PI Aluminum Sheet

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PI Aluminum Sheet

 

PIR Pre-insulated (PI) Aluminum Sheet, also known as polyisocyanurate pre-insulated duct sheet, is a high-performance insulation material widely used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. It is valued for its excellent thermal insulation, durability, and fire resistance, making it a popular alternative to traditional duct materials. Below is a detailed introduction:

 

Basic Structure

PIR pre-insulated duct sheets consist of three main components:

Core Material: A rigid, closed-cell polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam core. This foam is formed through a chemical reaction between isocyanurate and polyol, creating a dense structure with low thermal conductivity.

Facing Materials: Protective layers bonded to both sides of the PIR core. Common facing materials include:

Aluminum foil or embossed aluminum sheets (for moisture resistance, structural reinforcement, and reflectivity).

Superior Insulation Performance
PIR foam has extremely low thermal conductivity (typically 0.022W/m·K), comparable to or even better than Phenolic Foam in some formulations. This minimizes heat transfer through the duct, reducing energy loss in HVAC systems and improving overall efficiency.

Excellent Fire Resistance
Unlike some other insulation materials, PIR foam is inherently fire-retardant. It meets strict fire safety standards (e.g., ASTM E84, UL 181) with low flame spread and smoke development. When exposed to high temperatures, it forms a char layer that slows down combustion, making it suitable for buildings with strict fire codes (e.g., hospitals, high-rises).

Durability and Moisture Resistance
The closed-cell structure of PIR foam resists water absorption and moisture penetration, preventing mold growth and maintaining insulation performance over time. This makes it ideal for humid environments (e.g., swimming pools, coastal areas).

Lightweight and Easy to Handle
PIR pre-insulated duct sheets are significantly lighter than traditional metal ducts (e.g., galvanized steel) or duct systems with separate insulation layers. This reduces structural load on buildings (critical for retrofits) and simplifies transportation, handling, and installation.

High Structural Strength
The rigid PIR core, combined with reinforced facing materials, provides good compressive strength and dimensional stability. This allows the ducts to maintain their shape under normal operating conditions, even in unconditioned spaces (e.g., attics, basements).

Hygienic and Low Maintenance
Smooth inner surfaces (often from aluminum facing) minimize dust accumulation, supporting better indoor air quality. This makes PIR ducts suitable for hygiene-sensitive environments such as hospitals, food processing plants, and laboratories. Maintenance requirements are minimal, typically limited to periodic inspections of joints and seals.

certification of PI Aluminum Sheet

 

 

Fire Safety, Thermal Conductivity and Physical Performance

BS 476 Part 6&7

ASNZS 1530.3

thermal Conductivity

Compress Strength

CFC HCFC Free

Composite structure synergistic enhancement: The outer protective layer is made of 3003/5052 series aluminum plate, with a thickness of 0.15-0.2mm, which has excellent corrosion resistance and UV resistance, and can resist the erosion of coastal salt spray. The core material is selected from PIR (closed-cell rate ≥95%) or PU, with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.018-0.02W/(m · K). The insulation and heat preservation effect far exceeds that of traditional materials, achieving an integrated "protection + insulation".

Forming process ensures performance: Continuous hot-pressing composite process is adopted. The bonding strength between the core material and the aluminum plate is ≥0.2MPa, with no risk of delamination. Edge sealing treatment prevents water vapor from seeping in, extends service life, and solves the pain points of traditional insulation materials being prone to moisture and aging.

Lightweight design for logistics: The unit weight is only 60% of that of traditional iron sheet insulation structures, which is convenient for long-distance transportation (especially suitable for international sea transportation) and on-site installation, reducing labor and logistics costs and improving construction efficiency.

Multi-dimensional performance breaks through the traditional: Outstanding insulation performance, can reduce the energy consumption of HVAC systems by 15%-25%. The moisture-proof and water-proof grade reaches IPX7, making it suitable for the high-temperature and high-humidity environment along the coast of Fujian. It features high mechanical strength, is resistant to impact and deformation, and can withstand pipeline vibration and external collisions. It is suitable for complex scenarios such as industrial plants and high-rise buildings.

Core compatibility for the HVAC industry: Perfectly matches the insulation and protection requirements of air conditioning ducts and chilled water pipes. The outer protective aluminum plate is smooth and easy to clean, meeting food-grade hygiene standards. It can be used in places with high cleanliness requirements such as commercial complexes, hospitals, and data centers. It is compatible with working conditions ranging from low temperature (-40℃) to high temperature (120℃), and is suitable for the entire refrigeration and heating system.

Potential for cross-border scenario expansion: Besides the HVAC field, it can also be applied in scenarios such as building curtain wall insulation, cold chain logistics vehicles, and industrial equipment insulation. For instance, in the building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) project in Fujian region, it can serve both insulation and decorative functions, in line with the requirements of green building policies.

Precise matching of regional characteristics: In response to the salt spray and high-temperature and high-humidity climate along the coast, the outer protective layer of the aluminum plate is treated with anodic oxidation or fluorocarbon spraying, extending the anti-corrosion life to over 20 years.

Market differentiation competitive advantage: Compared with the traditional iron sheet + insulation cotton structure, the installation period of pre-insulated aluminum plates is shortened by 30%, and the later maintenance cost is reduced by 50%.

High industry trend alignment: With the HVAC industry moving towards high efficiency, energy conservation, lightweight, and long service life, as well as the advancement of infrastructure projects in Fujian (such as rail transit and new energy industrial parks), pre-insulated aluminum panels have gained advantages of "integrated performance, convenient installation, and comprehensive compliance".