Frequently asked questions
Answers about STB-1 Cryogenic Insulator, G10 Micarta and cryogenic isolation pads. Don’t see your question? Email sales@bmssi.ca or call 800-580-4195.
“G10 Micarta” is the common name for glass-epoxy laminate blocks and pads used as load-bearing insulators, especially in cryogenic pipe supports. G-10 is a laminate grade made from woven glass cloth and epoxy resin; Micarta is a brand name that is used generically for high-pressure laminates.
STB-1 Cryogenic Insulator is a thermoset, glass-reinforced epoxy composite, the same construction family as G-10. It is offered as an alternative wherever drawings call for G10 Micarta blocks or pads. Compare its published properties with your project specification.
It is rated from −270 °C (−454 °F) to 135 °C (275 °F) in continuous service, with intermittent, brief excursions up to 180 °C (356 °F). The glass transition range is about 130 °C to 140 °C.
Yes. Its rated range covers LNG (about −162 °C) and liquid nitrogen (about −196 °C) service. It is used as an insulation block in cold shoes, anchors, trunnions and pipe saddles. Confirm by calculation that the block does not compress, deflect or creep at the design load across the full operating temperature range.
Compressive strength is 48,000 psi (330.9 MPa) by ASTM D695, compressive modulus is 400,671 psi at 1 inch thick, and shear strength is 16,326 psi by ASTM D732.
Thermal conductivity is 1.055 BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F by ASTM C518. It conducts heat more than 1,300 times less than aluminum, more than 350 times less than steel and more than 100 times less than stainless steel.
Yes. Dielectric strength is 500 VPM (short time in oil, 1/16 inch) and 60.0 kV parallel step-by-step in oil, both by ASTM D149, which makes it suitable for bolted isolation joints and research equipment.
No. Mechanical, fire and electrical values are room-temperature results; they do not state strength or conductivity at cryogenic temperature. Contact us to discuss your design conditions.
1/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″ and 2″ (6.4, 12.7, 19.1, 25.4 and 50.8 mm), supplied as full sheet or cut to size and drilled to your drawings. Isolating washers and bushings are also available.
Cut-to-size pads typically ship in 5–7 days, anywhere in Canada and internationally. Email sales@bmssi.ca or call 800-580-4195 with your drawings for a quote.
ASTM E84 flame spread 25 and smoke developed 120, UL 94 Class HB, and an oxygen index of 21.8 % by ASTM D2863.
More reading: G10 vs Micarta · Cryogenic pipe support insulation · Full specifications
Send your drawings, operating temperature and design loads to sales@bmssi.ca or call 800-580-4195. We cut and drill every cryogenic isolation pad in house and quote quickly.
