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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-10-23 Origin: Site
Thailand features a tropical climate with high temperature and humidity all year round. Whether a cold room can maintain stable insulation and low power consumption mainly depends on its insulation system. In cold room installation, polyurethane color steel insulation panels (wall panels, roof panels, floor panels) undertake multiple functions including heat insulation, air sealing and structural load-bearing. They are core components that determine the long-term operating cost and safety level of the cold room. Proper selection of core material, thickness and flame retardant grade directly affects cooling speed, energy consumption and fire compliance, which is a valuable long-term investment.
Polyurethane insulation panels are divided into PUR (rigid polyurethane foam) and PIR (polyisocyanurate foam) according to core materials. Due to different formulas, they have different performance priorities. For cold room installation, fire resistance, temperature resistance and cost are the top comparison indicators.
Comparison Item | PUR Polyurethane | PIR Polyisocyanurate |
Isocyanate Index | 100–110 | 180–220 |
Thermal Conductivity λ | 0.022–0.024 W/(m·K) | 0.024–0.028 W/(m·K) |
Temperature Resistance | -50℃ ~ +100℃ | -50℃ ~ +150℃ |
Fire Performance | Can reach B1 grade | Better B1 flame retardancy |
Dimensional Stability | Good | Excellent, less deformation under high temperature |
Compressive Strength | 0.15–0.25 MPa | 0.20–0.30 MPa |
Reference Cost | Lower | Slightly higher (5%–10% more expensive) |
Application Scenarios | Standard cold storage & freezer | Projects requiring high fire resistance & high ambient temperature |
Summary: PUR provides slightly better thermal insulation at lower cost; PIR excels in fire resistance and temperature tolerance, suitable for projects with strict safety requirements and high-temperature working conditions.
Core density is an easily overlooked parameter affecting overall performance. Too low density leads to poor compression resistance despite good insulation; excessive density raises thermal conductivity and cost. During cold room installation, density selection varies by panel position:
Density | Thermal Conductivity | Compressive Strength | Common Application |
38–40 kg/m³ | 0.022–0.024 W/(m·K) | 0.15–0.18 MPa | Wall panels, roof panels |
45–50 kg/m³ | 0.024–0.026 W/(m·K) | 0.20–0.25 MPa | Load-bearing wall panels |
Above 60 kg/m³ | 0.026–0.030 W/(m·K) | Over 0.30 MPa | Floor panels, walkway panels |
The insulation panel adopts a sandwich structure: color steel surface + polyurethane foam core + edge sealing. The surface is galvanized color steel sheet, anti-corrosion and salt-spray resistant, adapting to the high-humidity coastal environment of Thailand. The core is continuously foamed without gaps. The tongue-and-groove joint matched with special sealant ensures airtightness. The thickness and coating weight of steel sheet directly determine service life and deformation resistance.
Surface Parameter | Standard Configuration | High-end / Coastal Configuration |
Steel Thickness | 0.326–0.5 mm | 0.5–0.6 mm |
Coating Weight | 100–120 g/m² | Over 150 g/m² |
Feature | Cost-effective | Stronger salt spray resistance & scratch resistance |
Insulation performance and cost are determined by panel thickness. With the same core material, thicker panels bring lower U-value, better insulation and lower power consumption, while the cost increases accordingly. Cold room installation should match thickness according to target storage temperature to avoid insufficient insulation or overspending.
Thickness | Approx. U-value | Storage Temperature | Application Scenarios |
75mm | 0.31 W/(m²·K) | 0℃ ~ +10℃ | Fruit, vegetable and flower cold storage |
100mm | 0.23 W/(m²·K) | -18℃ ~ -25℃ | Frozen meat, seafood cold storage |
150mm | 0.15 W/(m²·K) | Ultra-low temperature / Quick freezing | Blast freezers, high-efficiency energy-saving cold rooms |
For reference: The U-value of 100mm panel is about 26% lower than 75mm, and the U-value of 150mm panel is about 35% lower than 100mm. Thicker panels deliver more obvious long-term power saving effect.
According to GB8624 standard, flame retardant grades include Grade A, B1 and B2. Cold room insulation panels are recommended to be B1 flame retardant (hardly combustible), self-extinguishing after leaving fire and restraining flame spread to meet fire inspection requirements. For Thailand projects, the flame retardant test report of panels must be verified. Fire separation treatment shall be done at panel joints as required by codes.
Half of the insulation effect comes from panels, the other half from installation. Key points for cold room installation: Level the base to keep panel surface flat; align tongue-and-groove joints and fill sealant fully to avoid cold bridges and air leakage; reinforce sealing at corners, door openings and pipe penetration points; treat panel seams with special sealant and sealing strips. Acceptance inspection focuses on flatness, tightness of joints, air tightness test and temperature drop test.
Well-maintained insulation panels can serve 15–20 years. Avoid mechanical damage on panel surface; repair aging sealant in time. Regularly check cold bridge-prone areas such as door frames and pipe openings to prevent condensation and ice formation which damage insulation. Proper selection plus standard maintenance keeps stable insulation and energy saving for years.
PIR/PUR polyurethane color steel insulation panels are the foundation of energy saving and safety for cold rooms in Thailand. Select 75/100/150mm thickness according to storage temperature, choose B1 flame retardant core for fire safety, match core density and steel surface based on working conditions. Professional cold room installation guarantees tight sealing and qualified acceptance, achieving fast cooling, low power consumption, stable operation and long service life. XB Refrigeration Co., Ltd. provides integrated services of insulation panel design and cold room installation locally in Thailand, and customizes suitable solutions based on temperature requirement, site condition and budget.
Q1: What is the insulation difference between 75mm and 100mm panels? The 100mm panel has a 26% lower U-value, more stable insulation for freezers and lower power consumption with higher cost.
Q2: Is PIR always better than PUR? PIR has better fire and temperature resistance but higher cost and slightly higher thermal conductivity. PUR is more cost-effective for normal fresh storage.
Q3: Is B1 flame retardant sufficient for cold room fire regulations? Yes, B1 is the mainstream hardly combustible grade for cold room panels, and test reports shall be prepared for inspection.
