Insulation systems on Refrigerant Plants:

The entire cold rooms on the ship are insulated. The heat
leakage from surroundings into refrigeration systems can be
much reduced by the efficient use of insulation. A number of
materials are used for this including slab cork, glass wool,
Mineral wools, expanded plastics, aluminum foil and
polyurethane.
Polyurethane although generally most costly, is the best
insulator, having the lowest coefficient of conductivity, with
the further advantages of being impervious to air leaks and
almost impervious to the passage of vapour, when the
material is foamed in situ. All of the materials mentioned
have to be enclosed by linings for protection and the
prevention of air leakage. The design and construction of the
linings make a greater contribution to the efficiency of the
system.
Pipework and other components should be insulated after
the safety pressure test but usually before prolonged
running of the plant, since it is very difficult to remove water
and frost once it is formed.
Only the low pressure piping is insulated, pipeline after the
expansion valve upto the evaporator, and from evaporator
outlet back to the compressor is insulated.