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INSULATION
13.1 13.2 13.3 INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 13-1 MATERIALS IN USE .................................................................................................................. 13-1 SELECTION CRITERIA.............................................................................................................. 13-2 13.3.1 Extruded Polystyrene ..................................................................................................... 13-2 13.3.2 Polyurethane .................................................................................................................. 13-2 13.4 WATERPROOFING .................................................................................................................... 13-2 13.4.1 Bare Insulation Ends ...................................................................................................... 13-2 13.4.2 Insulation Covering......................................................................................................... 13-2 13.4.3 Half Shells and Fitting Cover Kits................................................................................... 13-3 13.5 13.6 13.7 FIELD-APPLIED FOAM.............................................................................................................. 13-4 13.5.1 Insulation Repairs and Gaps .......................................................................................... 13-4 INSULATION THICKNESS ........................................................................................................ 13-4 13.6.1 Thickness ....................................................................................................................... 13-4 ULTRAVIOLET AND MECHANICAL PROTECTION ................................................................ 13-5 13.7.1 Metal Jacketing .............................................................................................................. 13-5 13.7.2 HDPE Jacketing ............................................................................................................. 13-5

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13.1

INSULATION
INTRODUCTION The need for insulation on water and sewer piping was recognized from the earliest piping systems in the NWT and Nunavut. Unlike southern installations, most northern piping cannot be installed below the seasonal frost penetration line, and in many cases, pipes are installed in permafrost or above grade. Lack of insulation led to excessive freezing problems or excessive water heating requirements to prevent freezing.

13.2

MATERIALS IN USE A variety of insulating materials have been utilized on northern piping systems, including: Peat Moss Fibreglass Batts Mineral Wool Zonolite (loose fill, pour in place) Polystyrene Beads Expanded Polystyrene Asbestos Polyisocyanurate Polyurethane Early buried pipes in Yellowknife were bedded in peat moss. Wood box utilidors in Iqaluit and Inuvik. Wood box utilidors in Iqaluit and Yellowknife. Wood box utilidor and wood-boxed buried services in Yellowknife. Service boxes and fire hydrants, both buried and on utilidors. Wood box utilidors. High temperature heating lines in utilidors in Iqaluit and Inuvik. Generally limited to half shells or fitting cover kits. Half shells on buried and above grade pipes and factory applied to buried and above grade pipes. Also available as field-applied foam. Routine use on buried, flat-faced structures.

Extruded Polystyrene

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SELECTION CRITERIA With the exception of extruded polystyrene and polyurethane, all of the above insulation materials will readily absorb moisture, and hence, lose their effectiveness as insulation materials. Recommendation Rationale Available as sheet stock in a variety of thicknesses. Commercially available in a variety of compressive strengths. Overlapping shiplap edges are more effective at joints than butt edges, which often have a gap.

13.3.1 Extruded Polystyrene Recommended for flat-sided, below grade structures. Recommended for flat areas with high soil loadings. Recommended use of shiplap edges. 13.3.2 Polyurethane Recommended for factory application on pipes. Recommended for half-shell covers for pipe joints and fittings. Commercially available applied to pipes in a variety of thicknesses. Commercially available as half-shell kits.

13.4

WATERPROOFING Both extruded polystyrene and polyurethane are closed cell materials. Over time, however, moisture can penetrate either material to a certain extent. Where practical, it is prudent to seal these products to minimize access by moisture and subsequent loss of insulation value. Sealing is generally not practical on flat sheet stock; hence, the following section pertains to piping insulation. Recommendation Rationale Seals the exposed insulation to limit moisture access.

13.4.1 Bare Insulation Ends Recommend sealing with two coats of waterproofing asphaltic mastic. 13.4.2 Insulation Covering Recommend a 1.14 mm extruded high density polyethylene jacketing applied over a mastic adhesive. Recommend a 1.27 mm thickness or two layers of spirally wrapped high density polyethylene tape, hot applied, counter wound, overlapping 15% on each tape seam. Provides effective waterproofing throughout the length of the pipe. Provides effective waterproofing throughout the length of the pipe.

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13.4.3 Half Shells and Fitting Cover Kits Recommend fibreglass or polymer coating. Recommend coating with two coats of waterproofing asphaltic mastic. Recommend covering with heatshrink sleeves for regular shapes. Shells are less prone to breakage during shipping and handling. Seals the insulation to limit moisture access. Provides a moisture barrier joined to pipe insulation jacket.

Figure 13.1 Typical Half Shells

Recommend covering with two layers of heat-shrink tape on all irregular-shaped surfaces, counter wound, with 15% overlap at seams.

Tape will allow coverage of irregular-shaped surfaces.

Figure 13.2 Typical Flange Cover Kit

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FIELD-APPLIED FOAM In any insulated piping installation, there will be pipe insulation damage or areas where half shells or kits do not fit precisely. Recommendation Rationale Restores full insulation value.

13.5.1 Insulation Repairs and Gaps Recommend replacing lost insulation and gaps at half shells or cover kits with field-applied foam. Recommend two wraps of heatshrink tape over repair. 13.6 INSULATION THICKNESS Insulation is available in a variety of thicknesses. Recommendation 13.6.1 Thickness Recommend that a separate calculation be undertaken for each application. Insulation is expensive and the designer must ensure the optimal level is specified, consistent with economics and service goals. Rationale

Seals out moisture.

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ULTRAVIOLET AND MECHANICAL PROTECTION Insulated pipe installed above grade is subject to both ultraviolet (UV) radiation and mechanical damage. Recommendation Rationale Provides UV protection and is resistant to normal mechanical damage.

13.7.1 Metal Jacketing Recommend galvanized spiralwrapped jacketing in minimum 22 gauge metal.

Photo 13.1 Metal-Jacketed Pipes 13.7.2 HDPE Jacketing Recommend as an alternate to metal jacket, generally on buried piping where bedding material is not ideal. Protects the insulation from sharp bedding. Use above grade may result in long term UV damage to the jacket.

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