GENERAL

An insulation system is the combination of insulations, finishes and application methods which are used to achieve specific design objectives. Among these are:

1. Energy savings.
2. Reduced operating costs.
3. Condensation control.
4. Chemical compatibility with the metals being insulated, the atmosphere to which the system will be exposed, and the various components of the insulation system itself.
5. Protection of mechanical and insulation systems from mechanical abuse and atmospheric damage.
6. Personnel protection.
7. Fire safety.
8. Sound control.
9. Future requirements for access to piping, fittings, etc.
10. Accommodation to limited clearances or work space.
11. USDA hygienic requirements.

While there are several choices of insulation materials which meet basic thermal and cost-effective requirements of an installation, choices become more limited with each additional design objective that comes into play.

In some cases the choice of outer coverings, accessories and installation methods is more affected by design objectives than the actual insulation material used. For instance, glass fiber pipe insulation is available with a variety of factory-applied jackets designed to resist different types of mechanically and chemically abusive atmospheres.

The use of pre-fabricated as opposed to field-fabricated insulation treatments of valves, flanges and fittings is a crucial factor in systems design. Design objectives which affect this decision include labor time, materials costs and provisions for future maintenance access to fittings.

The choices are endless and require a working knowledge of insulation material properties as well as a firm grasp of the basic function of each insulation treatment, and the design conditions under which it must operate. Section III is presented as a guide to the general design objectives of both commercial and industrial installations.