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INSULATION MATERIALS

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INSULATION Building Insulation - added to buildings for comfort and energy efficiency. Soundproofing - also known as acoustic insulation, any means of reducing the intensity of sounds. Thermal Insulation - materials used to reduce the rate of heat transfer Electrical Insulation - the use of materials to resist the flow of electrical current and magnetism Insulated glass

BUILDING INSULATION MATERIALS - are thermal insulation used in the construction or retrofit of buildings. The materials are used to reduce heat transfer by conduction, radiation or convection. Insulation may be categorized by: Composition (material) Form (structural or non- structural) Functional mode (conductive, radiative, convective)

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CATEGORIES OF INSULATION MATERIALS Insulation materials may be categorized (Turner and Malloy, 1981) into one of five major types 1) Cellular, 2) Fibrous, 3) Flake, 4) Granular, and 5) Reflective. Cellular insulations are composed of small individual cells either interconnecting or sealed from each other to form a cellular structure. Glass, plastics, and rubber may comprise the base material and a variety of foaming agents are used. Fibrous insulations are composed of small diameter fibers that finely divide the air space. The fibers may be organic or inorganic and they are normally (but not always) held together by a binder. Typical inorganic fibers include glass, rock wool, slag wool, and alumina silica. Fibrous insulations are further classified as either wool or textile-based insulations. Textile-based insulations are composed of woven and non-woven fibers and yarns. The fibers and yarns may be organic or inorganic. These materials are sometimes supplied with coatings or as composites for specific properties, e.g. weather and chemical resistance, reflectivity, etc. Flake insulations are composed of small particles or flakes which finely divide the air space. These flakes may or may not be bonded together. Vermiculite, or expanded mica, is flake insulation. Granular insulations are composed of small nodules that contain voids or hollow spaces. These materials are sometimes considered open cell materials since gases can be transferred between the individual spaces. Calcium silicate and molded perlite insulations are considered granular insulation.

Reflective Insulations and treatments are added to surfaces to lower the long-wave emittance thereby reducing the radiant heat transfer to or from the surface. Some reflective insulation systems consist of multiple parallel thin sheets or foil spaced to minimize convective heat transfer. Low emittance jackets and facings are often used in combination with other insulation materials. Insulation materials or systems may also be categorized by service temperature range. There are varying opinions as to the classification of mechanical insulation by the service temperature range for which insulation is used. As an example, the word cryogenics 2|Page

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means "the production of freezing cold"; however the term is used widely as a synonym for many low temperature applications. It is not well-defined at what point on the temperature scale refrigeration ends and cryogenics begins.

CELLULAR INSULATIONS Elastomeric Elastomeric insulations are defined by ASTM C 534, Type I (preformed tubes) and Type II (sheets). There are three grades in the ASTM standard which are widely available.

Elastomeric Insulation Products

Cellular Glass Cellular Glass is defined by ASTM as insulation composed of glass processed to form a rigid foam having a predominantly closed-cell structure. Cellular glass is covered by ASTM C552, "Standard Specification for Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation" and is intended for use on surfaces operating at temperatures between -450 and 800F.

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The standard contains requirements for density, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, water-vapor permeability, combustibility, and surface burning characteristics. Cellular glass insulation is a rigid inorganic non-combustible, impermeable, chemically resistant form of glass. It is available faced or un-faced (jacketed or un-jacketed). Because of the wide temperature range, different fabrication techniques are sometimes used at various operating temperature ranges. Polystyrene

Extruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS) Insulation Products Polystyrene thermal insulation is rigid, cellular foam insulation. It is commonly classified as either Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS) orExtruded Polystyrene Foam (XPS). XPS is a closed cell material manufactured as rectangular billets typically 20 in wide x 9 ft long x 10 in tall. Prior to actual installation, billets are fabricated into various shapes including preformed pipe half-shells 3 ft long designed to fit NPS pipe and tubing. Complex shapes can also be fabricated to fit valves, fittings, and other equipment. Polyisocyanurate

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Polyisocyanurate Insulation Products Polyisocyanurate thermal insulation (PIR) is rigid foam insulation with a closed cell structure. It is usually manufactured as large rectangular buns typically 4 ft wide x 3-24 ft long x 1-2 ft tall and in a range of densities and compressive strengths. Prior to actual installation, buns are fabricated into various shapes including flat boards and preformed pipe half-shells 3-4 ft long designed to fit NPS pipe and tubing. Complex shapes can also be fabricated to fit around valves, fittings, and other equipment. Key applications for PIR insulation are on pipe, equipment, tanks, and ducts operating at temperatures below ambient. Examples include commercial chilled water, refrigeration, and liquefied natural gas lines. It is also used as the core material in the manufacture of foam core panels for various applications including transportation, building construction, and temporary shelters. Polyurethane Polyurethane insulation, commonly called PUR, is a closed-cell foam insulation material. It is typically either spray-applied or poured-in-place. Spray applied polyurethane Foam (SPF) requires specialized equipment to apply the material and proper technical training is important in order to get the best results. SPF is used in a wide variety of applications including industrial applications like pipes, tanks, cold storage facilities, freezers, and walk-in coolers.

ASTM C 945 Standard Practice for Design Considerations and Spray Application of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels covers substrate preparation, priming, selection of the polyurethane system, and the selection of the protective covering for outdoor service. Phenolic

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Phenolic Insulation Products Phenolic insulation is rigid foam insulation with a closed-cell structure. It is manufactured as large rectangular buns typically 4 ft wide x 3-12 ft long x 1-2 ft tall at a density of 2 lbs/ft. Prior to actual installation, buns are fabricated into various shapes including flat boards and preformed pipe half-shells 3 ft long and designed to fit over NPS pipe and tubing. More complex shapes can also be fabricated to fit around fittings, elbows, and other equipment. Melamine

Flat Melamine Insulation

Melamine Pipe Insulation Melamine insulation is a low density, semi-rigid, open-cell foam intended for use as thermal and sound absorbing insulation at temperatures between -40F and +350F.ASTM C 1410 covers this material and defines the following insulation types and grades: Type I - flat slab Grade 1 - Regular (core foam with no facing) Grade 2 - Faced foam Type II - pipe and tubing insulation 6|Page

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Grade 1 - Regular (core foam with no facing) Grade 2 - Faced foam Type III - special shapes The specification defines requirements for oxygen index, optical smoke density, surface burning characteristics, density, tensile strength, % elongation, indentation force deflection, thermal conductivity, water vapor sorption, linear shrinkage, and smoke toxicity. Polyethylene/Polyolefin

Polyethylene and Polyolefin Insulation Products Polyethylene/Polyolefin insulations are defined by ASTM C 1427. Type I (preformed tubes) and Type II (sheets). Polyethylene/polyolefin are flexible, closed cell insulation products. The maximum water permeability values are 0.05 perm-inch and the maximum thermal conductivity is 0.35 BTU-in/hr sq ftF at a mean temperature of 75F. The preformed tubular insulation is available in ID size range from 3/8" to 4 IPS and in wall thicknesses from 3/8" to 1". The tubular product is available with and without pre-applied adhesive. They are suitable for domestic plumbing applications where the maximum temperature is below 200F. Polyimide Polyimide (PI) insulation is defined by ASTM as lightweight, flexible, open-cell foam for use as thermal and sound-absorbing insulation in commercial and industrial environments. PI is manufactured as large rectangular buns, typically 4 ft wide x 8 ft long x 5-30 inches tall, in a range of densities. Prior to actual installation, buns are fabricated into various shapes, including flat sheets and preformed pipe half-shells designed to fit over NPS pipe and tubing. 7|Page

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ASTM C 1482 defines the requirements for density, thermal conductivity, acoustic absorption, thermal stability, flammability, smoke density, smoke toxicity, chemical resistance, corrosiveness, and mechanical properties. Key applications for PI foam include thermal and acoustic insulation for HVAC and industrial equipment, acoustic duct liner, high temperature pipe insulation, and expansion joints for cryogenic facilities. FIBROUS INSULATIONS

Fiberglass Board and Blanket Insulation Products

Fiberglass Pipe Insulation Product Fibrous insulations are composed of small diameter fibers that finely divide the air space. The fibers may be organic or inorganic and they are normally (but not always) held together by a binder. Typical inorganic fibers include glass, rock wool, slag wool, and alumina silica.

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Mineral Fiber (Fiberglass and Mineral Wool) Mineral Fiber insulations are defined by ASTM as insulations composed principally of fibers manufactured from rock, slag, or glass, with or without binders. Fiberglass and Mineral Wool products fall in this category. There is some confusion concerning the nomenclature used for these materials. Fiberglass products (sometimes called "fibrous glass" or "glass wool") and mineral wool products (sometimes called "rock wool" or "slag wool") are covered by the same ASTM "Mineral Fiber" specifications, and sometimes by the same type and grade. Specifiers are cautioned to call out both the specific material and the ASTM Type and Grade when specifying these products.

Mineral Fiber Pipe Mineral Fiber Pipe insulation is covered in ASTM C 547. The standard contains five types classified primarily by maximum use temperature.

Mineral Fiber Pipe Insulation Products The standard contains requirements for sag resistance, linear shrinkage, water-vapor sorption, surface-burning characteristics, hot surface performance, and non-fibrous (shot) content.

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Mineral fiber pipe insulation sections are typically supplied in lengths of 36 inch, and are available for most standard pipe and tubing sizes. Available thicknesses range from " to 6". Mineral Fiber Blanket Mineral Fiber Blanket Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications is covered in ASTM C 553. The standard contains seven types classified by maximum use temperature and thermal conductivity. These insulations are flexible and are normally supplied as batts or rolled blankets. Dimensions vary but thicknesses from 1" to 6" are typically available. The products may be specified with various factory-applied facings, or may be ordered unfaced. Mineral Fiber Block and Board Mineral Fiber Block and Board insulation is covered in ASTM C 612. This standard contains five types classified by maximum use temperature and thermal conductivity.

Mineral Fiber Block and Board Insulation Products The standard also contains requirements for linear shrinkage, water-vapor sorption, surfaceburning characteristics, odor emission, corrosiveness to steel, rigidity, and shot (non-fibrous) content. These products are supplied in rigid and semi-rigid board form. Dimensions will vary, but typical available thicknesses range from 1" to 4". The products may be specified with various factory-applied facings, or may be ordered unfaced. Textile Glass Textile Glass (E-glass) fibrous thermal insulation is produced from textile glass fibers (eglass) and is needled into insulation felts without the use of binders. The material is used as

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thermal insulation component in the fabrication of insulation systems for use on machinery and equipment at temperatures up to 1200 F. The standard contains requirements for thickness, mass per unit area, apparent thermal conductivity, hot surface performance, tensile strength, and combustibility. High Temperature Fiber High Temperature Fiber insulations are fibrous insulations, varying in flexibility, density, and composition, with or without binders. These insulation products are available in flat sheets, rolls, boards, or loose fibers. The insulation products are used as the thermal insulation component in the fabrication of insulation systems for use at temperatures up to 3,000F. The standard contains requirements for thermal conductivity, density, maximum use temperature, non-fibrous (shot) content, linear shrinkage, and tensile strength. High temperature insulation products are often used as an alternative to fire resistance rated shaft enclosures. Applications include kitchen exhaust grease ducts, ventilation ducts, stairwell pressurization ducts, smoke extraction, chemical fume exhaust ducts, and refuse and trash chutes. They may be used to cover plastic pipe and cables to limit flame spread and smoke generation in fire rated air plenums. These insulation systems are listed and labeled by nationally recognized laboratories. GRANULAR INSULATIONS Calcium Silicate Calcium Silicate thermal insulation is defined by ASTM as insulation composed principally of hydrous calcium silicate, and which usually contains reinforcing fibers.

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Calcium Silicate pipe insulation is supplied as hollow cylinder shapes split in half lengthwise or as curved segments. Pipe insulation sections are typically supplied in lengths of 36 inch, and are available in sizes to fit most standard pipe sizes. Available thicknesses range from 1" to 3" in one layer. Thicker insulation is supplied as nested sections. Calcium Silicate block insulation is supplied as flat sections in lengths of 36", widths of 6", 12", and 18" and thickness from 1" to 4". Grooved block is available for fitting block to large diameter curved surfaces. Molded Expanded Perlite

Molded Expanded Perlite Insulation Products Molded Expanded Perlite insulation is defined by ASTM as insulation composed principally of expanded perlite and silicate binders. It may also contain reinforcing fibers. Perlite pipe insulation is supplied as hollow cylinder shapes split into half or quarter sections or as curved segments. Pipe insulation sections are typically supplied in lengths of 36 inch, and are available in sizes to fit most standard pipe sizes. Available thicknesses range from 1" to 4" in " increments. Thicker insulation is supplied as nested sections. Perlite block insulation is supplied in lengths of 36" and 1 meter, widths from 24" and in thickness from 1" to 6" in increments of ". Perlite molded fitting cover insulation is available for a wide variety of standard elbow and tees. Microporous Insulation Microporous insulation is defined as a composite material in the form of compacted powder or fibers with an average interconnecting pore size comparable to or below the mean

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free path of air molecules at standard atmospheric pressure. Microporous insulation may contain opacifiers to reduce the amount of radiant heat transmitted.

Microporous Board Insulation Microporous Rigid Boards (Type I) are supplied in two primary forms. The first, typically identified as block or board, is an un-faced flat section of Microporous insulation compressed to a density of typically 18-25 pcf. The second type, identified as panel, is a flat section of Microporous insulation which has been encapsulated with a high temperature glass facing to minimize dust and improve handling.

Microporous Flexible Panel Insulation Flexible Microporous Panels (Type II) are manufactured at a lower density of approximately 8-16 pcf. They are also faced with a high temperature glass facing but also are often stitched through, in 1 or 2 directions, using a high temperature thread. The lower density and the segregation caused by the stitching allows the material to be flexed to cylindrical or contoured surfaces. Thicknesses range from 1/8" to ". Microporous Pipe Sections (Type III) are supplied as hollow cylinder shapes split in half lengthwise or as curved segments. Pipe insulation sections are typically supplied in lengths of 19.7" ( meter), and are available in sizes to fit most standard pipe sizes. Microporous Pipe 13 | P a g e

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Sections are faced with a high temperature glass facing to improve handling. The thickness is always 1" nominally (25mm). Thicker insulation can normally be supplied as nested sections for most pipe sizes. Pipe sections can also be used in combination with Type II Flexible Panels to meet specific thickness requirements. Flexible Aerogel Insulation

Silica Aerogel Insulation Flexible aerogel insulation is a composite of an amorphous silica-based aerogel cast into a fiber reinforcement. The fiber reinforcement may consist of a batt, a needled felt blanket, or other configurations of fibers. The fibers themselves may be inorganic, such as glass fibers, or organic, such as polyethylene. The flexible aerogel insulation typically contains hydrophobic agents and may also contain opacifiers. Poured-In-Place Granular Poured-In-Place insulation for underground piping, ducts, and tanks is available. These are granular materials generally made from engineered blends of inorganic materials or calcium carbonate and require no mixing or curing. The hydrophobic materials provide thermal insulation, corrosion protection, and load bearing properties. Product is sold by the cubic foot and is available in a variety of packaging options. The material is installed around underground pipes, ducts, or tanks before backfilling. REFLECTIVE INSULATIONS Reflective insulations are defined by ASTM as insulation depending for its performance upon reduction of radiant heat transfer across air spaces by use of one or more surfaces of high reflectance and low emittance. Reflective insulations utilize low-emittance foil (usually

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aluminum) or foil coated facings to reduce the amount of radiant heat flux occurring at the surface. CATEGORIES OF WEATHER BARRIERS, VAPOR RETARDERS, AND FINISHES Most mechanical insulation systems require a covering or finish material. The primary reason is to protect the insulation from damage. Weather, mechanical abuse, water vapor condensation, chemical attack, and fire are all potential sources of damage. Weather Barriers are materials which, when installed on the outer surface of thermal insulation, protects the insulation from the weather such as rain, snow, sleet, dew, wind, solar radiation, atmospheric contamination, and mechanical damage. Vapor Retarders are materials which retard the passage of water vapor into the insulation. Mechanical Abuse Coverings are materials that protect the insulation from damage by personnel, machinery, etc. Condensate Barriers (sometimes called moisture retarders) are materials, normally used as an inner lining for metal weather barriers, which will bar the condensate which tends to form on the inner surface of the metal jacket from contacting the metal portion of the jacket. Appearance Coverings are materials used over insulation systems to provide the desired color or appearance. Hygienic Coverings are materials used to provide a smooth, cleanable, surface for use in food processing, beverage, or pharmaceutical facilities. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WEATHER BARRIERS, VAPOR RETARDERS, AND FINISHES Internal Mechanical Forces - Expansion and contraction of the pipe or vessel must be considered because the resulting forces are transferred to the external surface of the weather barrier. An ability to slide, elongate or contract must be accommodated for. External Mechanical Forces - If a pipe, vessel or a specific area thereof is subject to mechanical abuse i.e. tools being dropped, abrasion from wind driven sand or personnel walking on the system, then these need to be considered in the design. This may impact insulation type used, as well as the weather barrier jacketing type. Chemical Resistance - Some industrial environments may have airborne or spilled corrosive agents that accumulate on the weather barrier and cause chemical attack of the pipe or vessel jacketing selected. Elements that create corrosive issues must be well understood and accounted for. Insulation design of coastal facilities of course should account for chloride attack.

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Galvanic Corrosion - The use of one metal in contact with a different metal must be considered for galvanic corrosion potential. Similarly water can act as an electrolyte and galvanic corrosion can happen due to the different potential of the pipe and vessel and a metal jacketing. Insulation Corrosivity - Some insulation materials can cause metal jacket corrosion. Some insulation materials can chemically attack some polymer films. Both of these situations shorten service life. Thermal Degradation - Hot systems are typically designed so that the surface temperature of the insulation and jacketing material do not exceed 140 degrees F. The long term effect of 140 degrees F on the jacketing material must be considered. Additionally, there may be solar radiation load and perhaps parallel heat loss from an adjacent pipe. This is a critical design consideration, particularly if a non-metal jacket is being considered. Installation and Application Logistics - A common occurrence is that the insulation contractor installs more insulation in a day, than can be protected with jacket. If it rains, the exposed portion of insulation gets saturated and the next day the jacket is installed over the wet insulation. This creates an obvious potential corrosion issue before the installation is operational. If this occurs it must be corrected immediately. Maintainability - The importance of a maintenance and inspection plan cannot be over emphasized to achieve the service life expected of the design.

Consideration of materials used Factors affecting the type and amount of insulation to use in a building include:

Climate Ease of installation Durability - resistance to degradation from compression, moisture, decomposition, etc. Ease of replacement at end of life Cost effectiveness Toxicity Flammability Environmental impact and sustainability

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ACOUSTIC INSULATION

Soundowns Mass Loaded Vinyl Barrier (Tuff Mass) is available in 1/2, 1, 11/2, and 2 lb/ft2 densities. It is a rugged all-purpose sheet barrier with a wide range of uses. Our Mass Loaded Vinyl is supplied in a standard 54" and 48" width and variable roll lengths from 10' to 250' depending upon material configuration. Soundown Acoustic Lead Barrier is available in weights of 1 and 2 lb. This traditional incombustible barrier material is supplied in a standard 48" width, and rolls of 12', 24', or longer as required.

Soundown Barrier Composite Insulation is the most commonly used material due to its wide range of applications and excellent acoustic properties. These composites are typically a fire retardant polyether foam absorber and decoupler type, with a mass loaded PVC barrier in one of several different weights. They also have a rip stop Mylar vapor barrier. Other absorber and decoupler materials include several types of fiberglass, mineral wool, and polyimide foam. Lead barrier is also available. Barrier composite materials are available in 1/2 - 4" thicknesses, depending upon the material configuration.

Soundown Acoustic Carpet Underlay is a composite material using Soundown Tuff-Mass as a barrier in weights of 1 or 2 lb., and acoustic foam decoupler. There is an option for a soft or firm acoustic foam layer that provides a comfortable feel. Soundown Carpet Underlay reduces noise radiating from carpeted surfaces. It may be used alone or to supplement insulation applied in engine spaces. Soundown Carpet Underlay is manufactured in 54" width at 1/4" and 1/2" thickness.

Soundown Acoustic Absorption Materials are used in applications where barrier treatments are not required. These treatments are manufactured from a wide range of base materials such as polyether foam, acoustic fiberglass, coast guard approved fiberglass, polyimide foam, and mineral wool. Soundown Acoustic Head and Hull liners also provide good absorption performance in occupied spaces. This family of products is delivered in various sizes and configurations ranging from 1/4 - 4" depending on the material specification.

Soundown LCF Polyimide Foam is an engineered flexible foam insulation for acoustical and thermal applications. The extreme light weight and highly fire resistant nature of Polyimide foam makes it ideal for a range of applications. As a flexible foam product Soundown LCF can be installed far more easily than fibrous board alternatives such as fiberglass and mineral wool.

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