Why Insulation?

:
An insulation system serves three principal purposes:

 the significant reduction in heat transfer of thermal energy to and from the surface of the piping
system (Heat Conservation).
 the prevention of moisture formation and collection on the surface of the piping system due to
condensation (Cold Insulation).

 the prevention of potentially injurious personnel contact with the surface of the exposed piping
system (Personal Protection).
 sometimes Steam traced/Electric traced insulation, Regeneration insulation, jacketting etc are
used as per process / liscensor requirement.
 Fire proofing, fire protection and acoustic insulation (to absorb vibration) is provided based on
project specification/ ITB requirement.

Insulation Material:

 Low temperature insulation is frequently made of expanded cellular plastic or foam rubber
material.
 Moderate temperature insulations are made from grass fibre products.
 High temperature insulation is made of preformed cementations or refractory materials or
blankets made from ceramic fibres.
 Insulation and accessory materials has to be 100% asbestos free.
 Normally mineral fibre, cellular glass, ceramic fibre, glass fibre, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane
foam etc are used as insulation material.

Few important points related to insulation (May vary from project to project):

 Hot insulation or Heat conservation insulation is used when normal operating temperature
exceeds 65 degree centigrade unless heat loss is desirable. (Control process temperature)
 Personnel protection is used in accessible areas if temperature exceeds 65 degree centigrade.
 Steam traced, electric traced, jacketting etc are used for process temperature control.
 Insulation thickness is determined based on pipe size, normal operating temperature,
temperature controlling requirement (extent of heat loss/gain) etc. At a minimum 25 mm
thickness is used.
 If insulation thickness is more than 75 mm then insulation is provided in two or more layers (multi
layer).
 Insulation shall not be applied untill hydrostatic/ pneumatic testing.
 Insulation upto 12 inch NPS pipe shall be held with ss 304 tie wire and for >12 inch NPS ss 304
bands are used.
 All flanges will be insulated other than hydrogen service or high health hazard material services.