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Most engineers and architects are familiar with using insulation to reduce heating and cooling loads and control noise in building envelopes. Insulations used for pipes, ducts, tanks, and equipment are not as familiar to them. The installed cost of these materials is usually a small part of the total cost of a project. As a result, mechanical insulation* is often overlooked or improperly specified in commercial and industrial construction projects.
In recognition of this, a new chapter has been added to the 2005 ASHRAE Handbook-Fundamentals to specifically address mechanical insulation. The new chapter, Chapter 26, consolidates and reorganizes much of the information contained in earlier versions of the Handbook into a single location. In addition, a significant amount of new information has been included to assist designers in specifying these insulation systems.
The chapter was developed by ASHRAE Technical Committee (TC) 1.8, Mechanical Systems Insulation. TC 1.8 is a relatively new committee concerned with the application and performance of thermal and acoustical insulation systems used on pipes, tanks, equipment and ducts.
Chapter Overview
Chapter 26 is organized into four major sections: Design Considerations, Materials and Systems, Installation, and Design Data.
The Design Considerations section is probably the most important section of the chapter and is intended to identify and provide some guidance on the design objectives involved when specifying mechanical insulation systems. The design objectives discussed in the chapter include:
* Energy conservation: minimizing unwanted heat loss/gain as well as preserving natural and financial resources;
* Personnel protection: controlling surface temperatures to avoid contact burns;
* Condensation control: avoiding condensation by keeping the surface temperature above the dew-point temperature of the surrounding air;
* Process control: minimizing temperature change in process fluids where close control is needed;
* Freeze protection: minimizing energy required for heat tracing systems and/or extending the time to freezing in the event of system failure;
* Noise control: reducing noise in mechanical systems; and
* Fire safety: protecting critical building elements and slowing the spread of fire in buildings.
The importance of this section stems from the fact that multiple design objectives usually exist. Failure to focus on these multiple objectives can lead to problems with the insulation system.
Chilled Water Piping Example
One example of a project with multiple objectives...