Super Therm® Insulation Coating – Extensive DOE Testing
SPI Coatings are the only “insulation coating” to be reviewed and verified by DOE which is the only way any insulation can be certified according to FTC insulation rule 460.
Super Therm® is a revolutionary thermal insulation coating designed to block 95% of the initial radiational heat load, significantly reducing heat transfer. Traditional insulation materials only slow down the heat transfer until it reaches full heat flux, whereas Super Therm® prevents the majority of the heat from entering in the first place. This performance is validated through extensive field results accumulated over 35 years, showcasing its ability to outperform traditional insulation methods in various applications.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has conducted several tests on Super Therm®, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing heat load and energy consumption. For instance, in a weatherization program, a roof coated with Super Therm® maintained a temperature just 1°F above ambient, compared to 164°F for an uncoated roof and 125°F for a roof with a white elastomeric reflective paint. Additionally, tests in various locations, such as Miami and Denver, showed a reduction in energy use by 20-30% when Super Therm® was applied.
Real-world applications of Super Therm® further validate its effectiveness. For example, testing in LaPorte, Texas, on shipping containers showed significant reductions in internal and external temperatures, thermal conductance, and moisture levels, leading to energy load reductions of approximately 46-52%.
Super Therm®’s unique thermophysical properties contribute to its superior performance. It has a high specific heat, requiring more energy to raise its temperature, and high reflectivity, averaging 95% across multiple tests. Its low heat absorptivity and low diffusivity make it highly resistant to heat load, with ceramic compounds engineered to divert heat waves and reject absorbed heat back to the atmosphere. These properties ensure that Super Therm® not only prevents heat absorption but also maintains a stable performance across different temperature ranges.
Projects like the Hoover Bypass Bridge and roofing in Japan demonstrate long-term performance with no loss of effectiveness, underscoring Super Therm®’s ability to provide reliable thermal insulation and energy savings in diverse environments.
