Selection of the Optimal Expanded Perlite for Insulation of Isothermal Tanks

Abstract

Expanded perlites were obtained from raw materials classified by density and particle size fractions. The bulk densities, thermal conductivity coefficients, fineness moduli, and settlement degree of the expanded perlite were determined. To ensure the stability of the properties of the expanded aggregate, selective mining of perlite in thin extraction layers uniform in average density and narrow fractionation were proposed. For more reliable insulation, two-layer insulation of isothermal tanks was suggested depending on the settlement degree of the expanded perlites.