PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

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MICROTHERM - A S
SOLUTION
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THERMAL PROBLEM

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MICROTHERM THERMAL INSULATION

NANOTECHNOLOGY WORKING FOR YOU
Microtherm is the leading manufacturer of high performance thermal insulation.
Microtherm thermal insulation eectively minimises the transmission of heat over a large temperature range
from cryogenic temperatures to 1200 C (2192 F).
With a porous structure consisting of minute air cells contained between chains of amorphous silica agglomerates
of particles from 5 25 nm in size, Microtherm is classied as a microporous insulation.
Microtherm has appreciably better thermal performance at high temperatures than other more conventional
insulation products including aerogel blankets. Microtherm performs even better than still air.
This performance advantage extends right down to cryogenic temperatures.

MICROTHERM R&D AND ENGINEERING

Microtherm is the wise choice as partner in developing high performance innovative thermal insulation solutions.
We oer more than 40 years of expertise and the proven skills of our application and engineering teams.
This allows us to design and (co-)develop the best tailor made thermal protection solutions for our customers.
All developments can be supported by transient thermal analysis and performance testing in our in-house
laboratories, including re resistance testing to A and H category re scenarios.

MICROTHERM SERVICE NETWORK

Microtherm operates from a truly global network to serve every industrialised country in the world.
Microtherm has three main sites ideally positioned to serve Europe, Australasia, and the Americas. These sites
are further supported by our Global Partners a network of distributors and agents around the world.
Our headquarters at Sint-Niklaas in Belgium is the base for all of our group technical expertise. Add this to the
competence of our customer service specialists and the result is a level of service and technical support that has
made us market leader.

MICROTHERM THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY

M EA N TEM P ER ATU R E (F)
100

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

0,3
2.0

P E R L I TE
C E LL U L A R G L A S S

1.8

POLYURETHANE

0,25

MINERALWOOL
CERAMIC FIBRE BLANKET

1.6

C A LC I U M S I L I C AT E B L O C K
MINERAL FIBRE BLOCK

0,2

1.4

A E R O GE L B L A N K E T
M I C R O TH E R M S U P E R A
MICROTHERM SUPER G

1.2

MICROTHERM SLIMVAC

0,15

0.8

T H ERMA L CO ND UC T IVI TY (W/ m . K)

0,1
0.6
r
still ai

0.4

0,05

0.2

0
-50

100

200

M EA N TEM P ER A TU R E (C)

300

400

500

600

700

800

T HE RM AL CON DU CT I VI TY (Bt u . in /ft 2 . h r . F)

1.0

MICROTHERM IS A TRULY REMARKABLE

THERMAL INSULATION

Below zero, Microtherm SlimVac is again the best

product available.
The relationship of the thermal conductivity of
Microtherm to the exposure temperature is
almost a straight line with only a very slight increase
as temperatures approach the maximum
continuous exposure temperature of 1000 C
(1832 F). The reason for the very low thermal
conductivity at high temperatures is the presence
in the Microtherm formulation of an opacier
which makes the insulation an almost perfect block
against the passage of infra red radiation.

0,10

The r mal co ndu c t iv it y (W/m.k)

From the chart comparing the thermal conductivity

of a selection of the most widely used insulation
materials, it is immediately obvious that Microtherm
out-performs all other insulation materials from zero
up to 1000 C (1832 F).

Micro therm
A ero sil silica 1 0 0 %

0,09
0,08
0,07
0,06
0,05
0,04
0,03
0,02
0,01
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Mean temperature ( C )

Normal insulation materials do not have this characteristic.

Another remarkable feature of Microtherm is the dimensional stability at very high temperatures (see page
14). Shrinkage after continuous exposure at maximum temperature can eectively be ignored in almost all
applications.
However, what makes Microtherm really exceptional as a thermal insulation is the fact that it will also give excellent
protection right down to cryogenic temperatures. It quite literally maintains its exceptional performance form the
deep cold of cryogenic temperatures right up to the extreme heat of 1000 C (1832 F).
It is the single solution for all thermal protection problems irrespective of exposure temperature. That is why we
believe that it is the best performing general thermal insulation at all temperatures that you can buy.
Microtherm the most versatile insulation at all temperatures!
Microtherm the best performing insulation from zero to 1000 C (1832 F).
Minimal increase in TC even at maximum operating temperature.
Performs better than still air at all temperatures above zero.
Dimensionally stable over full temperature range.
Excellent performance maintained right down to cryogenic temperatures.
Unaected by thermal shock.
No deterioration with age.

MICROTHERM - COOL ANSWERS TO HOT PROBLEMS

5

MICROTHERM PRODUCTS
HIGH TEMPERATURE PRODUCTS
MICROTHERM RIGID PANELS
Panels
Hydrophobic Panels

MICROTHERM FLEXIBLE PANELS

Quilted & Semi-quilted panel
Hydrophobic quilted panel
Overstitched & Semi-overstitched panel
Aeroguard
Marineguard
Slimex
Slatted panel
Hydrophobic slatted panel
Steelex & Steelex+

MICROTHERM BLOCK PRODUCTS

Block Microtherm Super G, HT & Super A
Hydrophobic Block
Board
Thin Sheet

MICROTHERM MOULDED PRODUCTS

Moulded Pipe Sections (MPS)

MICROTHERM MACHINED PRODUCTS

MICROTHERM POURABLE PRODUCTS

FreeFlow
Chimney Insulation Mintherm

AMBIENT & LOW TEMPERATURE PRODUCTS

MICROTHERM RIGID PANELS
Slimvac

MICROTHERM FLEXIBLE PANELS

Floppy panel

PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION (PFP)PRODUCTS

MICROTHERM RIGID PANELS
Slim&Light
Slim&Light+

MICROTHERM FLEXIBLE PANELS

Quilted & Semi-quilted panel
Overstiched & Semi-overstiched panel
Slimex
Aeroguard
Marineguard

CLOTH COVERINGS
Microtherm use a variety of covering materials for their products
dependent on exposure temperature and conditions of use. These can include
materials such as non-woven polyester where temperature resistance is not
required but the product needs to be dust free and, in some instances,
flexible without damage. For most applications Microtherm uses woven
E-glass cloth coverings. The cloth covering ensures cleanliness and lack
of dust when installing the Microtherm products.
However, at exposure temperatures above 600 oC (1112 oF) the bres of the cloth will
begin to stick together, leading to brittleness and loss of strength on cooling.
Some shrinkage may also be observed leading to splits in the cloth. These eects are
more severe at higher temperatures. E-glass cloth will melt at temperatures exceeding
800 oC (1472 oF). Microtherm oers alternative coverings with higher temperature
resistance for special applications. The main consequence of these thermal changes to the glass cloth is that the strength and
handleability of the insulation tends to revert to what it would have been without the glass cloth covering the insulation
performance is not altered in any way. Since Microtherm insulation is usually held between metal sheets or refractory
materials, deterioration of the glass cloth is normally not an important issue.
For even more demanding applications, Microtherm can be covered in almost any appropriate material.
For higher temperature exposure, a covering of quartz cloth may be used which is capable of withstanding direct
ame impingement.
For most mechanically challenging applications we can even supply Microtherm totally encapsulated in
stainless steel.

PRODUCT
CHARACTERISTICS

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Microtherm insulation
... has a thermal conductivity up to 1000C (1832 oF) which is close to the lowest theoretically possible in any
material. Microtherm Super A can be used up to 1200 oC (2192 oF). Microtherm also gives superb performance down to cryogenic temperatures.
... is resistant to thermal shock.
... is available in a range of densities to suit diverse applications.
... is available in a wide range of (tailor made) complex shapes and forms as well as standard forms ex stock.
... can be encapsulated in heat resistant fabrics and other coatings.
... is non-combustible.
... some products are available in hydrophobic versions.
... is mechanically stable for long periods at maximum operating temperatures.
... can be used in air or other gases at pressures greater than atmospheric.
... is slimmer, lighter and more energy efficient than conventional insulations.
... is simple to use and easy to apply.
... is reliable.
... is made of green materials and environmentally safe with no respirable bres.
... is available in seven principle grades for general applications diering in maximum temperature capability,
thermal conductivity, water resistance, density and ease of machining. Other versions available to meet
specic application requirements.

ISO 9001:2008
Microtherm is a world leader in thermal insulation solutions...
... We are known for our comprehensive product range and for our creative design advice the result of our
relentless commitment to R&D.
... Above all, we are known for the superb quality of our products.
... All design and manufacture is to ISO 9001:2008.
... We believe that we oer a product range and a service that are unique in the insulation industry.

National Physical Laboratory Thermal Conductivity Measurements

on Microtherm Insulation (ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177) .&" /
5&.1 &3" 563&
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Upper temperature limits for Microtherm products

1652F

1832F

1922F

2012F

2102F

2192F

M I C R O T HE R M G
MICROTHERM SUPER G

MICROTHERM SUPER G HYDROPHOBIC

MICROTHERM BOARD

MICROTHERM HT
MICROTHERM STEELFLEX+

MICROTHERM SUPER A

900C

1000C

1050C

1100C

1150C

1200C

When we quote maximum working temperature limits it is on the basis of a controlled level of shrinkage
age under full heat soak conditions.
conditio
ons
ns.
hat although the upper continuous
u s ex
expo
posure
posu
sure
ree llilimit
imit
imit
Normal applications involve single sided heating. Under these conditions we can say that
exposure
ns it may be possible for thee insulation
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on to
to wi
with
thst
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for Microtherm Super A is quoted as 1150 C (2102 F), in some situations
withstand
intermittent exposure temperature of 1200 C (2192 F).
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The same advice can be given for Microtherm
the
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conditions,
withstand
2012 F).
temperatures up to 1100 C (2012
p
pecialists
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Please contact our specialists
further
the
materials.

OPTIMISE YOUR PROCESS WITH MICROTHERM

EXISTING INSULATION

INCREASE CAPACITY!

75 C
(165 F)

75 C
(165 F)

CERAMIC FIBRE
150 MM

MICROTHERMTM
45 MM

CERAMIC FIBRE
150 MM

980 C
(1800 F)
MICROTHERMTM
45 MM

INTERNAL

MICROTHERMTM
150 MM

75 C

25 C

(165 F)

(75 F)

SAVE SPACE!

Microtherm MPS

SAVE ENERGY!

Calcium Silicate

The unbeatable performance of Microtherm can

result in a number of benefits:
Greatly reduced insulation thickness / volume for
equivalent performance.
Greatly reduced insulation weight.
Faster installation due
ue to reduced quantity of
insulation
tion pieces.
Savings on outer coverings
cove
co
veri
ring
ngs / casings due to size
redu
reduction.
duct
ctio
ion.
Reduction in storage of goods
go s prior
priorr to installation.
pr
prio
iins
nsta
tallllat
atio
ion
n.
Reduction
Reduc
cti
tion
on in
in cost of packaging
packag
gin
ing
g of insulation for
delivery.
d
delive
l very
ry.
Re
Redu
Reduction
duct
du
c io
ct
ion
n in delivery
d
del
eliv
ivery costs due to reduced volume.
vol
o ume.
Cleanerr in
inst
installation
stal
alla
lati
tion
on w
with
ith no h
it
ith
heal
health
lth
h ha
h
hazards.
zards.

Performance comparison of Microtherm and

Calcium Silicate moulded pipe insulation for
equivalent heat ow at 750 oC (1382 oF).
Microtherm is only one quarter the thickness !

1
11

R&D AND ENGINEERING

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT - ENGINEERING

Microtherm is the leading developer of high performance thermal insulation solutions.
Our Research & Development team is constantly striving to improve further our insulation material and products.
In our in-house laboratory and testing facilities, innovations are examined and analysed carefully before
industrialisation is started.
The extensive know-how of the R&D group is then integrated with the work of our highly experienced and
qualied engineering team.
In close cooperation with our customers we (co-) develop tailor made insulation solutions.

MEASURING THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY ...

Microtherm obtains thermal conductivity measurements by three different procedures:
1. Conventional Guarded Hot Plate equipment complying with ISO 8302 and ASTM C 177
standards is used for all published data. This produces precise data over a wide temperature
range (up to a mean value of 800C (1472 F). Two at panels are tested and the heat ow
between a heated test square and the water cooled outer plates is measured.
2. Microtherm in-house testing facilities. Microtherm has designed testing equipment based
on a cylindrical geometry with a central heat source for routine quality control and product
development.
This cylindrical geometry equipment is particularly suitable for measurements at pressures
greater than atmospheric and in gases other than air.
Various gases can be fed into the outer chamber of our purpose built equipment and multi
point TC curves can be generated.
3. Thermal conductivity measurement of vacuum insulation panels. In the Microtherm materials
laboratory, routine thermal conductivity measurement of SlimVac panels is done on our
FOX 600 machine from Lasercomp.
This machine measures centre panel thermal conductivity and has a thermal guard to
minimise any eects from edge conduction through barrier materials.
Measurements comply with ISO 8301 and ASTM C-518.

13

OPTIMISING DENSITY
The thermal conductivity of microporous insulation is inuenced by its density. Together with IR radiation,
heat is transferred through the insulation either by gaseous conduction (air pockets), or by solid conduction
(particles). Put simply, the higher the density, the more particles, the higher the thermal conductivity.
Also, the lower the density, the more air pockets, the higher the thermal conductivity. By balancing the interaction
between gaseous and the solid conduction, an optimal thermal conductivity value can be found for each of the
Microtherm grades. Microtherm supplies all products at an optimised density for optimised performance.

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RESISTANCE TO COMPRESSION
Microtherm insulation products are normally supplied at the lowest density which can be handled
satisfactorily, consistent with optimum overall performance. When greater resistance to compression is
required, higher densities can be supplied. Depending on the product type, the normal density range is from
200 to 450 kg/m3 (12,5 - 28lb/ft3).

D E N SI T Y ( l b / f t 3 )

Resistance to compression
10

15

20

25

30

35
160

MI CROT H E RM BOARD

140

MI CROT H E RM H T
MI CROT H E RM S UPE R G

120

0.8

MI CROT H E RM G

0.6

MI CROT H E RM S UPE R G H YDROPH O B IC

100

MI CROT H E RM S UPE R A

80

MI CROT H E RM STEELFLEX+

60

0.4

40
0.2

20

0
100

150

D E N S I TY ( k g / m 3 )

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

550

600

RE S IS TA NC E TO CO MP RE SS I ON ( p si )

R E S IS TA NCE TO COM PR E SS IO N (M Pa)

1.2

THE NON-COMBUSTIBILITY OF MICROTHERM

INSULATION PRODUCTS
Microtherm insulation meets the requirements of BS476, DIN4102 and UL94V-0 for non-combustibility. Combustibility of
coverings (eg. glass cloth) may be greater than that of the Microtherm insulation. Specialised applications may require
particular coatings to be applied to the Microtherm insulation.
Microtherm insulation products create excellent re barriers to protect steel, aluminium or composite structures. Fire
performance certicates are available on our website and from our Applications Engineering group. Microtherm
Overstitched Panels have been satisfactorily tested to the European Single Burning Item (SBI) test EN 13823, and have
been classied A1 to EN 13501-1:2002.
Microtherm exible insulation panels used in marine Passive Fire Protection systems are covered by EU and USCG
certication for non-combustibility of the insulation core, and zero spread of ame for the glass cloth covering material.

In-house re
performance
testing

Thermal image of
lift doors during re
resistance test.

ENSURING STABILITY AT MAXIMUM OPERATING

TEMPERATURE
Microtherm insulation can be used for long periods against hot surfaces at maximum operating
temperatures.
Like all insulation materials, a small amount of irreversible lateral shrinkage will occur after sustained exposure
to the maximum rated temperature limit for the material.
Microtherm measures shrinkage according to ASTM C356, BS-EN 1094-6, ISO 2477, and in-house techniques.
These full soak methods in which the material is kept in a high temperature furnace for a period of 12
to 24 hours, and the dimensional changes measured. These methods are more severe than single-sided
shrinkage tests and give a conservative estimate of maximum service temperature.
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15

MINIMISING THE EFFECTS OF MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY

Thermal and mechanical properties of Microtherm insulation are not significantly affected by severe changes in
humidity. Steam passes through the structure of Microtherm insulation without causing damage.
Microtherm insulation normally has a moisture content of 1 3% by weight. The presence of a small amount of
absorbed water does not aect the performance of Microtherm.
If contact with liquids or water is likely, we recommend using Microtherm Super G Hydrophobic Grade.

Applications such as steel ladles which may be

lined with a wet castable refractory cement
require water resistant insulation panels.
Photo courtesy Corus Steel.

SUPER G HYDROPHOBIC GRADE

This material is based on silica particles which have been specially treated to render them, and hence the
insulation, water repellent.
In applications where water could be present in proximity to the Microtherm insulation, the use of the
hydrophobic grade will ensure that the microporous structure is not damaged with a corresponding compromise
of the thermal performance.
Whenever the presence of water is anticipated in an installation, a prior discussion with our specialists will ensure
that the performance of the Microtherm product is always optimised.

MICROTHERM AND REACH

In keeping with their ongoing focus on health and safety issues, the Microtherm Group and their partners
have been happy to comply with this important European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe
use (EC 1907/2006).
The Regulation which came into force on 1st June 2007 deals with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and
Restriction of Chemical substances.
The aim of REACH is to improve the protection of human health and the environment through the better and
earlier identication of the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. The REACH Regulation gives greater
responsibility to industry to manage the risks from chemicals and to provide safety information on the substances.
Manufacturers and importers are required to gather information on the properties of their chemical substances,
which will allow their safe handling, and to register the information in a central database run by the European
Chemicals Agency.
The European Chemicals Agency are anxious that the most dangerous chemicals and substances should be given
full registration as a priority. Less dangerous substances are treated with much less urgency. Because all of the
materials that we use are inherently safe, both for handling and for the environment, full registration for
Microtherm has been given a deadline of 2018.

MICROTHERM AND THE ENVIRONMENT

As an important part of our corporate policy, the Microtherm Group is continually focused on the environmental impact
of its products and its thermal insulation solutions. We share global concerns regarding the eects of greenhouse
gas emissions and the resulting climatic changes. We support the global interest and need for a low carbon energy
future.
A key component of the carbon footprint of an industrial process is energy consumption. Controlling energy usage
by incorporating a Microtherm thermal insulation solution wherever heat containment is required is an obvious
way of reducing the immediate environmental impact. A further hidden benet comes from a clear CO2 reduction
from delivery of a greatly reduced insulation volume, and a corresponding reduction in recycling costs of much less
packaging.

MICROTHERM - THE CLEAN, GREEN INSULATION

17

SERVICE & SUPPORT

THE MICROTHERM SERVICE PROMISE

We understand thermal management and energy conservation.
The use of Microtherm, the most thermally ecient high temperature insulation available, brings many advantages
but we know that it must be optimised and oered in the simplest possible design to ensure that the nal thermal
insulation solution is totally cost eective.
Ecient insulation saves space, saves weight, and saves energy. Design optimisation saves cost whether it is for a
single high technology project or for high volume series production.
We have been the industry leaders for 40 years and our background expertise and experience, coupled with our
state-of-the art manufacturing facilities, ensure that the quality of our products is matched by the quality of our
technical advice and our service. All of this on a global scale.
We oer professional, technically and commercially competent support and advice at every stage of your project,
no matter how complex and challenging that project may be.
The complete supply package we leave nothing to chance!

PROBLEM ANALYSIS
Thermal design problems can be extremely complex. Our specialist application engineers will help you to fully
understand the problem parameters, often employing thermography (infra red photography) to define precisely
where a thermal weakness occurs.

IR measurement on steel ladle

Steel ladle during thermal assessment

Only when the thermal weaknesses in an installation are fully understood can an eective insulation solution be
designed. A comparison of thermographs showing performance, with and without the insulation, will demonstrate
the dramatic improvements that can be achieved using a Microtherm solution.
Our rst level of technical support is to help you to understand the nature, and the extent, of your thermal problem.

19

THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALCULATIONS

Transient heat ow calculations

Once the problem is understood our engineers can provide

a wide range of thermal calculations from steady state right
up to full 3D transient calculations. These define the rate of
heat transfer and the insulation requirement to contain it.
Modern CAD modeling combined with powerful transient heat
calculation software enables a detailed understanding of
temperatures and heat ows at all stages of exposure.
This applies equally to heat exposure in hot processing such as
furnaces or steel making, exposure to a hot environment such
as re, or simple thermal protection during normal operation
such as in a home electrical appliance.
With the information from our thermal analysis we are able to
design our insulation thickness for the application. This is the
rst stage of our system design.

PRODUCT SELECTION AND DESIGN

The Microtherm product portfolio includes a range of block products, rigid panels, fully flexible panels and rolls,
slatted panels, evacuated panels, powder and granular products. The versatility of the product forms means that
our engineers are able to select the optimum product characteristics for every thermal insulation system.

Factors to consider include

What exposure temperature will be encountered and for how long? Is the temperature steady or cyclic?
Will the product need to be rigid or exible?
Will the product require a covering for protection or dust control?
Will the product need to withstand water?
What are the physical needs shock, vibration, abrasion etc.?
Will the product need a special shape?
This is the second stage of our system design.

DESIGN OF SYSTEM FEATURES

Many thermal insulation systems will have quite unique requirements. An excellent example is the Microtherm
system designed for the Joint European Torus the worlds largest nuclear fusion research experiment that
effectively replicates the power source for our own sun.
Fusion occurs at a sucient rate only at very high energies. On earth this needs temperatures greater than 100
million Kelvin even hotter than the sun. Microtherm insulation forms the outer layer of the system that contains
this heat.

The design challenge here was to not only contain these tremendous temperatures but also to allow for the
considerable linear expansion of the outer casing components.
The insulation system used is based on exible quilted panels of Microtherm held in place by specially designed
straps with an innovative clip xing for fast assembly and demounting. Panels are overlapped so that even after
expansion there is still full insulation cover.
Other system design features include factory shaping and assembly -

Encapsulation for protection and simplicity of assembly -

Machining or moulding to an accurate and often complex shape.

For more complex projects, the optimum product will be oered as part of a carefully designed insulation system
which includes all xing methods and any encapsulation. This is the third stage of our system design.

21

PERFORMANCE TESTING
We have the capability of in house insulation system performance testing
for exposure to fire for a wide range of application scenarios including passive
fire protection to marine bulkheads and floors, lift doors, and a wide range of
protective enclosures and fire safes.
We will also liaise with your own designers for any external testing at internationally
recognised test laboratories.
A full colour brochure outlining our re test capabilities in more detail is available
as a download from our corporate web site.
Because we can test systems under development in-house, we can immediately
identify any weakness in the overall thermal protection and make an appropriate
design revision.
This ensures absolute condence in our designs during formal accreditation testing in an internationally recognised
test laboratory.
We take out the guesswork and leave nothing to chance.

PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION
This is another application for thermography. A sequence of IR photographs immediately shows any weakness
in an insulation system.

This is the nal stage in our system design.

INSTALLATION SUPPORT AND CO-ORDINATION

Our engineers will ensure that your insulation system is tted correctly for optimum benet. We can train your
tters to handle, shape, and t our products and when necessary we can provide on-site supervision.

MICROTHERM
MICR
ROTHERM - THE CLEAN, GREEN INSULA
INSULATION
ATION
23

MICROTHERM WORLDWIDE CONTACTS

www.microthermgroup.com

Microtherm is a registered trademark of Microtherm (GB) Ltd.

Nippon Microtherm Co., Ltd.

Korakuen Shinjuku Bldg,
4-15-7, Nishi-shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
T. (+81) 3 3377 2821
F. (+81) 3 3378 2821
E. sales@microtherm.co.jp

Issue ref.310111/01

The information contained in this brochure is intended to assist in designing with Microtherm
products. It is not intended to and does not create any warranties, express or implied, including
any warranty of merchantability or tness for a particular purpose or that the results shown in this
brochure will be achieved by a user for a particular purpose. The user is responsible for determining the suitability of Microtherm products for each application.

www.claerhout.be

Microtherm N.V.
Industriepark Noord 1
9100 Sint-Niklaas
Belgium
T. (+32) 3 760 19 80
F. (+32) 3 760 19 99
E. info@microthermgroup.com

100907

Microtherm Inc.
3269 Regal Drive
Alcoa, Tennessee 37701
USA
T. (+1) (865) 681 0155
F. (+1) (865) 681 0016
E. sales@microtherm.us