Unique glass type simplifies renovation

Thin glass with very strong insulation value

AGC Glass's flagship product, Pyrobel-T, has even more applications in the future. Already today, the glass type offers an integral solution for large areas. It will soon be possible to combine Pyrobel-T with vacuum glass. Fire-resistant glass product manager Jan Liebeton says: "The thickness of the glass is then the same as normal double-glazing, so it can be easily replaced."

AGC Glass is the world's largest flat glass producer. Its European branch has specialized in fire-retardant glass for 40 years. This Pyrobel series offers a matching type for every application. Liebeton: "The Pyrobel glass has a maximum dimension of 2 x 3 meters. Because of the need for large surfaces, we developed Pyrobel-T, which can be supplied up to a size of up to 2 x 4.5 meters. We have been offering this type of glass for some time now and it is becoming increasingly successful." 

The company works continuously on new solutions in a development laboratory in the south of Belgium. Here, 250 scientists and engineers work on glass products and processes. Liebeton: "Since its introduction, we have continued to test and develop this glass. This way, more and more application possibilities are added. In 2023, we also want to be able to offer more roof glazing in Pyrobel-T."

Glass replaced, frames retained

With the new variant Pyrobel-Fineo, AGC Glass is focusing more on the renovation market. "We have succeeded in combining Pyrobel with vacuum glass. This creates a thin glass, with enormously good insulation value. Depending on the version chosen, the thickness is thinner than double-glazing, while the insulation value is 0.5 W/Km2. This is much better than triple glazing with a U-value of 0.7. The glass is a bit more expensive, but if you can keep the window frames, you are cheaper. This is also beneficial for the environmental burden and the replacement causes less inconvenience. Glass out, glass in, it takes no time at all." 

The new glass type is unique on the market and a real technical feat. "Five years ago this would not have been possible. That it is possible now has to do with the unique position we are in. The introduction of Fineo, a highly transparent
vacuum glass, we have the knowledge and production entirely in-house. This allows us to combine the good properties of both products. The new glass type consists of a laminated structure, with a thin plastic interlayer to form the two products into one. This allows you to further reduce the overall thickness of the package and still achieve a very good U-value." 

Quickly striking the insulation blow

Liebeton expects a lot from Pyrobel-Fineo. "The market will have to get used to it for a while, but will probably quickly see the possibilities offered by this slim and slender glass. It's a faster way to make a significant insulation impact. Especially in this period of high energy prices and where we face the challenge of tackling many buildings that must meet Label C by 2023 and Label A by 2030." 

The first projects with the new Pyrobel should be implemented in 2023. "We are still working on the documentation, but have no doubt that this product will also receive Cradle to Cradle certification. Pyrobel is silver, just like Fineo. Let's be clear: there is a very good starting position."

AGC Glass will be at the building trade show in February with Pyrobel-Fineo.