2. INSULATION MATERIALS AND PROPERTIES

2.1 DEFINITION OF INSULATION

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Insulations are defined as those materials or combinations of materials which retard the flow of heat energy by performing one or more of the following functions:

1. Conserve energy by reducing heat loss or gain.

2. Control surface temperatures for personnel protection and comfort.

3. Facilitate temperature control of process.

4. Prevent vapour flow and water condensation on cold surfaces.

5. Increase operating efficiency of heating/ventilating/cooling, plumbing, steam, process and power systems found in commercial and industrial installations.

6. Prevent or reduce damage to equipment from exposure to fire or corrosive atmospheres.

7. Assist mechanical systems in meeting criteria in food and cosmetic plants.

8. Reduce emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere.

The temperature range within which the term "thermal insulation" will apply, is from –75°C to 815°C. All applications below –75°C are termed "cryogenic", and those above 815°C are termed "refractory".

Thermal insulation is further divided into three general application temperature ranges as follows:

A. LOW TEMPERATURE THERMAL INSULATION

1. 15°C through 0°C – i.e. Cold or chilled water.

2. 0°C through –40°C -– i.e. Refrigeration or glycol.

3. –40°C through –75°C – i.e. Refrigeration or brine.

4. –75°C through –275°C (absolute zero) – i.e. Cryogenic. (Not addressed in this manual).

B. INTERMEDIATE TEMPERATURE THERMAL INSULATION

1. 16°C through 100°C – i.e. Hot water and steam condensate.

2. 100°C through 315°C – i.e. Steam, high temperature hot water.

C. HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMAL INSULATION

1. 315°C through 815°C – i.e. Turbines, breechings, stacks, exhausts, incinerators, boilers.