How Does Vacuum Insulation Work?

How Vacuum Insulation Works To Keep My Drink Cold Or Hot

There is nothing is better than relaxing with a cool refreshing drink in the heat of the summer or sipping a hot steamy brew in the middle of winter.

Just like water bottles and travel mugs may work up to some point, insulated tumblers are great for keeping your drinks cool or hot for longer periods of time. Perfect if you go traveling, are hosting a party and want to make the drinks last, or simply winding down with a good book and a nice cup of coffee.

But ever wondered how they work?

Simply put, there are different types of insulation available, ranging from foam insulation to air insulation. The most commonly used in drink ware is vacuum insulation. Insulated tumblers include a double-wall usually made from stainless steel, glass, or plastic. This has two main purposes: to eliminate condensation and maintain your beverage’s temperature by not allowing the heat or cold to escape. Air is taken away to create a vacuum and because heat cannot be transferred through air, the temperature of your hot drink stays constant – staying hot on the inside and cold to the touch!

The same goes for cold drinks.

If you want to go into a little more detail, try thinking back to year 9 science - there are 3 main ways heat travels: 

#1: Conduction: 

Conduction occurs when 2 objects touch. To be more precise, heat moves from a hot object or a liquid onto a cold one when they come in contact. 

This vacuum layer therefore slows heat transfer between the molecules in the air or the surface your Bevigo cup is on.

#2: Convection:

Convection is the movement in a liquid or gas driven by a difference in temperature. It is the movement of particles through a substance, transporting heat energy from hotter areas to cooler ones.

Convection in the case of the Bevigo All-Rounder & La Flute is reduced by the lid.

 #3: Radiation:

Since their atoms get additional energy from heat, hot objects emit light before quickly reverting to their usual state. This light cannot be seen, but heat can still be felt. This is called infrared radiation. 

Heat lost from radiation is prevented through the polished interior coating of the Bevigo - this reflects infrared radiation back into the interior of the cup.