Specifying UV-Resistant Refrigerant Line Insulation
The need for UV-resistant refrigerant line insulation is common for installations on building exteriors, such as rooftops, to convey refrigerants between large roof-top HVAC systems and interior equipment to provide conditioned air to the building’s occupant spaces and equipment. U.S. commercial energy codes and standards, such as ASHRAE 90.1 Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise…
Learn MoreHow to Choose the Best Plenum-Rated Pipe and Duct Insulation
Plenum spaces in buildings are designed to discreetly house building systems such as HVAC equipment & return airflow, pipe runs, and digital cables. Although air plenums are typically out-of-sight, typically located above ceiling grids or in under-floor systems, mechanical design (i.e. plenum rated insulation) are critically important to ensure the safety of building occupants and…
Learn MorePipe Hanger Supports Critical to High-Performance Insulation System Design
A common failure point of mechanical insulation on cold (below-ambient) piping systems is
at the hanger locations due to compression of insulation subjected to inadequate support
or no insulation at all (thermal bridging)
Nesting (Layering) Chart for AEROFLEX® Pipe Insulation
Certain HVAC, refrigeration and plumbing pipe insulation applications require more than a single layer of Aeroflex® EPDM flexible elastomeric insulation to control condensation in demanding conditions such as a cold line temperature in a hot and humid operating environment. Our “nesting” chart offers the best fit for installing an additional layer (sleeving) over the most common copper and iron pipe insulation sizes. It’s important to note that Aeroflex USA tests 1”, 1-1/2” and 2” thicknesses for ASTM E84 25/50 flame/smoke compliance. We do not test other thickness combinations, and thicknesses over 2” will not pass ASTM E84.
Learn MoreKey Considerations for Refrigerant Piping Insulation
Refrigerant piping insulation is crucial for refrigeration systems. Refrigeration systems, also known as below-ambient systems, vary by application (commercial and industrial), temperature requirements (high & low), refrigerant types (traditional and natural), and operating environments. Common refrigeration system applications include supermarkets, cold storage, food processing, beverage dispensing lines, ice rinks, morgues, laboratories, chillers, data centers, and…
Learn MoreA Proven Solution for Hydronic Pump Insulation
Looking for a solution for hydronic pump insulation? Let’s start with hydronic pumps. Hydronic heating and cooling systems circulate water through a building’s piping systems to deliver heating and cooling for occupant comfort. These systems are basically composed of an energy source, such as a boiler, water heater, or chiller, and electronically-powered pumps that move…
Learn MoreGuide to Mold Resistant Insulation
Mold resistant insulation is an important consideration to prevent the dangers of mold. Molds belong to the fungi kingdom, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plants and other organic materials. Molds generate tiny spores to reproduce, and these spores are ever-present in both indoor and outdoor air currents. When mold…
Learn MoreWhy Use Plumbing Insulation?
Wondering why to use plumbing insulation? Plumbing piping systems, commonly known as domestic hot and cold water service systems, convey water to fixtures and equipment for various purposes in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The most common concerns with plumbing systems that should be addressed during the design stage include heat loss, condensation control, freeze…
Learn MoreDifferences Between NFPA 90A and 90B
Two applicable fire safety standards for HVAC systems in the built environment are NFPA 90A and NFPA 90B. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is a global organization established in 1896, primarily known for code and standard development, that is dedicated to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and other…
Learn MoreWhy Closed-Cell Flexible Elastomeric Foam Insulation on Cold Systems?
Mechanical insulation on cold (below-ambient) mechanical systems such as chilled water, brine and refrigerant piping/equipment is an important component to ensure that a project team’s basis of design (BOD) and owner project requirements (OPR) are satisfied…
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