Foam Insulation for High Altitude Balloons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on the selection of foam insulation suitable for high altitude balloons, particularly for use in instrument packages that must withstand extremely low temperatures, potentially down to -60 degrees Celsius. Participants explore various materials and suppliers relevant to this application.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about suitable foam insulation for high altitude balloons, specifically for temperatures as low as -60 degrees.
  • Another participant suggests "aerofoam" as a potential high-end insulation material, noting its lightweight properties and insulating value.
  • A participant clarifies that the insulation is intended for the instrument package rather than the balloon itself and mentions seeing a pink colored, water-resistant foam used in various projects, though specifics on materials are lacking.
  • Further, the pink dye in the foam is explained as a marker indicating that the foam will not generate electrostatic charge due to the addition of waxy materials.
  • It is proposed that low density styrofoam may be a more cost-effective alternative to high-end materials like aerofoam.
  • A link to a supplier of aerogels is provided, suggesting another avenue for material exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the best materials for insulation, with no consensus reached on a specific product or supplier. Multiple competing views on the suitability and cost-effectiveness of different types of foam insulation remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not specify the exact performance characteristics or limitations of the suggested materials, and there is an absence of detailed comparisons between the proposed options.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in high altitude balloon projects, particularly those focused on instrument packaging and insulation solutions for extreme temperatures.

rootLocus
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Hi,

I was wondering if anyone here has any good suggestions for foam insulation for high altitude balloons. We're looking at temperatures as low as -60 deg. Any recommendations on supplier as well?
 
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Insulation for the balloon or for the instrument package? Look up aerofoam. It comes in all varieties of prices and densities.
 
The instrument package. I'm seeing this pink colored/water resistant foam for many of these projects, but none of them specify the materials.
 
rootLocus said:
The instrument package. I'm seeing this pink colored/water resistant foam for many of these projects, but none of them specify the materials.

The pink dye is commonly used to indicate that a plastic will not cause electrostatic charge to be built-up from friction with air and solid materials. This is accomoplished by the addition of waxy materials to the plastic. The pink color is just a dye added to the compound from which the foam is made.

I suggested aerofoam as a high end material. It is a very lightweight material rivaling any other in insulating value per unit weight.

Commonly, it should be more cost effective to use low density styrofoam.
 
http://www.aspenaerogels.com/markets/industrial.html
 
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