3M™ Glass Bubbles for Thermal Insulation

As the search for oil and gas moves farther offshore, there is an increasing need for materials that can survive and perform in extreme subsea environments. 3M™ Glass Bubbles have proven their reliability in adverse conditions, for applications such as reducing weight and increasing uplift of buoyancy modules and for enhancing thermal insulation properties in risers and pipelines.

3M™ Glass Bubbles for Pipe Insulation

The high strength and low thermal conductivity (0.06 – 0.2 W•m^-1•K^-1 at 0°C)* of 3M™ Glass Bubbles make them ideal additives in pipeline and riser insulation. These inert particles are completely compatible with all other components of the insulating system, including polyurethane, polypropylene and epoxy. What's more, these hollow glass microspheres are virtually insoluble in water…providing better utility in underwater applications.

Choose the grade of 3M glass bubbles that is right for your application.

(Oriented by Strength)

	3M™ Glass Bubble	Bubble Crush Strength (psi)	Bubble Density (g/cc)	Calculated Thermal Conductivity* (W•m-1•K-1)
	S42XHS	8000	0.42	0.166
	XLD6000	6000	0.30	0.143
	K46	6000	0.46	0.173
	S38XHS	5500	0.38	0.158
	S38HS	5500	0.38	0.158
	S38	4000	0.38	0.158
	XLD3000	3000	0.23	0.130
	S35	3000	0.35	0.152
	S32	2000	0.32	0.147