Mechanical Insulation Basics

Length: 2.5-2.75 hours
Register on NIA's Education Center: https://niaeducationcenter.org/courses/48060

Following is an overview of each course module:

Module 1: Educational Series Introduction and Defining Mechanical Insulation
Provides an overview of the Mechanical Insulation Basics course, discusses mechanical insulation in comparison to other insulation segments, and includes demonstrations of the online simple energy, financial, condensation, safety, and other calculators available within the Insulation Design Guide.

Module 2: Benefits of Mechanical Insulation
“Why insulate?” is a complex topic with multiple components. Insulation can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, increase available carbon credits, be an important part of sustainable design initiatives, be part of safety programs, increase manufacturing productivity, reduce corrosion under insulation, control condensation and mold growth, and provide an unrivaled return on your investment—so why is it a forgotten technology? This module provides a general overview of the power of mechanical insulation in the new construction, renovation, and maintenance arenas when designed, installed, and maintained properly.

Module 3: Mechanical Insulation Science & Technology
Insulation is applied but rarely engineered. With the best intentions, but not necessarily with thorough knowledge, many specifications have evolved over the years primarily based upon the modification of old documents. This practice, combined with the lack of mechanical insulation educational and awareness programs about the value of having a properly engineered, installed, and maintained mechanical insulation system, has led to the underutilization of mechanical insulation in energy conservation, emission reduction, process and productivity improvement, life-cycle cost reduction, personnel safety, life safety, workplace improvements, and a host of other applications. This module discusses the principles of understanding energy, what insulation is, how insulation works, psychrometrics, and mechanical insulation definitions and terminology.

Module 4: Mechanical Insulation Design Objectives and Considerations
Most engineers, architects, specifiers, and end users are familiar with the use of insulation to reduce heating and cooling loads and control noise in building envelopes. Insulations used for pipes, ducts, tanks, and equipment are not as familiar. As a result, mechanical insulation is often overlooked, undervalued, or improperly specified and maintained in commercial and industrial construction projects. Mechanical insulation may be used to satisfy one or more of the following design objectives: condensation control; energy, economics, and the environment; fire safety; freeze protection; personnel protection; process control; and noise control. In addition, a number of design considerations may require attention when designing a mechanical insulation system: abuse resistance, corrosion under insulation, indoor air quality, maintainability, regulatory considerations, service and location, and service life. On some projects, multiple design objectives and considerations must be satisfied simultaneously. This module discusses each of these objectives and considerations.

Module 5: Mechanical Insulation Maintenance
Insulation systems, like all mechanical systems, require periodic inspection and maintenance. While inspection and maintenance are the responsibility of the facility owner, most insulation systems are frequently ignored. With time, insulation systems can become damaged for a variety of reasons and, if not repaired or replaced, can become ineffective. Understanding the benefit of timely and proper maintenance can provide a significant return on investment.