PRODUCTION OF EVACUATED MICROSPHERES FOR THERMAL INSULATION

THE POTENTIAL TO ACHIEVE HIGH INSULATING VALUE BY THE USE OF EVACUATED GLASS MICROSPHERES HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR SOME TIME. THE PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH IS TO SOLVE THE PRINCIPAL OBSTACLE TO THEIR USE, WHICH HAS BEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMERCIALLY VIABLE TECHNIQUE TO PRODUCE EVACUATED MICROSPHERES. IF HOLLOW GLASS MICROSPHERES CAN BE EVACUATED AND COATED COST-EFFECTIVELY, THEIR UTILITY AS INSULATION WILL EXTEND TO THE CONSUMER, ENGINEERING, AND INDUSTRIAL MARKETS LARGE COST SAVINGS AND MAJOR ENERGY SAVINGS TO THE NATION. FOR EXAMPLE, USING VACUUM MICROSPHERES HAVING HIGHLY REFLECTIVE METAL COATINGS, SYSTEMS CAN BE DESIGNED WITH R VALUES EXCEEDING 25 (PER INCH). CONFIGURED AS EVACUATED PACKED BEDS, R VALUES GREATER THAN 800 HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED. THE OBJECTIVE IS TO DEMONSTRATE A UNIQUE MANUFACTURING CONCEPT WHICH DOES NOT REQUIRE THE USE OF VACUUM EQUIPMENT OR EVACUATED CHAMBERS.