HVAC is the acronym for "Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning" referring to the complex of technologies, systems and equipment that are based on the design, development and supply of hardware and software components with a high level of connectivity to contain energy consumption and increase, as a whole, the efficiency and well-being of the internal environment.
The choice of building materials with adequate fire resistance is essential in the realization of the various systems and, from a sustainability perspective, can largely provide its contribution.

For more information read the following article

PAROC Hvac Fire BlackCoat is the new Paroc solution suitable for fire protection of horizontal and vertical, rectangular and circular ventilation and air conditioning ducts.
The slab or mat solution was developed to prevent the spread of fire from the duct to the room or from the room to the duct. It combines unique properties in terms of fire protection with a discreet and elegant aesthetic finish, as the rock wool mats and slab are covered with a black lacquered reinforced aluminum sheet.
For more information read the following article

Paroc Clad System is weatherproof, UV-resistant, salt-water resistant and impermeable to water. It can withstand temperatures up to 680°C making it good for protecting against temperature losses on high-temperature systems and steam lines. This makes the insulation system suitable for a wide range of cases including power, oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, the food industry and coastal applications.
For more information read the following article

The industrial insulation details generally provide that the insulation of the pipes takes place during downtime for maintenance, when the temperature of the pipes is low, and then changes rapidly when the system returns to operation, creating an important thermal expansion that can lead to to severe losses of heat and energy. Therefore, a double layer insulation system is often required to mitigate the potential opening of the joints.
Expert in such processes, Paroc offers half-shell cup solutions and, in addition, the innovative PAROC Pro Lock single-layer solution.
PAROC Pro Lock is a unique solution, which offers the advantages of double-layer insulation but with a single single-layer application. It is a single cup with 2 overlapping thicknesses and staggered interlocking joints (Z-Lock) - both circumferential and longitudinal - which minimize the heat loss caused by mechanical expansion. 
For more information watch the video!

PAROC and the characteristic red and white striped packaging, includes solutions for thermal, fire and acoustic insulation in several applications.
It is recognizable not only for its packaging but above all as a synonym for highly energy-efficient and fire-fighting insulation solutions.
Paroc products do not contain ingredients or chemicals that prevent their recycling, increase the comfort and safety of the environment in which they are installed, improve workplaces and the efficiency of industrial processes.
Paroc stone wool fully complies with the stringent dictates imposed by the Finnish RTS Building Information Foundation system for the classification of emissions of building materials, and also meets the most stringent requirements (M1) in the Finnish voluntary system for the calculation of emissions of insulating material.
For more information read the following article

Energy is the engine of contemporary society, and is now the subject of major transformations towards decarbonisation and sustainable development, and greater integration of renewable energies into energy systems: energy transition measures that affect not only businesses but also individuals, the environment and the world we live in.
The increase in the price of energy also generates inevitable repercussions on consumers, making it clear how great the advantages of a correct energy balance are. Therefore, the primary interest of each investor, business or private, is to increasingly ensure that their investment is functional, efficient and, of course, advantageous.
PAROC, a leading company in the insulation sector and synonymous with highly energy efficient and fireproof insulation solutions in rock wool, offers 3 winning keys for insulation:
• acoustic insulation of the ventilation channels with PAROC Hvac Slab
• thermal insulation of the pipes with PAROC Hvac Section Alucoat T
• fire protection of the concrete floor with PAROC CGL 20cy
For more information read the following article.

The specific characteristics of the process industry plants (such as the temperature of the stored material which can vary significantly between the various sections, the movement caused by thermal expansion and vibrations from the equipment connected to them) often produce humidity which, if not correctly resolved, it can drastically reduce the life of pipes and equipment, increasing the risk of leaks, greatly reducing safety.
For more information read the following article
 

The mechanical and thermal actions are generated in the industry plants often produce moisture which, if not properly resolved, can drastically reduce the life of pipes and equipment, increasing the risk of leaks, greatly reducing their safety.
An insidious aspect, increasingly recognized by professionals in the industrial sector, is the so-called CUI - Corrosion Under Insulation - as a severe form of localized corrosion that occurs mainly under the insulating material applied on steel equipment.
PAROC solutions for the process industry offer long-lasting, maintenance-free and energy-efficient products
For more information read the following article

When planning a sustainable building, the main challenge is how to achieve eco-friendly goals while ensuring a safe and well-functioning structure. In terms of energy, efficiency, it is not a question of how much insulation to add, but what is the right application choice for the building, considering both the entire ecosystem-building and its function as a system, to achieve full owner satisfaction and occupants.
For more information click here!

When planning a sustainable building, the main challenge is how to achieve eco-friendly goals while ensuring a safe and well-functioning structure. In terms of energy, efficiency, it is not a question of how much insulation to add, but what is the right application choice for the building, considering both the entire ecosystem-building and its function as a system, to achieve full owner satisfaction and occupants.
Thinking in terms of design through the lens of integrated systems (so that the acoustic, thermal and humidity mitigation systems work fully and efficiently throughout the life of a building), which takes into account the physical interfaces between the facade and the the building structure, as well as the functional structure between the envelope and the systems, represents a salient point in eco-friendly design. The regulatory framework, in this context, has changed over the years, paying particular attention not only to the aspects of energy containment of buildings, but also to those related to acoustic well-being, sustainability and safety (with particular attention to the danger of propagation of fire).
The trend in recent years to build ever taller buildings has brought the increased fire risk to the building system to the attention of researchers. In fact, architects and designers of curtain walls have often recognized that the void created between the attic and the external wall, if left unprotected, would allow fire and smoke to spread quickly from one floor to another. 
Firespan 40 & 90 EU panels offer a solution to this problem as they have been tested to the North American  standard ASTM E2307: a fire test standard for evaluating the performance of perimeter fire barrier systems that measures the capability of perimeter fire barrier systems prevent the spread of fire when the outer wall flexes or deforms during exposure to fire. ASTM E2307 also determines the period of time in which the perimeter fire protection system limits the penetration of the flame through the cavity (internal void between the floor and the external wall.)
Firespan 40 & 90 EU are Underwriters Laboratories certified fire resistant panels, moisture resistant, which guarantees anti-corrosion and anti-mold effect, moreover they do not deteriorate over time, maintaining constant performance of thermal insulation, fire protection, better acoustic comfort and vapor barrier with the foil faced Firespan 40 & 90 or used in steel back pan assemblies. The panels comply with the North American standards ASTM C 612 and UL specific for mineral fiber panels.
Firespan 40 & 90 EU possess the certifications necessary for the buildings to obtain the LEED and are scrupulously examined at each stage of the life cycle in order to calculate their environmental impact
All related information is collected and published in technical documents and certificates called EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) in accordance with the EN 15804 standard.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us!

Quality, innovation, safety and lightness solutions: these are just some of the values that characterize the world of sailing and that Link Industries searches every day in its work.
Inspired by these ideas we are proud to support, with our partner Paroc, Tommaso Cilli and Bruno Mantero at the 420 Italian Sailing Championship and on the occasion of the 420 Gold Cup.

Insulating materials can significantly increase the ability of a building to withstand a fire, consequently the choice of the correct insulator can affect the general safety of a building.
For more information read the following article.

How can the Process Industry contribute to reduce the negative climate impact - and at the same time save money? Fortunately, there is a simple solution to the problem: PAROC, focused on the characteristics of the industrial process, offer long-lasting, maintenance-free and energy-efficient solutions that can guarantee a specific industrial process with the lowest possible energy consumption, thus minimizing waste.
For more information read: PAROC solutions for insulation in the process industry

Thanks to the continuos research of our technical team, Link Alu Tape has obtained the marine equipment brand "Steering wheel" according to the Directive MED 2014/90 / UE.
 

Thanks to the continuos research of our technical team, Link Alu Tape has obtained the marine equipment brand "Steering wheel" according to the Directive MED 2014/90 / UE.
LINK ALU TAPE is a tape with smooth baked aluminum film in thickness 26 μm with high self-adhesive power. It is generally used for joints and other forms of protection in industrial, hvac and marine insulation. The tape has been rigorously tested by a third-party certifying body and has successfully passed the verifications thus obtaining the certification of "Low flame spread” for marine application.
By certifying its products (tapes for joints, glue, sealants) Link aims to:
- improve maritime safety;
- improve the protection of the maritime environment;
- facilitate the free exchange of marine equipment within the European Union and at the same time maintain a common level of security.
For more information read: Link Alu tape with 'timoncino' logo

Link presents PAROC Calculus on the market: an innovative and sophisticated software proposed by Paroc for the calculation of technical insulation. Calculus is an easy-to-use program suitable even for those who are not familiar with this type of software, that offers the possibility of creating your own database and saving the calculations of the entire project through two versions: on-line on the portal and a downloadable version one on the own pc with more features.

Link presents PAROC Calculus on the market: an innovative and sophisticated software proposed by Paroc for the calculation of technical insulation. Calculus is an easy-to-use program suitable even for those who are not familiar with this type of software, that offers the possibility of creating your own database and saving the calculations of the entire project through two versions: on-line on the portal and a downloadable version one on the own pc with more features.
The software calculates the solutions realized obtained with PAROC technical insulation products based on equations described in standard EN ISO 12241, which provides the methods for counting the properties related to the heat transport of building and industrial installations, mainly in steady state, providing a simplified approach to the treatment of thermal bridges. Furthermore, the latest developments of the program open the door to the world of shipbuilding: the database of available products has been updated by introducing the PAROC Marine & Offshore range, including all the relevant specialized coatings dedicated to them. This update allows to perform the calculations related to all the isolated insulated elements present on ships and offshore installations - such as drains, pipes, ducts, tanks - by correctly using the MED-certified PAROC products.
To perform calculations with Marine & Offshore products, just access the software link, place a check mark in the "Marine object" selection box under the "Select object" item. The offer of the product database goes on to naval ones.
tick the "Marine object" box under the "Select objet" heading. The product offering will be switched to marine products.
The introduction of Marine & Offshore products with specific coatings allows the correct thermal emissivity to be used in calculating the surface temperature of the insulation. This represents a considerable importance both for the protection of the embarked personnel, guaranteeing the effective safety of the material used, and for the guarantee of the correct functioning of the insulation applied. In fact modern shipbuilding  increasingly pays attention on the issue of weight saving of boats for reasons of fuel efficiency, navigation autonomy and maneuverability. Moreover, a useful software, always updated and correctly configured on applied products by the parent company , is an indispensable tool for designers in order to assess the weight of the insulation used.
Calculus is free and easy to use with any device.
So all you have to do is try it and tell us your opinion!
 

The stone wool insulation is a natural product, used for over 80 years, obtained from molten volcanic rock, transformed in fibers and impregnated with a little bit organic binder (2-4%) in order to stabilize it, then passed into another oven for hardening and cutting to size.
The Paroc stone wool thus obtained is extremely natural and has excellent characteristics of: Durability - Energy efficiency - Sound absorption - Fire protection - Anti humidity - Reuse and Safety.
Paroc stone wool is not only a natural product, but naturally sustainable because it follows a precise protocol with respect for the environment: an added value for the environmentally conscious consumer who respects the resources of our planet.
For more information follow the link: Paroc the naturally sustainable insulation

From an experimental study carried out on different insulating materials by an independent external laboratory, Paroc stone wool proved to be one of the most performing insulation materials in terms of moisture resistance. The analysis was carried out on four different mechanisms of moisture transport and their effect on buildings with the awareness that moisture penetrates the structures not only during atmospheric precipitation, but also through a silent path, difficult to control.

From an experimental study carried out on different insulating materials by an independent external laboratory, Paroc stone wool proved to be one of the most performing insulation materials in terms of moisture resistance. The analysis was carried out on four different mechanisms of moisture transport and their effect on buildings with the awareness that moisture penetrates the structures not only during atmospheric precipitation, but also through a silent path, difficult to control.
Moisture transport mechanisms are carefully studied in the building design phase, but they must also be carefully assessed during the construction of buildings, not only for the correct application of the products, but also for the interchanges between different materials and their conservation in the dockyard.
An independent study conducted by the VTT (VTT-S-05337-17) demonstrated that there are differences among the insulating materials in terms of moisture resistance.
In fact, during the construction of a building a certain amount of atmospheric water is inevitably given to the structure, in addition to the one contained in construction materials, and even if the insulation does not get wet, the humidity level of the rest of the components increases. For this reason, the water vapor permeability of the insulation materials plays a key role in the drying time of the entire structure, allowing moisture to escape.

For more information download the free Paroc Guide and follow the article on Edilportale: The driest insulation on the market

Heat dispersion, energy inefficiency, constructive discontinuities, reduced living comfort are some aspects that are felt in  thermal bridge areas.

These areas, if not properly designed, cause  various problems:

• hygienic-sanitary, because of the unevenness temperatures can create large areas of condensation and damp that promote the proliferation of bacteria by reducing the healthiness of the indoor parts;
• structural, over time the different thermal expansion of different materials in contact with each other leads to small movements that can cause detachment and formation of cracks, with the consequent degradation of the materials used;
• energy, as per the losses due to thermal bridges have a significant impact on the increase consumption for heating in the cold season and cooling in the hot season.

For more information: Link Industries: le zone di ponte termico e l'involucro edilizio

Modern construction can be defined not only by triumphs of contemporary architecture but also by ever-developing installation technologies. From heating and water pipes to smoke and exhaust pipes and chimneys, from HVAC equipment to ventilation ducts – installation systems perform many roles in terms of a building’s proper functionality; fire safety being one of the most important. Why should proper technical insulation be given priority when speaking about buildings’ passive fire protection?

For more information:

https://www.archiproducts.com/it/notizie/da-link-industries-la-chiave-per-la-sicurezza-antincendio-dell-edificio-di-impianti-hvac_65765

https://www.archiproducts.com/it/notizie/link-industries-e-una-questione-di-classe_66286

Designed for efficient air and water circulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning purposes, HVAC systems often pass for a building’s “cardiovascular system”. Since it is common for pipework to cross through individual fire separation walls, it is crucial for them to retain sufficient fire protection. Because pipe penetrations  weaken a partition’s overall resistance,  professional fitting and proper materials are necessary in order to prevent/minimise fire transition through individual fire zones. Because of that all openings and service penetrations must meet certain requirements:

• Preventing fire and smoke transfer ;
• Preventing rapid temperature rise on the service penetrations’ surfaces and potential ignition of combustible materials;
• Retaining mechanical strength in case of fire ;
• Capacity to construct multiple HVAC systems within existing service penetrations while retaining their fire resistance class.

According to EN 1366-1 standard there are various types of ducts that differ in virtue of the propagation from inside or outside to the fire conduct (iào, ißo) and the vertical or horizontal arrangement of the pipeline ( I-I). When describing service penetrations’ fire resistance, we employ similar performance criteria as in the case of building components and construction, namely fire protection rating related to integrity (E) and insulation (I). Normally the fire resistance classification is given  as a time limit (in minutes 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 or 360) during which the performance criteria is fulfilled in a standardised fire test. Integrity (E) is the ability of a test specimen of a building construction  element  to prevent the flames and hot gases from passing through when exposed to fire on one side, and to prevent the occurrence of flames on the unexposed side. Insulation (I) defines said object’s  ability to restrict the temperature rise of the unexposed face to below specified levels. Construction meets its integrity limit  after ignition of a cotton wool pad or  sustained 10 seconds’ flaming on the unexposed side. The limit  for fire protection rating related to insulation (I) is met when the temperature increase on the unexposed side exceeds 180°C in relation to the initial state. The analogy between performance criteria between barrier walls and service penetrations is no coincidence. The latter, being part of fire separation walls, should be classified with fire protection classes (EI) required for said constructions, meaning a necessity to employ insulation materials with fire reaction class not lower than the fire resistance of the construction itself. Fume seal (S) defines the passage of flue gas to the side not exposed to fire.

Depending on the installation type, different insulation methods and materials should be applied and ventilation ducts must be selected with the appropriate fire-fighting performance. Paroc has developed a non-combustible wired mat usually covered with aluminum foil interposed between the wool and the net for fire protection of the ventilation ducts. The product is PAROC Hvac Fire Mat (Alucoat), a fireproof, flexible mattress made of biosoluble rock wool, covered with aluminum foil on one side and then quilted with a triple-twist hexagonal galvanized steel mesh. It is tested to achieve a protection up to EI 120 of rectangular and circular ducts, both vertical and horizontal, for internal and external fire exposure. For all the solutions, the product thicknesses to be applied and the characteristics of the metal pipelines will have to respond to what reported in the laboratory certificates.

At the time of installation it is required to cover the ventilation duct with the PAROC Hvac Fire Mat Alucoat mat and to close the longitudinal and transverse edges with galvanized steel wire. Fix the mat further to the ventilation duct with the galvanized steel wire every 330 mm (two fastenings per mattress band).

For more information:

https://www.archiproducts.com/it/notizie/da-link-industries-la-chiave-per-la-sicurezza-antincendio-dell-edificio-di-impianti-hvac_65765

https://www.archiproducts.com/it/notizie/link-industries-e-una-questione-di-classe_66286

A wonderful LNG ferry, commissioned by Baleària, built by the Visentini Shipyard and equipped with NAVIS Link

In 2017, the Visentini Shipyard in Donada (RO) has signed a contract for the construction of two LNG ferries ordered by Baleària: an ambitious project that starts off the first dual-fuel ferry ro-pax from Spain operating in the Mediterranean. The Venetian shipyard therefore will build two ferries commissioned with identical characteristics and powered by liquefied natural gas to enhance the fleet's eco-efficiency. In fact, the use of LNG and other clean energies will reduce CO2 and NOx by over 40%, while at the same time eliminating harmful emissions of sulfur and other particles.

The Visentini shipyard, an historical Link’s customer, has contacted us, knowing our products and the availability of our technical office,  for the use of new lightweight stone-wool solutions and the Paroc Marine Navis Slab has joined  into the ambitious Baleària project, combining the excellent quality that has always distinguished PAROC marine insulation solutions with the technological innovation required by the sector.

Hypatia de Alejandria presents itself as  "our case history": a newbuilding, eco-efficient, built according to the new naval dictates that ask to reduce the weights of the boats so that they can consume less fuel and impact less on the environment. In fact, the new solutions, 40% lighter than in the past, were used for all steel structures in class A30 and A60 while for the class A15 structures were used solutions with Marine Fire Slab 80 that do not require coating on reinforcements, both bulkhead and deck. Coibentazioni Navali Toffoletto Naval, historical reality for the installation of insulation, was able to confirm the goodness of the materials during on-board processing. The finishing work was made using the LINK TAPE fiberglass tape and the LINK V20 glue, from the LINK Industries range of marine accessories. The excellent consistency of the low-density panels NAVIS has allowed a quick installation but with an impeccable aesthetic finish, to which Toffoletto and Cantieri Visentini are not willing to give up. The Navis solutions have in fact the advantage of reducing the weight of the product without affecting the mechanical stability and the final appearance of the insulation.

Following the philosophy of rapid installation and the lightness of the solutions, the Paroc Marine Fire Slab 40 G1 panel was chosen for the thermal insulation of bulkheads and decks. The soundproofing of the conditioning rooms and some areas was guaranteed by the consolidated LINK FLEXSTONE coupled panel, rock wool plus visco-elastic membrane.

Hypatia de Alejandria will therefore be an LNG triad that takes full advantage of the new technology of lightweight solutions with NAVIS materials from Paroc for the fire protection of decks and bulkheads in class A: a ferry in which we put ourselves to the test and, thanks to Paroc experience, we have followed the weight reduction requirements but at the same time leaving unchanged the other performances related to the workability of the panels to the quality of the aesthetic finishes.

On line on Ship2Shore: On the GNL Balearia ferry  the Link solutions

Paroc embarks on a new project called Light Marine. The initiative will provide naval architects and shipyard specifiers with new lightweight solutions for fire insulated decks and bulkheads, suited for weight critical projects.

Download here the brochure with new marine solutions

Le Pipe Sections Paroc are on Infobuild news

The stakeholder’s primary interest is to ensure a functional, efficient and, of course, beneficial investment. With this aim, Link presents PAROC Pipe Sections, the suitable product to increase the efficiency and lifetime of industrial plants as well as to achieve a proper thermal insulation of high-temperature pipes or pipes for sanitary water heating, and to minimize energy consumption by maximizing the real life of the plant.

PAROC stone wool is a natural and environmentally friendly material that offers highly performing solutions for thermal, acoustic insulation and passive fire protection in civil engineering and upgrading, industrial plants, naval and off- shore.

In addition, the research and development activities in the industrial insulation has received advantage from close cooperation with customers and industry experts. All products are designed to increase the efficiency and functionality of the plant and to meet the strictest quality standards.

Therefore, we would like to introduce you, through the related product and video-related cards, the above-mentioned Pipe Sections:

PAROC Hvac Section AluCoat T

PAROC Pro Section 100

Generally stone wool solutions and particularly PAROC Pipe Sections increase the comfort and safety of the environments in which they are used, improving the energy efficiency of buildings and yield performance of the plants: the advantages are of great economic value and environment resulting from a well-insulated system.

New tests for fire protection of steel and concrete with PAROC CGL20cy and PAROC FPS 17.

PAROC has developed two specific products for protection of concrete (PAROC CGL20cy and PAROC FPS 17) and steel (PAROC FPS 17) exploiting the excellent thermal-acoustic and fire protection properties of stone wool.

Concrete - PAROC CGL20cy protects until REI 240 with only 60mm of insulation on whatever type of concrete slab

Concrete and steel - PAROC FPS17  protects until REI 240 with only 20mm of insulation on whatever type of concrete slab and until R 210 whatever type of steal beams and pillars with several thicknesses.

For more information,  send a email at isolamento@linkindustries.com

Link Industries Spa strongly believe in high quality products accompanied by relevant certifications as a main value for our customers.

Therefore the range of accessories for marine insulation offered by Link is covered by following certifications:

Module B - Low flame spread M.E.D. Certification according to IMO Res. Msc. 61(67) FTP Code Annex 1 p 2 and 5

Module E (EC quality System Certificate).

Link Industries Spa strongly believe in high quality products accompanied by relevant certifications as a main value for our customers.

Therefore the range of accessories for marine insulation offered by Link is covered by following certifications:

Module B - Low flame spread M.E.D. Certification according to IMO Res. Msc. 61(67) FTP Code Annex 1 p 2 and 5

Module E (EC quality System Certificate).

LINK GLASS FABRIC TAPE 0.12

White glass fabric strip 105 gr/m2 and 0.12mm with special self-extinguish resins to make it soft, permeable to glue and weavelock.

It is particularly indicated in marine application to cover joints between mineral wool slabs covered with glass fabric coating.

LINK GLUE V20

white flame retardant vinyl adhesive for marine application particularly indicated to bind glass fiber strips on joints between mineral wool slabs covered with glass coating.

For further  information our technical department is at your constant disposal.

It is also used for gluing coatings (such as glass cloths) to insulating materials such as mineral wools (stone or glass wool)

LINK PE WRAP

Incombustible stone wool slab PAROC Marine Slab wrapped in a polyethylen self extinguish black film.

It is mainly used in marine application for the insulation of floor inside cabins.

For further information our technical department is at your constant disposal.