3. SYSTEMS DESIGN

3.4 INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS

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Conditions exist in industrial installations such as power plants, chemical plants, petroleum refineries, steel, pulp and paper mills, meat packing plants, food, soap, and cosmetic process plants, marine work, etc., which require that the insulation systems designer be involved in the project during the design phase. Depending upon the industrial process of function of the installation, these conditions include:

1. Stringent control of extreme temperature parameters.

2. Corrosive atmospheres resulting from the presence of process chemicals or the location of equipment and piping outdoors.

3. Increased fire hazard caused by high temperatures and the presence of volatile substances.

4. Presence of operating personnel. (personnel protection)

5. Sanitary and contamination requirements for food, meat packing, soap, cosmetic, dairy and brewery processes.

6. Additional mechanical abuse to insulations from excessive handling, foot traffic on vessel tops and lines, and the added movement of expansion, contraction and vibration.

7. Necessity for easy removal of insulation for predictable maintenance areas.

8. Critical clearance and space limitations coupled with the need for greater thickness of insulations.

9. Complex construction and installation schedules.

10. Radiation hazards in nuclear facilities.

11. Work accessibility requiring scaffolding, cranes, etc.

Pertinent data concerning the installation design objectives, the materials being processed or used, applicable government regulations or codes, operating data and temperature parameters must be determined far enough in advance of final specification preparation to insure the design of a properly functioning insulation system.