Tag Refrigeration

Cyclopentane as a physical blowing agent forming closed-cell bubbles in polyurethane foam production

Cyclopentane as a Blowing Agent: FAQ and Applications

Introduction
Cyclopentane is an eco-friendly chemical widely used as a physical blowing agent in modern foam production. With the global shift towards environmental sustainability, cyclopentane is replacing traditional CFCs and HCFCs in insulation and refrigeration foams.


FAQ: Cyclopentane and Blowing Agents

1️⃣ What is Cyclopentane?
Cyclopentane is a five-carbon cyclic hydrocarbon, non-toxic, colorless, and environmentally friendly. In foam production, it serves as a liquid physical blowing agent.

2️⃣ How does Cyclopentane act as a blowing agent?

  • Cyclopentane vaporizes during foam formation, creating uniform bubbles in the polymer matrix.
  • These bubbles form a closed-cell structure, providing lightweight and excellent thermal insulation.
  • Unlike chemical blowing agents, cyclopentane does not rely on chemical reactions to produce gas.
  • It is environmentally safe, with negligible ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential.

3️⃣ Applications of Cyclopentane in Foam Production

  • Building Insulation: Sandwich panels, roof insulation, pipe insulation.
  • Refrigeration: Foam layers in refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.
  • High-End Packaging: Thermal packaging and cold chain foam materials.

4️⃣ Why choose Cyclopentane?

  • Eco-friendly and safe, replacing CFCs/HCFCs.
  • High thermal insulation performance.
  • Suitable for multiple industries.
  • Easy to handle as a liquid, vaporizes naturally during foam formation.

5️⃣ How to use Cyclopentane in foam production?

  1. Add liquid cyclopentane to polyurethane or XPS foam systems.
  2. During foam reaction, cyclopentane vaporizes and forms bubbles.
  3. After curing, bubbles are sealed inside the foam, providing lightweight insulation.

Conclusion
Cyclopentane is a high-performance, eco-friendly physical blowing agent essential for modern insulation, refrigeration, and packaging foams. Its ability to form closed-cell foam structures ensures lightweight materials with superior thermal insulation.

Global Cyclopentane demand heatmap showing major consumption regions and Junyuan Petroleum Group supply.

High-Purity Cyclopentane Manufacturer – Junyuan Petroleum Group

Junyuan Petroleum Group — Leading Cyclopentane Production, Delivering Value Across Industries

With global emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental protection, Cyclopentane has become a key chemical intermediate and blowing agent. As China’s largest Cyclopentane manufacturer, Junyuan Petroleum Group leverages advanced technology, stable production capacity, and strict quality control to provide high-purity Cyclopentane to industries worldwide.

Company Strengths and Production Capabilities

  • Industry-Leading Scale: Our production facilities feature state-of-the-art equipment, ranking among the top in China, ensuring stable supply even for large-volume orders.
  • Strict Quality Control: Multiple testing stages guarantee high purity and low impurities, meeting international standards.
  • Extensive Experience: Our team possesses years of expertise in chemical manufacturing and market operations, fully understanding Cyclopentane applications and downstream needs.

Key Applications of Cyclopentane

Cyclopentane’s excellent physical and chemical properties — low ozone depletion potential, moderate boiling point, and chemical stability — make it indispensable across multiple industries.

  1. Polyurethane (PU) Rigid Foam — Blowing Agent
    • Cyclopentane serves as a high-efficiency, environmentally friendly blowing agent, replacing ozone-depleting CFCs.
    • Widely used in refrigerators, freezers, cold storage, and pipeline insulation, where thermal efficiency is critical.
    • As countries tighten restrictions on traditional refrigerants, Cyclopentane’s green credentials boost its market demand.
  2. Refrigeration and Insulation Systems
    • While not a primary refrigerant, Cyclopentane is essential for insulating foams in refrigeration equipment.
    • Its use enhances thermal insulation, lowers GWP (Global Warming Potential), and reduces ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential), supporting eco-friendly applications.
  3. Industrial Solvent and Reagent
    • Cyclopentane is used as a solvent in chemical synthesis, such as dissolving polyisoprene rubber or cellulose ethers.
    • It also serves as a standard for chromatographic analysis and other fine chemical applications due to its stability and moderate volatility.
  4. Market Outlook
    • The global Cyclopentane market continues to grow steadily, with significant demand from building insulation, green refrigeration, and industrial applications.
    • Technological advances and improved safety standards are driving diversification of Cyclopentane products and expanding its use cases.

Why Choose Junyuan Petroleum Group

  • Reliable Supply: Long-term contract capacity and flexible production scheduling ensure uninterrupted supply.
  • High-Quality Products: Offering multiple grades of high-purity Cyclopentane for blowing agents, solvents, and analytical applications.
  • Technical Support: Our team helps optimize formulations, improve foam efficiency, and reduce operational costs.
  • Safety and Environmental Compliance: Strict adherence to safety standards with guidance on storage, handling, and usage.
  • Global Service: Experienced in international logistics, we provide reliable delivery for global buyers.

Partnership Vision

We invite PU foam manufacturers, refrigeration equipment producers, and chemical synthesis companies worldwide to collaborate with us. Whether for blowing agents, solvents, or analytical reagents, Junyuan Petroleum Group offers high-quality, stable, and environmentally friendly Cyclopentane solutions.

Partner with us to advance green chemical solutions and contribute to a more energy-efficient future. Contact us for samples, quotations, or technical support — we look forward to being your trusted long-term partner.

https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/cyclopentane-market – Global Cyclopentane market report

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclopentane – Cyclopentane overview

https://univdatos.com/reports/cyclopentane-market – Market demand analysis

A clean industrial scene showing stainless steel ISO tanks and drums used for high-purity Pentane storage and transportation, symbolizing quality and reliability in blowing agent solutions.

High-Purity Pentane Portfolio – Advanced Blowing Agent Solutions for Polyurethane Systems

Home » CUSTOM TITLE » Refrigeration

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

High-Purity Pentane Portfolio – Reliable, Efficient, and Sustainable

Our Pentane range is developed to deliver consistent quality and optimized performance across multiple industrial applications. With high purity levels and narrow boiling ranges, these Pentanes ensure reliability, efficiency, and environmental compliance in every use.


1. Product Overview

We offer a complete series of Pentane grades designed to meet diverse process requirements:

ProductPurity (%)Boiling Range (°C)Flash Point (°C)Key Applications
n-Pentane 99%≥99.035–36-40Polyurethane rigid foam blowing agent, solvent
Isopentane 99%≥99.027–29-51Quick-foaming systems, refrigerant blends
Pentane Blend 80/20 (n-/iso-)≥99.030–35-45Balanced foam expansion, insulation boards
Pentane Blend 50/50 (n-/iso-)≥99.028–34-47General-purpose polyurethane systems
Pentane Blend (Cyclo/Isopentane)≥99.028–37-40Low-conductivity, CFC-free insulation foam

What are the three types of pentane?


Those three isomers are n-Pentane, 2-methylbutane (or Isopentane), and neopentane (or 2-ethylpropane or dimethyl propane)
PENTANE HPLC

2. Key Technical Features

  • High Purity: Up to 99% for stable and reproducible foam performance.
  • Low Sulphur Content: Ensures catalyst protection and cleaner reactions.
  • Optimized Volatility: Custom boiling ranges to control foaming speed and cell structure.
  • Excellent Compatibility: Suitable for polyol systems and refrigerant formulations.
  • Eco-Friendly: Non-ozone depleting alternative to traditional CFCs and HCFCs.

3. Safety & Handling

All Pentane products are classified as highly flammable liquids and vapors.

  • Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources.
  • Use closed systems for handling and transfer.
  • Ensure compliance with REACH and GHS standards.

4. Applications

  • Polyurethane Insulation Foams: Rigid foam for construction and appliance insulation.
  • Refrigeration Systems: Used as components in hydrocarbon refrigerant blends.
  • Solvent Applications: Precision cleaning and polymer processing.
  • Custom Formulations: Tailor-made Pentane Blends for controlled evaporation rates.

5. Packaging Options

  • ISO Tanks (15.5MT each) for bulk international shipments.
  • Drums (125kg net) for smaller-scale customers or sampling purposes.

Polyurethane Rigid Foam (PUR) and the Essential Role of Pentane-Based Blowing Agents

Polyurethane Rigid Foam (PUR) is a high-performance, closed-cell insulation material widely used in cold storage, cold-chain logistics, industrial refrigeration, and other low-temperature insulation applications. Its excellent thermal insulation, structural stability, and adaptability make it the material of choice for modern insulation projects.

Its core advantages include:

1. Outstanding Thermal Insulation

Low Thermal Conductivity: PUR exhibits thermal conductivity as low as 0.018–0.024 W/(m·K), making it one of the most effective insulation materials currently available. This reduces energy loss and lowers operational costs. High Closed-Cell Content (≥90%): The closed-cell structure blocks air convection, enhances moisture resistance, and prevents performance degradation due to water vapor infiltration.

Enhancement: The use of high-purity Cyclopentane, Isopentane, or n-Pentane as blowing agents ensures that the foam maintains its low thermal conductivity and closed-cell integrity over time, directly contributing to superior insulation efficiency.

2. Structural Strength and Durability

Compressive Strength and Deformation Resistance: With densities typically ranging from 35–60 kg/m³ and compressive strengths of 150–300 kPa, PUR can support internal racks, equipment, and transport loads. Dimensional Stability: Maintains its volume across extreme temperatures (-50°C to +100°C) with minimal shrinkage or cracking, ensuring long-term reliability.

Enhancement: The controlled purity of pentane-based blowing agents (<2 ppm sulfur, <50 ppm moisture) prevents defects during production and guarantees that the foam retains its strength and dimensional stability throughout its lifecycle.

3. Easy Installation and Adaptability

On-Site Spraying / Pouring: PUR can be applied seamlessly onto walls, roofs, or cavities, eliminating thermal bridges and providing a continuous insulation layer. Compatibility with Multiple Substrates: Bonds firmly to concrete, metal sheets, and composite panels, making it ideal for complex cold storage structures.

Enhancement: Using optimized pentane blends ensures uniform foam expansion and adhesion, improving application efficiency and minimizing material waste.

4. Environmental Friendliness and Safety

Low Global Warming Potential (GWP): Modern PUR systems employ environmentally friendly blowing agents such as Cyclopentane, Isopentane, or water-based formulations, reducing environmental impact. Fire Safety: With proper flame retardants, PUR can achieve B1-class flame resistance (GB 8624-2012), meeting stringent cold storage fire standards.

Enhancement: Our high-purity pentane products are fully compliant with international environmental regulations, providing a sustainable and safe option for manufacturers aiming to meet both GWP and fire safety requirements.

5. Economic Advantages

Although initial costs may be higher than traditional materials like EPS or rock wool, PUR’s long lifespan (20+ years) and energy-saving properties significantly reduce operating costs.

Enhancement: By selecting our reliable pentane blowing agents, manufacturers can achieve consistent foam quality and maximize energy efficiency, enhancing ROI over the lifetime of the insulation system.

Application Considerations

Controlled Installation Environment: Surfaces must be dry and clean; recommended temperature is 15–35°C with humidity below 85%. Insulation Thickness Design: Determined by the target cold storage temperature (e.g., -18°C for refrigeration or -60°C for ultra-low temperature). Typical PUR layers range from 50–150 mm. Safety Protection: Workers must wear protective gear to avoid exposure to uncured chemicals.

Enhancement: Using high-purity pentane ensures predictable foam behavior even under varying environmental conditions, reducing installation risk and ensuring design specifications are met.

Why Pentane-Based Blowing Agents Are Critical

The superior performance of PUR depends directly on the quality of the blowing agent. Our Cyclopentane, Isopentane, and n-Pentane products offer:

Purity Control: Low sulfur (<2 ppm) and low moisture (<50 ppm) for defect-free foam. Processing Stability: Uniform cell structure for optimal insulation and mechanical strength. Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications including cold storage, refrigerated trucks, and PIR/PUR panels. Environmental Compliance: Non-ozone-depleting, low GWP, aligned with global regulations.

Conclusion

Polyurethane Rigid Foam remains the top choice for modern cold storage insulation, offering unparalleled thermal performance, durability, and adaptability. High-purity pentane-based blowing agents are essential to fully realize these benefits, ensuring:

Maximum thermal insulation efficiency Consistent structural integrity Reliable production and long-term performance Compliance with environmental and fire safety standards

By choosing our products, manufacturers can deliver high-quality, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible insulation solutions, ensuring optimal performance for decades.