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Commercial and Industrial Application Information

Energy Efficiency Codes Coalition

The Energy Efficient Codes Coalition is a broad-based alliance working to increase energy efficiency in the International Energy Conservation Code by 30 percent. The EECC's package of proposals - "The 30% Solution" - is being considered in the ICC development process and is available for state adoption already.

Click here to visit the EECC website.

Types of Commercial and Industrial Insulation Products

Fiber Glass Pipe Insulation

Fiber glass pipe insulation is a molded, heavy density, one piece insulation made from inorganic glass fibers bonded with a thermosetting resin. It is produced in 3’ lengths with or without a jacket. It is used on mechanical and process piping in power, process and industrial applications, and in commercial and institutional buildings. Most fiber glass pipe insulations can be used on systems from 0º to 1000º F.

Fiber Glass Board and Blanket Insulation

Fiber glass insulation boards and blankets are thermal and acoustical insulation products made from inorganic glass fibers preformed into boards bonded by a thermosetting resin. They are available plain, or with a FSK or ASJ jacketing. They are used for heating and air-conditioning ducts, power and process equipment, boiler and stack installations, wall and roof panel systems, tanks, piping, valves, etc. Depending on the application, there are specific board and blanket products available. They come in a number of densities, thicknesses, and lengths and can be used on systems operating from 0º to 1000º F.

Rock Wool Pipe Insulation

Rock wool (or mineral wool) pipe insulations are precision cut pipe coverings composed of high density mineral wool. It can be used in a wide range of applications for hot and cold piping ranging from –120ºF to 1200º F. This product is frequently used in high temperature industrial process power plants, power stations, petrochemical complexes, etc for steam and process pipe work – and for commercial hot/cold water systems. It is produced in two half cylinders and can be supplied either plain or with a FSK type facings. It comes in 3’ lengths in pipe sizes from 1/2" IPS to 20" IPS.

Rock Wool Blanket Insulations

Rock wool (or mineral wool) blanket insulations are flexible blankets that are easily wrapped around pipes, tanks and vessels up to 1200º F. Typical applications include cylindrical high temperature duct systems, large piping, groups of parallel pipes, breechings and flanged fittings. The product is generally furnished with a facing or jacket, and comes in various lengths and thicknesses.

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Benefits of Commercial and Industrial Insulation

Conserves Energy by Reducing Heat Loss or Gain

Properly designed and installed insulation systems immediately reduce the need for energy, a costly ingredient of every product made.

Controls Surface Temperatures for Personnel Protection and Comfort

Insulation reduces the surface temperature of piping or equipment to a safer level, resulting in increased worker safety and the avoidance of worker downtime due to injury.

Facilitates Process Temperature Control

By reducing heat loss or gain, insulation can help maintain the process temperature to a pre-determined value. Insulation thickness must be sufficient to limit the heat loss in a dynamic system or limit the temperature drop, with time, in a static system.

Prevents Condensation on Cold Surfaces

Specifying sufficient insulation thickness with a good vapor retarder is the most effective means of controlling condensation and limiting corrosion on cold piping, ducts, chillers and roof drains. Sufficient thickness is needed to keep the surface temperature above the dewpoint temperature of the ambient air.

Prevents or Reduces Damage to Equipment From Exposure to Fire or Corrosive Atmospheres

When used in combination with other materials, fiber glass and rock and slag wool insulation help provide fire protection in firestop systems; grease- and air-duct fireproofing; and electrical and communications conduit and cable protection.

Controls Noise

Special or standard insulation materials can be used to encase or enclose a noise generating source, forming a sound barrier between the source and the surrounding area. Insulation installed in walls and ceilings can provide a barrier to the entry of sound from the outside or other rooms. Click here for literature on noise control.

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Related Literature

Publication Title
(Click for full description, related publications and order form for printed versions)
Pub No.
Free Downloads
3E Plus® Insulation Thickness Computer Program CI214   PDF 1.5 MB
Facts #51: Insulation Upgrade Program Reduces Fuel Costs and Increases Process Efficiency at Georgia-Pacific Plant CI211 PDF 432 Kb
Gathering Steam – Article titled "Steam Challenge: Improving System Efficiency Through Marketplace Partnerships" RP038 -
 

Visit the Commercial and Industrial Section of the Literature Library for a complete listing of publications.

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Web Links

The NAIMA Commercial and Industrial Committee has developed and continually upgrades the 3E Plus® Insulation Thickness Software Program – a tool for insulated piping and equipment that is used all over the world to specify insulation thickness and quantify the amount of btu, fuel dollars, and pounds of emissions saved with a properly insulated system. Additional information, including a free download of NAIMA 3E Plus® software is available at www.pipeinsulation.org

The NAIMA Commercial and Industrial Committee works closely with the National Insulation Association in the continued development and promotion of the following training programs:

Insulation Energy Appraisal Program (1.5 CEUs)

National Insulation Training Program (1.5 CEUs)

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FAQs

Click here for FAQs related to Commercial and Industrial Insulation.