerohik go beyond efficiency to actively contribute to safety, asset protection, and compliance with global fire safety standards.

1. Understanding Fire Resistance in Insulation Materials

Fire resistance refers to a material's ability to withstand fire or provide protection from it. In insulation, this includes:

• Non-combustibility: The material doesn’t ignite easily.

• Low flame spread: Flames don’t travel rapidly across its surface.

• Low smoke production: Reduced toxic smoke output during combustion.

• Thermal stability: The material maintains integrity at high temperatures.

Traditional insulation materials like mineral wool, fiberglass, and polyurethane foam vary in performance, but many polymer-based options can melt, drip, or emit toxic fumes under extreme heat.

2. The Fire Safety Advantage of Aerohik Aerogel

Aerohik’s Switzerland aerogel and Germany aerogel solutions stand out due to their inorganic silica composition, which is naturally non-flammable. Key fire-related properties include:

• Melting Point: Above 1,200°C.

• Non-Combustible: Classified under Euroclass A2 or ASTM E136.

• Low Thermal Conductivity: Slows temperature rise in protected structures.

• Minimal Smoke Production: Emits negligible toxic fumes, essential for enclosed spaces.

3. Why Fire Resistance Matters Beyond Energy Efficiency

a) Safety in High-Risk Industries: In petrochemical plants, refineries, and offshore platforms, fire-resistant insulation buys valuable evacuation and emergency response time.

b) Asset Protection: Prevents structural steel from reaching failure temperature, protecting piping, vessels, and storage tanks.

c) Regulatory Compliance: Aerohik products meet or exceed EN 13501-1, ASTM E84, and IMO FTP standards.

4. Technical Mechanisms of Aerogel Fire Resistance

• Inorganic Composition: Silica-based aerogel is non-combustible.

• Nano-Porous Structure: Blocks convection and slows heat transfer.

• Hydrophobic Treatment: Resists water ingress, preventing steam expansion damage.

5. Comparative Fire Performance

Property	Aerohik Swiss/Germany Aerogel	Mineral Wool	Fiberglass	Polyurethane Foam
Combustibility	Non-combustible	Non-combustible	Non-combustible	Highly flammable
Melting Point (°C)	~1,200	~1,000	~850	~200
Smoke/Toxic Gas	Very Low	Low	Low	High
Thermal Conductivity	0.013–0.020 W/m·K	0.035–0.045	0.035–0.040	0.020–0.030
Weight	Very light	Medium	Medium	Light

6. Applications Where Fire Resistance is Critical

• Oil & Gas Facilities: Hot pipe insulation and leak containment.

• Marine & Shipbuilding: IMO FTP-compliant bulkhead and engine room insulation.

• Aerospace: High-thermal-load protection during re-entry or engine use.

• High-Rise Buildings: Passive fire protection in ducts, shafts, and escape routes.

7. Fire Resistance Testing for Aerohik Aerogel

Common tests include ASTM E136, ISO 1182, and EN 13501-1. Results consistently achieve A2 or better classifications.

8. Maintenance Practices

• Avoid physical damage to insulation layers.

• Prevent contamination from oils or flammable residues.

• Schedule regular inspections in industrial settings.

9. Integration into Passive Fire Protection Systems

Aerohik aerogel can serve as both thermal insulation and part of firestop systems, protecting piping, walls, and hazardous areas.

10. Cost-Benefit Analysis

While initial costs may be higher, combining thermal and fire protection reduces the need for separate fireproofing systems—lowering lifecycle expenses.

Conclusion Aerohik’s Swiss aerogel, Germany aerogel, and Switzerland aerogel products are more than energy-saving materials—they are vital safety components. With exceptional fire resistance, minimal smoke production, and compliance with stringent safety standards, Aerohik delivers insulation solutions that protect both people and assets. For industrial leaders across Europe and beyond, the right insulation from aerohik.com, aerohik.ch, and aerohik.de can be the difference between containment and catastrophe