Analysis: How performant is Zircoflex® SHIELD?
Tests conducted as part of Zircotec’s ongoing heat shielding R&D programme have confirmed the company’s 3mm ZircoFlex® SHIELD product keeps components 22% cooler than a rival product – that is twice as thick.
The latest tests simulated operational stresses in a high-performance automotive environment and results assessed the thermal barrier performance of ZircoFlex® SHIELD in two different configurations: as an integral heat shield and as a detachable product. Both 3mm products were tested against a competitor’s 6mm fibre-based insulation blanket.
Tested using a BTCC engine
The heat shields were put through their thermal paces by an independent test house. A TOCA-specification 4-cylinder British Touring Car Championship engine was used as a static dyno. This 2-litre petrol, direct injection, turbo-charged engine produces approximately 350 bhp in spec form.
Test pipes were connected to the engine (after the turbo) to allow testing across a range of insulation and coating solutions. Multiple thermocouples were attached to the pipe and the heat shielding.
Verified results showed Zircotec’s products maintained significantly lower surface temperatures at every load increment than the competitor solution that is twice as thick.
Standout results recorded
At 100% engine load, ZircoFlex® SHIELD maintained an 81% reduction in temperature, in comparison to the rival product that only achieved a reduction of 59%. These results confirmed Zircotec’s heat shielding technology provides 22% more surface temperature efficiency.
The integral ZircoFlex® SHIELD solution also recorded superior performance to the detachable version, with up to a 40°C lower surface temperature at full engine load.
Evolution through R&D
Zircotec’s Engineering Manager, Dominic Graham, said: “Our ongoing R&D programme ensures the development of our products never stops and it’s crucial to benchmark what we’re doing against competitor products.
“These latest results show Zircotec remains way ahead of its heat shielding competition – even at half thickness – and that we are committed to always improving to give our customers the optimal thermal performance they need in their automotive applications.”
