Bergatherm has been developed as an environmentally friendly replacement for hardwoods such as Oak, Iroko, Sapele, Cedar, Ash, Maple and Beech. These woods have been commonly used as supports for cold and cryogenic pipe work in refineries, gas handling and chemical plant where the operational parameters require both high strength and good insulation properties.

Over time wooden supports deteriorate, can leach acid leading to corrosion of the pipe, moisture absorption into the local insulation, degradation of the support and inefficiency in the process.

Other similar products such as laminated, resin impregnated woods are costly, have very long lead times and can be uneconomic to produce in some of the shapes that are required for supporting pipes. There are also significant physical limitations in which the use of wood and laminated wood products become constrained, especially at higher temperatures and in very wet conditions.

Bergatherm is used as a high-load capacity, cold isolation block typically found in situations where the cold temperature of the fluid within the pipe would cause potential embrittlement or damage to the surrounding structure. Such blocks are used as a thermal barrier between support structures and vessels or beneath trunnions or at line stops and anchors.

Bergatherm can be used to completely isolate a pipe, supplied in cylindrical form, moulded to shape to avoid waste and give increased strength over similar machined composites. Such product is used on flare lines where dual temperatures are often a feature.

Bergatherm not only possesses excellent low temperature properties but can also be used at temperatures far exceeding the limitations of wood, laminated wood and other commercial composite blocks while still retaining its mechanical properties.

Key mechanical and physical properties of Bergatherm

PropertyUnit of MeasurementApplicable StandardSpecifications
Specific Gravitygm/cm3ISO 11831.80
Water Absorption%ISO 62< 0.40
Glass Content% by WeightISO 1135860 ~ 70
Tensile StrengthN/mm²ISO 527 – 4/5> 100
Compressive Strength (Perpendicular to Fibre Direction) @ 23°CN/mm²ISO 14126> 250
Compressive Strength (Perpendicular to Fibre Direction) @ 225°CN/mm²IS 1998> 180
Impact Strength Un-NotchedKJ / m2ISO 179> 80
Thermal Conductivity 23°CW/mKASTM E 1530/ASTM C 518< 0.30
FlammabilitySecondsUL-94V0/ < 50
Thermal Classification (Contact Surface Temperature)°C–-196 to +225
*The above table lists the general properties of this material and are for reference purpose only. These have been achieved under controlled laboratory conditions and are subject to revision without notice. The user should obtain latest applicable information about the product prior to ordering and check, evaluate and ensure the suitability of the material for use in specific environment and conditions.
An insulated pipe shoe using moulded, 180o segments of Bergatherm
A Bergatherm isolation block, used to prevent heat transfer between pipe & primary support structure

Bergatherm can be used in combination with high-density polyurethane foam to provide a composite material with the isolation properties of polyurethane foam but the flexural strength and / or temperature resistance of Bergatherm. This combination is offered as Bergalite® because of the significant reduction in overall weight of the material.

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