Breakthrough Fire Containment Solutions: Under the stringent requirements of fire safety standard QCVN 06:2022/BXD, large-scale cold logistics warehouses and industrial food processing plants are legally mandated to utilize building envelope materials with certified low combustibility and verified Fire Resistance ratings. PIR and Rockwool Panels manufactured by Tan Long represent the premier solution meeting both demanding benchmarks: Superb Thermal Insulation and Absolute Fire Containment.
1. In-Depth Technical Comparison: PIR vs. Rockwool Panels
Many investors debate between PIR and Rockwool for their facilities. Here is an expert comparative analysis from Tan Long Chief Engineers:
A. PIR (Polyisocyanurate) Panels: Peak Thermal Insulation & Self-Extinguishing Fire Performance
PIR represents an evolutionary leap from standard Polyurethane, modified with ring-structured Isocyanurates forming cross-linked three-dimensional polymer bonds exceptionally stable under thermal stress:
- Protective Carbonaceous Char Layer Formation: Upon contact with flames above 300°C, the PIR surface instantly carbonizes into a porous carbonaceous shield that blocks oxygen and prevents flame penetration into the core.
- Fire Performance Rating: Conforms to combustibility rating B1 / B2 under German DIN 4102 under German standards and prestigious US FM Approvals. PIR is self-extinguishing once separated from flames and emits minimal toxic smoke.
- Superior Thermal Efficiency: λ = 0.018 – 0.020 W/m.K (the lowest thermal conductivity of all commercial building materials). Consequently, PIR serves both as an effective fire barrier and premier sub-zero thermal insulation.
B. Rockwool (Basalt Mineral Wool) Panels: Up to 120-Minute Fire Barrier Performance
Rockwool panels utilize basalt and dolomite mineral wool spun at 1,600°C into ultra-fine fibers bonded with high-temperature thermoset binders:
- Class A Non-Combustible Material: The basalt fiber core possesses a melting point exceeding 1.000°C. In fires, Rockwool establishes an impervious thermal barrier preventing fire spread between building compartments.
- Certified Fire Resistance Rating: Officially tested and certified to EI 60, EI 90, and EI 120 minutes by the Fire Safety & Rescue Police Department (Ministry of Public Security).
- Superior Acoustic Attenuation: Dense multidirectional fiber networks trap acoustic waves, effectively silencing heavy machinery noise from compressor plant rooms.
2. Engineering Specifications Matrix: PIR vs. Rockwool
| Measurement Metrics | Tan Long Fire-Rated PIR Panel | Mineral Rockwool Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Core Density | 42 – 45 kg/m³ | 80 – 120 kg/m³ |
| Thermal Conductivity (λ) | 0.018 W/m.K (Ultra-High Insulation) | 0.042 – 0.045 W/m.K (Moderate Insulation) |
| Safe Operating Range | -60°C to +140°C | 0°C to +700°C |
| Fire Classification | B1 / B2 (Flame retardant, self-extinguishing) | Class A (Non-combustible, up to EI 120 fire barrier) |
| Water Impermeability | Water resistant > 97% (Ideal for cold storage) | Hygroscopic if skin breached (Requires thorough vapor barrier) |
| Recommended Applications | Cold storage, blast freezers requiring high fire safety | Plant firewalls, boiler room partitions, sound barriers |
3. Industrial Applications in Cold Storage & Food Processing Plants
Tan Long has supplied and installed hundreds of thousands of square meters of PIR panels for prestigious multinational facilities:
- International Logistics Facilities: Major projects such as Nichirei Logistics hay AJ Total Logistics utilize 150mm PIR envelope panels integrated with automated SCADA temperature monitoring and automated fire alarm systems.
- High-End Dairy & Food Processing Plants: Notably at Kho Kem Kido Foods and Lotte FG, PIR envelope insulation safeguards multi-million-dollar inventories from electrical fire risks.
- Fire Containment Wall Between Processing Hall and Compressor Room: Deploying EI 90 Rockwool firewalls isolating the central industrial refrigeration machinery room ammonia NH3 and the outbound packaging hall.
4. Factory-Direct 2026 Price Quotation for PIR & Rockwool Panels
- 50mm PIR Panel (Density 42 kg/m³, Fire Class B2): From 520.000 – 580.000 VND/m²
- 100mm PIR Panel (Molded Camlock, Fire Class B1): From 750.000 – 850.000 VND/m²
- 150mm PIR Panel (Deep Freeze -25°C, FM Approvals): From 990.000 – 1.150.000 VND/m²
- 50mm Rockwool Panel (Density 100 kg/m³, EI 60 Fire Rating): From 380.000 – 430.000 VND/m²
- 100mm Rockwool Panel (Density 120 kg/m³, EI 120 Fire Rating): From 520.000 – 590.000 VND/m²
In-Depth Technical FAQs on Fire-Rated PIR & Rockwool Panels
1. Are Tan Long PIR panels officially certified by Fire Authorities for project commissioning?
Yes. All production runs of PIR and Rockwool panels are backed by certified fire resistance test dossiers issued by the Ministry of Public Security Fire Police Inspection Center, ensuring 100% compliant project commissioning.
2. Why choose PIR over Rockwool for food cold storage envelopes?
Because cold rooms operate in sub-zero environments with high condensation pressure. The 97% closed-cell PIR foam is completely moisture-impermeable, preserving insulation ratings for 20 years. Conversely, Rockwool fibers are hygroscopic; moisture ingress degrades thermal resistance rapidly and promotes mold growth violating sanitary food regulations.
3. Do PIR panels emit toxic gases at elevated temperatures?
Due to high thermal stability of aromatic Isocyanurate ring structures, PIR forms an insulating carbon char when burned, generating exceptionally low smoke density (SDI) with zero flaming molten droplets, greatly reducing suffocation risks during warehouse evacuation.
4. What joint locking system is utilized on Tan Long PIR panels?
Tan Long employs embedded Camlocks or multi-tier labyrinth Z-lock joints fitted with heat-resistant silicone gaskets, ensuring flames and superheated toxic gases cannot bypass inter-panel seams.
