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<\/a><\/p>\n1. The Mechanical Insulation Design Guide<\/a><\/h3>\nThe Mechanical Insulation Design Guide <\/a>(MIDG<\/a>) is an online, free resource that can take you through the A-Z of system design or product specification. If you don\u2019t know how to build your insulation system, we will walk you through it, including:<\/p>\n\n- Design objectives;<\/li>\n
- Categories and characteristics of mechanical insulation materials;<\/li>\n
- Physical properties, and product characteristics of weather barriers, vapor retarders, and finishes;<\/li>\n
- Fabrication of insulation products;<\/li>\n
- Accessory products;<\/li>\n
- Installation of insulation products;<\/li>\n
- Design data;<\/li>\n
- Specifications; and<\/li>\n
- Design resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are in the beginning phases of system design and need help designing or specifying materials, the MIDG<\/a> is an excellent tool that will take you through numerous options for your system.<\/p>\n2. Insulation Calculators<\/a><\/h3>\nWe have made it easy to do insulation calculations\u2014just plug in your information and get results! Easily make calculations with these simple insulation calculators:<\/p>\n
\n- Condensation Control Calculator for Horizontal Pipe<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Energy Calculator for Equipment (Vertical Flat Surfaces<\/a>);<\/li>\n
- Energy Calculator for Horizontal Piping<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Mechanical Insulation Financial Calculator<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Estimate Time to Freezing for Water in an Insulated Pipe Calculator<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Temperature Drop Calculator for Air Ducts<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Temperature Drop Calculator for Hydronic Piping<\/a>; and<\/li>\n
- Personnel Protection Calculator for Horizontal Piping<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We love insulation and want to help people design systems properly. Save yourself hours by using these tools to take care of the science and math for you!<\/p>\n
3. NIA\u2019s Online Training Course<\/a><\/h3>\nThe MIDG<\/a> also includes a link to an online training course<\/a> that was created, in part, by the National Insulation Association (NIA). Users can sign up for free and either take the entire course, which includes 5 modules and is approximately 2\u20132.5 hours long, or just look at shorter, individual modules. The modules are as follows:<\/p>\n\n- Module 1: Educational Series Introduction and Defining Mechanical Insulation<\/strong>\u2014Provides an overview of the series, discusses mechanical insulation in comparison to other insulation, and provides information on the National Institute of Building Sciences’ (NIBS\u2019) MIDG, including the simple calculators.<\/li>\n
- Module 2: Benefits of Mechanical Insulation<\/strong>\u2014Provides an overview of the power of mechanical insulation in the new construction, renovation, and maintenance arenas when designed, installed, and maintained properly.<\/li>\n
- Module 3: Mechanical Insulation Science and Technology<\/strong>\u2014Discusses understanding energy, what insulation is, how insulation works, psychrometrics, and mechanical insulation definitions and terminology.<\/li>\n
- Module 4: Mechanical Insulation Design Objectives and Considerations<\/strong>\u2014Discusses design objectives, including condensation control; energy, economics, and the environment; fire safety; freeze protection; personnel protection; process control; and noise control. Design considerations include abuse resistance, corrosion under insulation, indoor air quality, maintainability, regulatory considerations, service and location, and service life.<\/li>\n
- Module 5: Mechanical Insulation Maintenance<\/strong>\u2014Discusses the benefits of timely and proper maintenance, which can provide a significant return on investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Users who complete the entire course are eligible for credit from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and its sister organization, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), as well as the American Institute of Architects (AIA). NIA also offers professional development hours (PDHs) for the completion of the training course. You can sign up for a free account to access this training course at https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ybl5eez4<\/a>.<\/p>\n4. NIA\u2019s Online Training Portal at Vimeo<\/a><\/h3>\nAnother excellent tool is NIA\u2019s online video streaming portal at www.Vimeo.com\/NIAinfo<\/a>. NIA members and non-members can\u00a0access the Vimeo On Demand website to stream NIA\u2019s webinars or the Mechanical Insulation\u00a0Installation Video Series<\/strong><\/em>. The series is a fantastic tool as it has actual video footage that demonstrates how to install insulation for different applications. Each video features installation information for different materials, including:<\/p>\n\n- Calcium Silicate and Perlite Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Cellular Foam Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Cellular Glass Pipe and Equipment Installation;<\/li>\n
- Elastomeric Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Fiber Glass Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Mineral Wool Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation; and<\/li>\n
- Removable\/Reusable Flexible Insulation Covers Installation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The series provides the unique opportunity to actually see installation methods, which can provide helpful insights to improve installation processes. NIA\u2019s Vimeo page<\/a> also includes access to several free videos, including a webinar on the MIDG<\/a>, videos on the value of insulation, and footage of expert discussion panels from NIA\u2019s Annual Convention. Prior webinar series on leadership, health and safety, heat stress prevention and compliance, hiring and retention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance, and more, are also available for rental. Additional training and educational materials will be added to this training portal as they are developed.<\/p>\n5. Resources, Specs, and Codes from Insulation.org<\/a><\/h3>\nNeed to brush up on your insulation terminology? Wondering about the physical properties of a certain material? The Specs & Codes page<\/a> on Insulation.org<\/a> has easy-to-access, free tools at your fingertips.<\/p>\n6. Insulation Materials Specification Chart<\/a><\/h3>\nCreated by experts from NIA\u2019s Technical Information Committee, this guide has the physical and material properties of various insulation materials as specified in ASTM Materials Specifications.<\/p>\n
7. Guide to Insulation Product Specifications<\/a><\/h3>\nAre you a specifier or owner? This compilation of current ASTM, federal, and military specifications relevant to the insulation industry might be just what you need. It also lists the companies that manufacture products that conform to each specification.<\/p>\n
8. Insulation Science Glossary<\/a><\/h3>\nLooking to beef up your insulation vocabulary? Check out this easy guide for a list of need-to-know terms.<\/p>\n
Head over to the Specs and Codes page at https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ybdef8td<\/a> to find these and other free resources.<\/p>\n9. Subscribe to Resource Central<\/a><\/h3>\nInsulation Outlook<\/em> is one of the best sources of information for anyone involved with insulating mechanical systems. Engineers, specifiers, building managers\/owners, and other end users may be eligible for a free subscription. Visit www.insulation.org\/io\/subscribe<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n10. Committing to Ongoing Education<\/a><\/h3>\nTaking the time to brush up on basics is an easy way to make big improvements on your projects. Visit www.insulation.org\/resources<\/a> to access the resources mentioned above and learn more about NIA\u2019s other free educational tools.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
- \n
- Design objectives;<\/li>\n
- Categories and characteristics of mechanical insulation materials;<\/li>\n
- Physical properties, and product characteristics of weather barriers, vapor retarders, and finishes;<\/li>\n
- Fabrication of insulation products;<\/li>\n
- Accessory products;<\/li>\n
- Installation of insulation products;<\/li>\n
- Design data;<\/li>\n
- Specifications; and<\/li>\n
- Design resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you are in the beginning phases of system design and need help designing or specifying materials, the MIDG<\/a> is an excellent tool that will take you through numerous options for your system.<\/p>\n
2. Insulation Calculators<\/a><\/h3>\n
We have made it easy to do insulation calculations\u2014just plug in your information and get results! Easily make calculations with these simple insulation calculators:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Condensation Control Calculator for Horizontal Pipe<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Energy Calculator for Equipment (Vertical Flat Surfaces<\/a>);<\/li>\n
- Energy Calculator for Horizontal Piping<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Mechanical Insulation Financial Calculator<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Estimate Time to Freezing for Water in an Insulated Pipe Calculator<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Temperature Drop Calculator for Air Ducts<\/a>;<\/li>\n
- Temperature Drop Calculator for Hydronic Piping<\/a>; and<\/li>\n
- Personnel Protection Calculator for Horizontal Piping<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We love insulation and want to help people design systems properly. Save yourself hours by using these tools to take care of the science and math for you!<\/p>\n
3. NIA\u2019s Online Training Course<\/a><\/h3>\n
The MIDG<\/a> also includes a link to an online training course<\/a> that was created, in part, by the National Insulation Association (NIA). Users can sign up for free and either take the entire course, which includes 5 modules and is approximately 2\u20132.5 hours long, or just look at shorter, individual modules. The modules are as follows:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Module 1: Educational Series Introduction and Defining Mechanical Insulation<\/strong>\u2014Provides an overview of the series, discusses mechanical insulation in comparison to other insulation, and provides information on the National Institute of Building Sciences’ (NIBS\u2019) MIDG, including the simple calculators.<\/li>\n
- Module 2: Benefits of Mechanical Insulation<\/strong>\u2014Provides an overview of the power of mechanical insulation in the new construction, renovation, and maintenance arenas when designed, installed, and maintained properly.<\/li>\n
- Module 3: Mechanical Insulation Science and Technology<\/strong>\u2014Discusses understanding energy, what insulation is, how insulation works, psychrometrics, and mechanical insulation definitions and terminology.<\/li>\n
- Module 4: Mechanical Insulation Design Objectives and Considerations<\/strong>\u2014Discusses design objectives, including condensation control; energy, economics, and the environment; fire safety; freeze protection; personnel protection; process control; and noise control. Design considerations include abuse resistance, corrosion under insulation, indoor air quality, maintainability, regulatory considerations, service and location, and service life.<\/li>\n
- Module 5: Mechanical Insulation Maintenance<\/strong>\u2014Discusses the benefits of timely and proper maintenance, which can provide a significant return on investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Users who complete the entire course are eligible for credit from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) and its sister organization, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), as well as the American Institute of Architects (AIA). NIA also offers professional development hours (PDHs) for the completion of the training course. You can sign up for a free account to access this training course at https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ybl5eez4<\/a>.<\/p>\n
4. NIA\u2019s Online Training Portal at Vimeo<\/a><\/h3>\n
Another excellent tool is NIA\u2019s online video streaming portal at www.Vimeo.com\/NIAinfo<\/a>. NIA members and non-members can\u00a0access the Vimeo On Demand website to stream NIA\u2019s webinars or the Mechanical Insulation\u00a0Installation Video Series<\/strong><\/em>. The series is a fantastic tool as it has actual video footage that demonstrates how to install insulation for different applications. Each video features installation information for different materials, including:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Calcium Silicate and Perlite Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Cellular Foam Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Cellular Glass Pipe and Equipment Installation;<\/li>\n
- Elastomeric Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Fiber Glass Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation;<\/li>\n
- Mineral Wool Pipe and Equipment Insulation Installation; and<\/li>\n
- Removable\/Reusable Flexible Insulation Covers Installation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The series provides the unique opportunity to actually see installation methods, which can provide helpful insights to improve installation processes. NIA\u2019s Vimeo page<\/a> also includes access to several free videos, including a webinar on the MIDG<\/a>, videos on the value of insulation, and footage of expert discussion panels from NIA\u2019s Annual Convention. Prior webinar series on leadership, health and safety, heat stress prevention and compliance, hiring and retention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance, and more, are also available for rental. Additional training and educational materials will be added to this training portal as they are developed.<\/p>\n
5. Resources, Specs, and Codes from Insulation.org<\/a><\/h3>\n
Need to brush up on your insulation terminology? Wondering about the physical properties of a certain material? The Specs & Codes page<\/a> on Insulation.org<\/a> has easy-to-access, free tools at your fingertips.<\/p>\n
6. Insulation Materials Specification Chart<\/a><\/h3>\n
Created by experts from NIA\u2019s Technical Information Committee, this guide has the physical and material properties of various insulation materials as specified in ASTM Materials Specifications.<\/p>\n
7. Guide to Insulation Product Specifications<\/a><\/h3>\n
Are you a specifier or owner? This compilation of current ASTM, federal, and military specifications relevant to the insulation industry might be just what you need. It also lists the companies that manufacture products that conform to each specification.<\/p>\n
8. Insulation Science Glossary<\/a><\/h3>\n
Looking to beef up your insulation vocabulary? Check out this easy guide for a list of need-to-know terms.<\/p>\n
Head over to the Specs and Codes page at https:\/\/tinyurl.com\/ybdef8td<\/a> to find these and other free resources.<\/p>\n
9. Subscribe to Resource Central<\/a><\/h3>\n
Insulation Outlook<\/em> is one of the best sources of information for anyone involved with insulating mechanical systems. Engineers, specifiers, building managers\/owners, and other end users may be eligible for a free subscription. Visit www.insulation.org\/io\/subscribe<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n
10. Committing to Ongoing Education<\/a><\/h3>\n
Taking the time to brush up on basics is an easy way to make big improvements on your projects. Visit www.insulation.org\/resources<\/a> to access the resources mentioned above and learn more about NIA\u2019s other free educational tools.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
- Module 2: Benefits of Mechanical Insulation<\/strong>\u2014Provides an overview of the power of mechanical insulation in the new construction, renovation, and maintenance arenas when designed, installed, and maintained properly.<\/li>\n
- Energy Calculator for Equipment (Vertical Flat Surfaces<\/a>);<\/li>\n
- Condensation Control Calculator for Horizontal Pipe<\/a>;<\/li>\n