What Are ASTEX Panels?

ASTEX Panels are manufactured from a high density compression resistant mineral wool, the front and rear of the panels shall be tissue faced. The edges are hardened with non-combustible sealant prior to wrapping on 5 sides and returned on the rear with fire retardant acoustically transparent fabric, in accordance with the ID Consultants requirements.

The panels are factory made, typically bespoke, ie cut-to-size, thickness, shape, edge detail and can incorporate client’s fabric.

On site, the panels are delivered ready for fast and easy installation. They are sufficiently flexible to fit around services or other obstructions even accepting small irregularities in the wall.

 

Application

ASTEX Panels are installed to provide an effective means of controlling reverberation time and reflected sound in studios, conference centres, auditoria and offices and where high acoustic absorption combined with an aesthetically pleasing appearance is required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acoustic Performance

The panels have been tested in accordance with BS 3638 using random incidence noise source against a solid backing achieving the following performances:

Thickness

Sound Absorption Coefficient

(mm)

125 Hz

250 Hz

500 Hz

1000 Hz

2000 Hz

4000 Hz

25mm panel

0.11

0.33

0.68

0.97

1.06

1.03

50mm panel

0.32

0.73

1.01

1.04

0.98

0.97

The above 2 tests are undertaken with solid backing. These are only part of over 50 independent laboratory acoustic tests proving the exceptional absorption performance of ASTEX Panels.

 

Compression Resistance

ASTEX Panels incorporate high density mineral wool. The mineral wool prior to hard edging has a mean compression resistance when tested to EN 826, Sigma 10%, of 88.6kPa, in other words it is difficult to compress, dent or damage the panels.

Low and medium density mineral wool and fiberglass, like the one shown in Figure 2, have significantly low compression resistance making them easily damaged when touched or compressed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fire Test Performance

Figure 3 shows the ASTEX Panel composition, with the exception of the fabric. All the materials are either non-combustible or of limited combustibility comply with all applicable life safety, building and fire ratings including surface spread of flame characteristics and have been tested to the following:-

SIRIM tested to:-

  • BS 476 Part 6: Index less than 12
  • BS 476 Part 7: Class 1

Typical timber framed solutions installed in Malaysia cannot pass this test.

 

Aging

 

 

Compare the pictures above with Figure 5a and 5b below.

 

 

Installation

 

 

 

 

Service Runs

Service may be accommodated by either recessing the insulation or, where access is required, by using purpose made ducts. Consideration should be given to the local regulations regarding the provision of access to pipes.

When electrical conduit is to be placed within or below the insulation, the electrical sub-contractor should check whether the size of the cables needs to be increased to comply with the regulations.