July 10: Mattel factory oven cooler by 50°C-122°F with Planet Supra

pdf_logoPlanet Supra Thermal Barrier Paint is well known for its ability to improve building insulation from heat by reflecting solar radiations. The industry also leverages its properties to insulate hot surfaces on machines, pipes.

Heat generating equipment in factories need to be well insulated: heat is often the sign of lost energy and high energy bills. Planet Supra's hollow nanotechnology silica beads reflect heat back to its source, instantly improving insulation.

On July 1st, 2010 in Thailand, Mattel's factory conducted a technical trial with the objective to reduce oven surface temperature. The outcomes expected by the factory's Senior Facility Maintenance Supervisor were:

  • to improve worker safety around hot equipment
  • to reduce oven energy consumption by reducing heat loss
Oven_before_painting_300
Oven before painting with Planet Supra. The oven was turned off and allowed to cool down. The metal surface was then cleaned of dirt and oily residue which would compromise the paint's adherence.











Oven_after_painting_300Planet Supra was mixed with 5% distilled water then painted with a brush directly on the metal surface in 3 consevutive coats, for a total thickness of 300 to 350 microns (0.30 to 0.35mm). Each coat was dry to the touch in a few minutes only.

White color was used for the trial, although industrial customers usually prefer grey as it blends better into a factory's environment. There is no significant difference in performance between white and other colors.






Thermal_image_300A thermal scan of the oven was performed using a Flir InfraCam infrared camera: the temperature of the area painted with Planet Supra was recorded to be up to 50°C - 122°F cooler (thermal image courtesy of Mattel Thailand).

Planet Supra is a radiant barrier, its performance is exponential: the hotter the surface the more heat is reflected back to its source. On average, temperature differences range from 10°C - 50°F up to 50°C - 122°F, depending on surface and ambient temperatures.

Although it can withstand short peaks of high temperature, it is not recommended to apply Planet Supra on surface temperatures hotter than 150°C - 302°F.

If the temperature is too high, the paint will crack and peel but will remain perfectly safe: it is VOC-free and non-inflammable, meaning no toxic fumes will be released and it won't catch fire.