What is the insulation for? I use Polyisocyanate foam board, blown with carbon dioxide and faced with aluminum foil both sides. Typically available in 48" x 96" sheets from 3/4" to 4" thick. Rated at about R8/inch and used for roof insulation. I use it for wine cellars. It is vapor tight when installed properly. Your question about refractory materials makes me think that the insulation above is not what you want because it probably catches fire at about 250º and outgasses nasty stuff. It is often called polyurathane and there is a brand called Thermax by "Cellotex" which is sort of yellow, and an equivalent grey material by another company. This is not the same beast as Styrofoam (White, pink, or blue) and these are generally less than half the insulation value. You can also insulate with "Foam in Place" if the job is big enough, and this can be alot of fun... Try Cellotex.com, and also Cellartherm.com
There is very good information on insulation materials and commercial sources of supply that you will find on the Globalspec site. Go to www.globalspec.com and to a search on the phrase "thermal insulation". You will find companies that provide many different kinds of insulation materials including the refractory materials that most interest you.
Finally, you can register to receive weekly product alerts that will provide you with current information on new product offerings and new technology related to insulation here: http://www.globalspec.com/subscriptions/alertsignup.
Rather impressive resources, I say!
I hope you will share more information with the CR4 audience concerning your application and interests so we may help you.
I don't know what your refractory needs are but try www.plibrico-usa.com for refractory materials. They have provided great assistance to me in the past.
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Believe none of what you hear......and only half of what you see.
Most insulation installation contractors will be happy to consider specific problems and offer suitable solutions for purchase.
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