Functions of Pipe Insulation
- Piping insulation facilitates temperature control of the process.
- Prevent vapor flow and water condensation on cold surfaces.
- Increase the operating efficiency of heating/cooling, power, and process systems.
- Reduce major damages in the piping during fire or accidents.
- Prevent pollutant emissions to the atmosphere to a great extent.
What is the purpose of pipe insulation?
Pipe Insulations are materials or combinations of materials wrapped around the pipe which retard the flow of heat energy. Pipe insulation reduces energy losses to a great extent and thereby reduce the energy cost. Piping shall be insulated as per the insulation class, operating temperature, and insulation thickness stated in the P&ID.
Why is it important to insulate refrigeration lines?
Proper placement and securing of insulation on air conditioner or heat pump refrigeration lines is important to avoid condensation leaks into the building. One, or on some systems both refrigeration lines can be cool or cold under some operating conditions.
What are the risks of refrigerant piping insulation?
The risk related to the improper application or selection of refrigerant piping insulation can be represented in a simple graph. Your risk increases as your quality of installation varies from the manufactures recommendation, and as you deviate from the code requirements.
What is the best way to insulate a refrigerant pipe?
- using a refrigerant tubing insulation product like Armacell's Armaflex insulation that combines foam insulation with a UV-resistant outer jacket - this is a good option for new refrigerant piing installations in environments where there is extra risk of corrosion or exposure to other harsh conditions.
What is the purpose of refrigerant piping insulation?
Refrigerant pipe insulation plays a critical role in controlling heat gain of refrigerant fluids, moisture (vapor drive), surface condensation, and icing.
Does refrigerant piping need insulation?
Piping and fittings for refrigerant vapor (suction) lines shall be insulated with insulation having a thermal resistivity of not less than R-4 and having external surface permeance not exceeding 0.05 perm [2.87 ng/(s · m2 · Pa)] when tested in accordance with ASTM E96.
What is the minimum insulation value on refrigerant piping?
1 In general, refrigerant suction lines and chilled water pipes require either 1/2" or 1" insulation depending on the size and temperature of the pipes. 2 Hot pipes require anywhere from 1" to 5" of insulation depending on size and temperature. In addition to the insulation thickness, section 6.4.
How do you insulate AC refrigerant lines?
1:478:32HVAC: Refrigerant Line Insulation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that the compressor can cool down. So just kind of fit it over there like that and I strip theMoreSo that the compressor can cool down. So just kind of fit it over there like that and I strip the old insulation off already. So you get it to a comfortable length where you're happy with it.
Why is insulation coming apart?
The insulation is coming apart at the seams and joints due to poor application, and the improper insulation usage for an exterior application.
Why don't you compress insulation?
Don’t compress insulation as this will cause a loss of thermal efficiency and or surface condensation on cold pipes where compression occurs.
Why do inspectors have to be consistent in their application of the code and standards?
Inspectors have to be consistent in their application of the code and standards so that everyone is on the same playing field and the owner receives the protection that the insulation was designed to provide . VRV & VRF manufactures need to be consistent in their literature on the actual temperature requirements of the insulation for their systems.
What is the importance of a contractor to comply with codes and standards?
It’s imperative that the installing contractor comply with all applicable codes and standards and manufactures recommended installation practices. Owners and property managers need to be aware of the maintenance requirements of any exterior insulation and the signs of a poor installation.
What temperature should I use for Daikin insulation?
Daikin states in their VRV III Engineering & Installation manual on page 59 that pipe insulation is to be rated to with stand a temperature of 248 F. See insert below.
How often should I recoat exterior insulation?
Armacell recommends that you coat their exterior insulation with 2 coats of WB Finish and re-coat every 2-4 years. I don’t know about you but I haven’t seen a lot of that being done. How many owners or management companies do you know that re-coat their insulation every 2 to 4 years? See armacell’s technical information bulletin on the “ Outdoor Protection of Insulation ”.
What happens if you install wrong insulation?
If the wrong insulation is installed or if the installation is done improperly, you could end up with water damage to the building , or if a leak goes un-noticed you might get mold growing somewhere. That word sends shivers down the spine of owners and contractors, as it awakens the hungry lawyers. The integrity of your insulation will need to be maintained for the life of the mechanical system, so getting it right from the start is important. Invest in the proper insulation and installation procedures to insure that you have thermal & vapor integrity for the life of your system.
What is refrigerant piping?
Refrigerant piping insulation, or refrigeration pipe insulation, plays a critical role in controlling heat gain of refrigerant fluids, moisture (vapor drive), surface condensation, and icing. National energy standards and codes require refrigerant piping insulation on cooling systems, such as chilled water, brine, and refrigerants, ...
What type of insulation is used in refrigeration?
The ASHRAE Handbook recommends closed-cell types of refrigerant piping insulation for refrigeration system applications, such as cellular glass, flexible elastomeric, polyisocyanurate, and polystyrene, due to their low vapor transmission (WVT), low water absorption qualities and not always requiring a supplemental vapor barrier. Important refrigerant piping insulation selection considerations include the following reference standards (not all-inclusive):
What is flexible elastomeric insulation?
Of the closed-cell refrigerant piping insulation types referenced above, flexible elastomeric refrigerant piping insulation has been commercially available in the United States for over 50 years and is a proven refrigerant pipe insulation solution due to its closed-cell structure, built-in vapor barrier (smooth continuous outer skin), and flexible nature. American-manufactured flexible elastomeric insulation typically meets all of the above standards up to 2” thick (ASTM E84 25/50). While always available in a matte black color, tubes are now available in white color to blend in with commercial ceilings.
Is refrigerant piping used on rooftops?
While refrigerant piping is commonly installed indoors, many systems include piping and equipment on exterior rooftops to conserve interior space or to preserve interior design aesthetics. Commercial and industrial refrigeration systems have a few things in common.
Why is it important to properly place insulation on a heat pump?
Proper placement and securing of insulation on air conditioner or heat pump refrigeration lines is important to avoid condensation leaks into the building. One, or on some systems both refrigeration lines can be cool or cold under some operating conditions.
What causes condensation on refrigerant lines?
Missing or damaged refrigerant line insulation insulation On the refrigerant lines, particularly on the larger suction line, will cause condensation and drips from the lines in humid areas.
What causes moisture in the air to condense onto and then drip off of the refrigerant lines?
The cold copper tubing in contact with warm humid air causes moisture in the air to condense onto and then drip off of the refrigration lines.
What temperature should suction lines be?
Suction lines are cold – 40°F (4.4°C) SST – and cause condensation, even in conditioned spaces. In addition, any heat that enters the refrigerant adds to the superheat and reduces system efficiency. For these reasons, suction lines should be insulated with a vapor proof insulation.
Where is the refrigerant line on a split system air conditioner?
Our photo (left) shows where the refrigerant lines rise in the wall to enter the wall-mounted half of the split system air conditioner (that larger white area below the left end of the unit) and the blue tape marks where we first saw condensate water dripping from the unit.
Is refrigerant tubing durable?
Absolutely, there are refrigerant tubing insulation products that are more-durable for tough conditions like your coastal area, and thanks for a helpful question that I'd not considered.
Can refrigerant piping be defective?
Here we describe defects in refrigerant piping insulation, problems caused by defective refrigerant piping insulation, recommended installation practices for refrigerant tubing insulation in building walls or cavities as well as outdoors where exposed to the weather, and interior leaks on & in wall below a split system air conditioner wall-mounted unit traced to missing insulation.