Much More Than Thermal Performance

For decades, Super Therm^® has been specified around the world to reduce heat transfer and improve thermal performance.

Now, independent laboratory testing confirms another important benefit.

Super Therm^® also helps reduce noise.

Due to the many properties and nature of ceramics, they deliver a significant range of natural benefits as a total engineered surface management system. Testing under two internationally recognised ASTM standards demonstrates that a single coating provides a dual acoustic benefit by:

• Damping vibration in thin metal panels (ASTM E756)
• Helping block airborne sound transmission through wall and enclosure assemblies (ASTM E90 / ASTM E413)

Two Independent ASTM Tests…Yet Two Different and Significant Benefits

VTEC Laboratories – ASTM E756 Vibration Damping Performance – pdf

Every piece of mechanical equipment vibrates. Fans, pumps, chillers, generators and air handling units all transfer energy into the metal panels that surround them. Those panels behave like the skin of a drum, amplifying vibration into audible noise while continually placing stress on the structure itself. Independent ASTM E756 testing has shown that Super Therm^® helps dissipate this vibration energy before it can build into resonance, reducing panel vibration, lowering radiated noise and helping minimise long-term fatigue. See the test pdf.

Super Therm® was tested by VTEC Laboratories under ASTM E756 using the Oberst cantilever-beam method to measure how effectively the coating dissipates vibrational energy. The governing metric is the Material Loss Factor (MLF) — a property of the coating material itself, independent of applied film thickness. The higher the value, the more vibration energy the coating converts to heat and removes from the panel. Super Therm® delivered an MLF of 0.134 to 0.224 across the seven resonant modes tested (at 69.9°F) — spanning 116 Hz to nearly 3,000 Hz, the band where fans, compressors, and sheet metal generate most industrial noise — with damping strengthening as frequency rose. The treatment raised the tested beam’s composite loss factor (CLF) to ~0.020 — about twenty times bare steel’s ~0.001. The coating’s measured stiffness (modulus ~1.0 × 10⁵ psi) also reinforces the panel it covers, and the testing laboratory expects damping to increase further with service temperature — an advantage on hot-running equipment. This damping profile is ideally matched to thin, resonating sheet metal — equipment cabinets, enclosures, ductwork, and panels — quieting vibration at its source; for severe, high-energy vibration, Super Therm® serves as the panel-level first layer beneath conventional acoustic treatments.

Thin steel and other material panels naturally vibrate.

That vibration becomes the familiar “drumming” heard on:

• Equipment enclosures
• Pipework
• Ducting
• Rooftop HVAC
• Generator housings
• Compressor panels

The ASTM E756 testing measured Super Therm‘s Material Loss Factor (MLF) between 0.134 and 0.224 across seven resonant modes.

That damping held across the entire test range — ideally matched to quieting thin, resonating sheet metal such as equipment cabinets, enclosures, and ducting.

Super Therm^® Results:

Less vibration.
Less panel resonance.
Less radiated noise.

Airborne Sound Transmission — ASTM E90 / ASTM E413 – pdf

A second independent test examined how coated wall assemblies transmitted airborne sound.

Three identical wall systems were tested with increasing Super Therm coverage.

Results showed:

The testing confirmed Super Therm contributed measurable improvement to Sound Transmission Class (STC), helping reduce airborne noise passing through coated assemblies.

A Complete Acoustic Story

Many products address only one side of the noise problem.

Super Therm^® addresses both.

It helps:

• Reduce vibration at the source
• Reduce airborne sound transmission through the structure

Simply put:

Damp the source. Block the path.

Why This Matters

Industrial facilities are facing increasing pressure from:

• Property-line noise limits
• Community noise complaints
• OSHA workplace exposure requirements
• Expensive retrofits after equipment has already been installed

Traditional acoustic solutions often require:

• Heavy insulation
• Secondary barriers
• Acoustic blankets
• Large enclosures

Super Therm^® works differently. Blocking heat with ceramics that are designed to face various solar heat waves and not absorb is verified by the same ceramics not allowing sound to cause them to vibrate. All this is due to density and size in the quad-matrix ceramic coating since 1989.

Because it is applied directly onto the vibrating surface, it reaches areas conventional acoustic products often cannot while simultaneously providing world-class thermal management.

Ideal Applications

Super Therm^® is suited to many industries where thin metal panels create unwanted vibration or noise, including:

• Data centres
• CRAC and CRAH units
• HVAC ducting
• Compressor skids
• Gas regulator stations
• Cooling fan housings
• Rooftop HVAC equipment
• Generator enclosures
• Transformers
• Marine bulkheads and deckheads
• Industrial machinery
• Equipment guarding
• Conveyor systems
• Pipework
• Pump enclosures

One Coating. Multiple Functions.

Unlike traditional coatings designed for only corrosion protection or appearance, Super Therm^® adds multiple performance benefits in a single application, including:

• Thermal management
• Solar heat blocking
• Condensation control
• Vibration damping
• Airborne noise reduction
• Corrosion resistance
• Class A Fire performance
• Long-term durability

It is another example of Engineered Surface Management—where Super Therm^® actively improves how the surface performs 365 days a year, not simply how it looks.

Learn More

Discover where Super Therm^® can be applied, review the independent ASTM testing and explore how a single coating can improve both thermal and acoustic performance.

→ Explore Super Therm® Sound & Vibration Control

Super Therm^®
From Superior Products International II, Inc. — The World’s Coating Innovator™.

The post Super Therm® Adds a New Dimension: Sound & Vibration Control appeared first on SPI Coatings.

The Challenge: Cathodic Shielding and Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI)

For decades, the pipeline industry has battled a hidden enemy: Cathodic Shielding. Up to 85% of all external pipeline corrosion occurs under disbonded, CP-shielding coatings. Conventional below-grade insulation materials, such as concrete and metal jacket systems, frequently lead to severe Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI).

When these traditional systems fail, they trap moisture against the pipe while simultaneously blocking the cathodic protection current from reaching the steel. This creates a highly corrosive environment that is incredibly difficult to detect without costly excavations. The industry urgently needs a solution that provides effective thermal insulation without compromising pipeline integrity.

The Solution: A Revolutionary Dual-Purpose Coating

Developed in cooperation with the largest interstate pipeline operator in the U.S., SPI Coatings has engineered a groundbreaking solution: The Non-Shielding Below Grade Insulative Coating System.

This innovative system is specifically designed to tackle the challenges of underground infrastructure, such as fuel gas heater lines, glycol water piping, and biodiesel lines. It acts as a dual-purpose barrier, providing both effective thermal insulation and enhanced corrosion protection by ensuring that cathodic protection currents can reach the pipe surface.

How it Works

The SPI Coatings solution is a multi-layered system designed for maximum performance and durability:

1. Base: Applied over standard Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) or any cathodic disbondment-rated primer.
2. Insulation Core: An advanced acrylic-based thick film insulative coating (HPC® Coating).
3. Structural Reinforcement: Wrapped in a proprietary polyester mesh to provide rigidity and structural strength without sacrificing CP compliance.
4. Sealant: Top-coated with a marine-grade epoxy to seal the entire surface against water ingress.

Crucially, both rigorous laboratory testing and extensive field trials have proven that this composite coating system does not cause cathodic shielding.

The Game Changer: Controlled Shop Application

One of the most significant advantages of this new system is the application method. Unlike traditional insulation that is painstakingly installed in the field under challenging environmental conditions, the SPI Coatings system is designed for controlled shop application.

Benefits of Shop Application

• Eliminates Variables: Stop fighting the elements. Shop application removes weather-related delays and quality control issues.
• Consistent Quality: Delivers a perfect, controlled coat every single time, ensuring the system performs to its exact specifications.
• Ready for Installation: Pipes, tanks, and vessels are delivered to the site pre-coated and ready to go into the ground.
• Fast Turnaround: Significantly reduces open trench durations, excavation needs, and on-site labor requirements, leading to faster project completion and enhanced job site safety.

Optimized for Rapid, Non-Destructive Inspection

Maintaining asset integrity requires ongoing monitoring. The SPI Coatings system is uniquely designed to support modern, cost-effective inspection strategies that eliminate inefficient “blind” or time-based digging programs.

• Non-Intrusive Screening (LRUT): The system is fully compatible with Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT). This allows operators to rapidly screen hundreds of feet of pipeline from a single, minimal excavation point, identifying areas of interest and minimizing unnecessary digging.
• Through-Coating Measurement (PEC): Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) technologies can be utilized to obtain quantitative average wall thickness measurements directly through the coating, avoiding the need for costly coating removal.
• Reusable Inspection Ports: For precise visual inspection or Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) over critical areas like weld joints, inspection “windows” can be easily cut into the thick film coating. Once the inspection is complete, the cutaway square is simply placed back and sealed with silicone until the next inspection cycle.

Benefits to Asset Owners

The Non-Shielding Below Grade Insulative Coating System offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to protect assets and improve the bottom line:

• Prevents Cathodic Shielding: Ensures your CP systems work as intended, protecting your infrastructure.
• Mitigates CUI: Replaces problematic conventional jacket insulation, drastically reducing the risk of hidden corrosion.
• Superior Thermal Performance: Effective insulation for a variety of fluids, from freeze protection to maintaining process temperatures.
• Drastically Reduced Inspection Costs: Enables advanced NDT screening and targeted excavations.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: Reduced on-site labor, faster installation, less excavation/shoring, and extended asset life.
• Award-Winning Innovation: This technology has been recognized for Energy Star for excellence in performance and CUI protection.

The post SPI Coatings: Non-Shielding Below Grade Insulative Coating System appeared first on SPI Coatings.

For more than three decades, Superior Products International II, Inc. (SPI Coatings) has defined what’s possible in the world of advanced coatings. From groundbreaking NASA collaborations in the 1980s to award-winning innovations recognised by the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA ENERGY STAR, SPI’s legacy is built on relentless research, scientific rigour, and an unwavering drive to solve the toughest heat and corrosion challenges across the globe.

Visionary Leadership: The Pritchett Legacy

At the heart of SPI Coatings is Joseph E. Pritchett, founder, president, and lead researcher. Pritchett’s career began in the 1970s, but his defining work started in 1989, when NASA invited him to research ceramic compounds capable of blocking radiant heat. Over a six-year collaboration (1989–1995) with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, and Ames Research Center, Pritchett discovered that most scientific literature on ceramics was incomplete when applied to coatings.

He conducted years of hands-on testing—mixing, coating, and heat-testing thousands of ceramic compounds to understand how they behaved under real environmental stress. The result was the creation of Super Therm®, a revolutionary ceramic-based insulation coating that blocks over 96% of total solar heat and 99% of infrared radiation.

In 1995, Pritchett was invited to present his findings at the NASA Technology Conference in Chicago, formally introducing Super Therm® to the world. It was a turning point for the coatings industry: for the first time, insulation didn’t just mean absorbing heat—it meant blocking it.

SPI’s philosophy remains simple yet profound:

From Laboratory to the Field: Global Validation

SPI’s success isn’t confined to labs. The company’s technologies have been field-proven in every climate on Earth—from the deserts of Saudi Arabia to the airports of the United States and industrial complexes in Japan.

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) independently verified that Super Therm® reduced roof surface temperatures from 164°F to 86°F, achieving interior cooling of 10°F and energy savings exceeding 60% on a Florida housing project
• The U.S. Air Force tested the coating in Arizona, finding that even after three days of 113°F heat, an unventilated metal structure coated with Super Therm® maintained an internal temperature of 85°F—without air conditioning
• Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge engineers used Super Therm® to protect visitors from 140°F metal railings, earning SPI the SSPC E. Crone Knoy Award for innovation in industrial coatings
• Georgia-Pacific (Koch Industries) validated SPI’s HPC® Hot Pipe Coating, which saved 49% of energy and $332,000 annually at a single digester unit, earning the EPA ENERGY STAR “Top Project” Award in 2023

These aren’t lab simulations—they’re real-world results measured by Fortune 500 companies, military engineers, and federal energy programs.

Science That Redefined Insulation

Before SPI’s innovations, insulation relied on “mass materials” like fiberglass or mineral wool—systems designed to absorb heat, not block it. Pritchett and his research team upended this 1970s model by focusing on radiative heat transfer, which accounts for the majority of energy gain or loss in structures.

By isolating and combining four advanced ceramic compounds, SPI created coatings that manage heat at a microscopic, thermophysical level, optimising:

• Reflectivity – deflecting UV and visible radiation before it converts to heat
• Emissivity – radiating absorbed energy away rapidly
• Low thermal diffusivity – slowing heat movement through material layers from long wave infrared
• Specific heat balance – maintaining stable surface temperatures

The result is the world’s first ceramic-based “heat block” coating, verified through extensive ASTM testing (C1363, E1269, E1461-92) and independent verification by the Russian Academy of Sciences, which found Super Therm® to outperform even polished aluminium mirrors in reflection.

Global Testing and Industry Recognition

SPI’s commitment to third-party validation spans decades and continents.

• Japan Testing Center for Construction Materials recorded 92.2% solar reflectivity and 99.5% emissivity.
• Musashi Institute of Technology (Tokyo) compared 21 reflective coatings, concluding Super Therm® retained 92% reflectivity after 15 years, while others lost 30% in just 18 months
• Mitsubishi’s Hokko Terminal reported that Super Therm® reduced tank temperatures and VOC emissions across 39 fuel tanks, maintaining effectiveness for 14 years without reapplication
• Nissan Motor Co., Toshiba, Tucson Airport, Vodafone, and ARAMCO have all implemented SPI coatings to cut energy, increase safety, and reduce environmental impact.

The Birth of HPC®: Revolutionising Industrial Insulation

In addition to its cool-surface coatings, SPI’s HPC® (Hot Pipe Coating) redefines industrial insulation. Designed for temperatures up to 650°C (1,200°F), this water-based ceramic system is applied directly onto operating equipment—without shutdown.

Where traditional wraps or foams trap moisture and lead to corrosion under insulation (CUI), HPC® forms a closed-cell, hermetic ceramic barrier that prevents both heat loss and corrosion.

In 2023, Georgia-Pacific’s engineering teams documented a 49% reduction in heat loss and zero corrosion after two years of continuous use. Their findings led to EPA recognition for breakthrough technology and an ENERGY STAR Top Project Award, placing SPI’s coatings alongside the most impactful industrial innovations of the decade.

Beyond Insulation: Corrosion Protection for Extreme Environments

SPI’s Rust Grip® complements its insulation line by addressing the other half of asset longevity—corrosion. The coating penetrates and encapsulates existing rust, curing into a flexible epoxy layer that locks out oxygen and moisture. Tested by the U.S. Navy, oil and gas sectors, and offshore industries, Rust Grip® has been rated among the top corrosion control systems globally.

Together, Super Therm®, Rust Grip®, and HPC® form a complete defensive system: heat block, corrosion barrier, and energy saver—all in one integrated suite.

Patented Science and Ongoing R&D

SPI’s innovations are protected by multiple U.S. patents, including:

• U.S. Patent 7,368,150 B2 – Method of applying a heat-reflective coating
• U.S. Patent 5,695,812 – Method for abating bio-hazardous materials in coatings
• U.S. Patent 18/917,236 (2024) – Compounds for insulating hot pipes

The company continues to explore graphene integration for anti-fouling and ultra-hard marine coatings, collaborating with materials scientists and aerospace engineers—including former NASA astronauts.

Recognition from the Highest Levels

From its founding in Shawnee, Kansas, SPI has grown into a globally recognised leader in sustainable coating technologies, achieving approvals and memberships with:

• NACE/SSPC/AMPP, ASHRAE, USGBC, CRRC, LEED, and ABS
• ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality and process control
• Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification for environmental performance

Pritchett himself has been honoured with numerous awards, including:

• Outstanding Young Men of America (1982)
• Who’s Who Worldwide (1993) for professional achievement and leadership
• SSPC E. Crone Knoy Award (2011) for innovation in coatings
• EPA ENERGY STAR Award (2023) for HPC® thermal insulation technology

Defining an Industry Standard

While many companies claim ties to NASA or promise “reflective paint” performance, SPI’s record stands unmatched. It is one of the only coating manufacturers with documented NASA collaboration, multiple DOE verifications, EPA awards, and decades of cross-industry adoption.

By combining scientific precision with field-tested pragmatism, SPI Coatings has turned coatings into functional technology—building materials that save energy, protect assets, and future-proof infrastructure.

The Future: Expanding the Frontier

Looking ahead, SPI continues to push beyond conventional thinking. Its R&D focus includes:

• Next-generation ceramic compounds capable of withstanding higher temperatures
• Coatings that solve the challenges of cathodic shield and CUI below ground
• Fire coatings that are waterbased which not based on intumescent technology

From oil rigs to renewable energy plants, SPI’s mission remains unchanged: to create smarter, longer-lasting, and more sustainable coatings that solve the world’s toughest industrial challenges.

SPI Coatings stands as a rare example of American innovation that reshaped industries around the world. With over 175 years of combined R&D experience across its team, and more than 35 years of proven field performance, its legacy is both scientific and practical—a model of leadership through results, not rhetoric.

For those seeking to save energy, prevent corrosion, and extend the life of assets in any environment, SPI Coatings remains the original pioneer—and still the benchmark for excellence.

The post Historical Resume: Over 175 years R&D experience with insulation and corrosion protection coatings appeared first on SPI Coatings.

HPC^® Coating is a thick-film, closed-cell insulation designed to prevent heat loss and eliminate corrosion under insulation (CUI), with applications in industrial settings such as pipelines and offshore operations. The document also showcases real-world case studies, independent laboratory testing, and industry recognition, including validation from NASA and the Florida Energy Office, demonstrating the coatings’ effectiveness in long-term thermal protection and energy savings.

Performance Overview of SUPER THERM^®

Outstanding Heat Blocking Performance

• SUPER THERM^® has been field-proven for over 30 years with consistent results.
• Unlike standard insulation, which only slows down heat transfer until it reaches full heat flux, SUPER THERM^® blocks heat from loading.
• Tested at multiple temperatures (25°C, 50°C, 75°C, and 100°C), showing no more than 10% performance variance, proving its stability across temperature ranges.
• Blocks 96.1% of total solar heat, including 99% infrared, 97% UV, and 92% visual light radiation.

Energy Savings & Temperature Reduction

• Roof Coating Tests
  • Without coating: 164°F (73°C)
  • Standard reflective coating: 125°F (52°C)
  • SUPER THERM^®: 86°F (30°C) (only 1°F above ambient), leading to a 10.2°F (6°C) reduction in interior temperature.
  • In Miami, utility load reduction confirmed energy savings.
• Denver Testing:
  • Outperformed standard reflective coatings.
  • Auditors confirmed its ability to seal and block heat effectively.
• Las Vegas Airport (Harry Reid International)
  • Jet bridges coated with SUPER THERM^® stayed within 2°F of ambient temperature, reducing exterior heat by 60-80°F.
• Coda Factory & Hitachi Electronics (Japan)
  • After application, energy consumption dropped significantly, with temperatures reduced from 82°C to 47°C and room temperature decreasing by 35°C.

Durability & Longevity

• 30-Year Performance Test (Kansas)
  • Originally coated in 1989, tested in 2019, and still performing in 2025.
  • Only 2°F loss in heat-blocking performance over 30 years.
  • Minimal 2-mil (50 microns) film thickness loss.
  • No cracks, flaking, or adhesion failure.
  • Protected metal roofing from thermal shock, expansion, and contraction, extending its lifespan.
• Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge
  • SUPER THERM^® + RUST GRIP^® + ENAMO GRIP protected handrails from excessive heat in the Arizona desert.
  • Visitors no longer experience burns from high surface temperatures.

Global Recognition & Certifications

• Tested by NASA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and international labs.
• Used by the U.S. Air Force, where it maintained comfortable indoor temperatures in extreme 112°F conditions, allowing an office to turn off A/C for three days.
• NASA Spinoff 2024 recognizes its 35-year partnership with SPI Coatings.

Key Takeaways

✔ Blocks heat rather than absorbing it, making it far superior to standard insulation.
✔ Consistent performance across extreme conditions, from -21°C (snow) to 100°F (sandstorms).
✔ Unmatched longevity, with 30+ years of real-world performance and minimal degradation.
✔ Proven energy savings, drastically cutting cooling costs in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
✔ Zero maintenance required, with no deterioration or need for reapplication over decades.

SUPER THERM^® is the ultimate long-term insulation coating, delivering superior heat-blocking, energy efficiency, and unmatched durability.

Performance Overview of HPC^® Coating (Hot Pipe Coating)

Superior Thermal Insulation & Energy Savings

• HPC^® Coating is a thick-film, closed-cell insulation designed to block heat loss from industrial surfaces and prevent corrosion under insulation (CUI).
• Unlike traditional insulation, which absorbs heat and allows gradual heat transfer, HPC^® Coating holds heat on the surface, improving efficiency.
• Proven to increase internal process temperatures by maintaining thermal energy at the source.

Energy Reduction & Cost Savings

• Georgia Pacific (Koch Industries)
  • 49% energy savings over traditional wrap/jacket insulation.
  • Saved $332,000 in one year on a single digester unit.
  • Awarded the EPA ENERGY STAR AWARD for energy efficiency.
• Pemex Offshore (Mexico)
  • Applied in 2014 on crude oil piping.
  • Achieved an average surface temperature reduction of 55% (from 110°C to below 50°C).
  • 10 years in service with no performance loss, despite exposure to harsh oceanic conditions and hurricanes.
• Gasprom (Russia)
  • Applied on pipelines with a pipe surface temperature of 463°C.
  • Maintained an external coating temperature of just 35°C, demonstrating extreme thermal resistance.

Durability & Longevity

• 10+ years in offshore conditions with zero deterioration and no reduction in performance.
• Resistant to moisture penetration, making it highly effective in corrosion-prone environments.
• Eliminates the risk of CUI (corrosion under insulation) by preventing moisture buildup—a major failure point in traditional insulation.

Proven Performance Across High-Temperature Ranges

• HPC^® Coating: Insulates surfaces up to 400°F (204°C).
• HPC^®-INT Coating: Extends insulation capability from 400°F to 800°F (427°C).
• HPC^®-HT Coating: Withstands extreme temperatures up to 1200°F (650°C).

Key Takeaways

✔ Eliminates CUI, outperforming conventional insulation by preventing moisture buildup.
✔ Saves millions in energy costs, with documented 49% efficiency gains.
✔ Withstands extreme environments, including offshore conditions and industrial heat.
✔ 10+ years of proven durability, maintaining insulation effectiveness without degradation.
✔ Recognized globally, winning the EPA ENERGY STAR AWARD for energy savings.

HPC^® Coating is the ultimate solution for high-temperature insulation, providing unmatched efficiency, corrosion protection, and long-term durability.

The post Where Physics, Data and Science Combine to Revolutionize Insulation “Thin and Thick Film Insulation” appeared first on SPI Coatings.