{"id":14167,"date":"2024-05-01T16:54:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T16:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/?post_type=articles&#038;p=14167"},"modified":"2024-10-03T14:19:35","modified_gmt":"2024-10-03T14:19:35","slug":"nia-contractor-members-discuss-system-design-thermal-solutions","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/articles\/nia-contractor-members-discuss-system-design-thermal-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"NIA Contractor Members Discuss System Design: JT THORPE (Formerly Thermal Solutions, Inc.)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14146\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01-300x191.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"191\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01-1024x653.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01-768x490.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01-1536x980.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_01.jpg 1788w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>(Editor&#8217;s Note: At the time of the project and publication, this company was Thermal Solutions, Inc., but has since become JT THORPE. The personnel, positions, and project reflect Thermal Solutions, Inc. at that time, however, this article&#8217;s title and text have been updated to reflect the company&#8217;s current name. Images are from the original publication and therefore show the original name.)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p>NIA is proud of the professionalism, creativity, and artistry of our Contractor members. To celebrate the craftsmanship of NIA mechanical and industrial insulation contractors, in 2023 we unveiled the first-ever NIA Insulation Project Art Gallery Showcase and Competition. We invited all NIA insulation contractors to submit photographs and a brief description of projects representing their most creative and artistic efforts. At Fall Summit, we posted all the submissions anonymously, and attendees voted for the top three projects in terms of number of parts insulated, aesthetics, difficulty of installation, and well-installed application. As a new regular column, we will profile the projects submitted, focusing this month on the 2nd place winner, JT THORPE (Formerly Thermal Solutions, Inc.). We encourage NIA Contractor members to participate in the 2024 Insulation Project Art Gallery Showcase and Competition, and possibly be featured in future articles.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>PROJECT SNAPSHOT<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Insulation Contractor:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>JT THORPE (Formerly Thermal Solutions, Inc.)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Industry Segment:<\/strong> Food Processing<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type of Plant\/Facility:<\/strong> Distillery<\/p>\n<p><strong>Temperature Range:<\/strong> Above-Ambient System<\/p>\n<p><strong>Region:<\/strong> Southeast<\/p>\n<p><strong>System Designed\/Application Type:<\/strong> Cellular Glass Covered with Stainless Steel Metal Jacketing (see Table 1 through Table 4 for all product types used).<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14147\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02-300x123.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02-1024x419.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02-768x314.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02-1536x628.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_02.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Project Description and Goals<\/h2>\n<p>A large distillery in the Southeast had a new construction\/expansion project that involved insulating new mash cookers, stills, and vessels. Goals for the project included achieving energy savings; personnel protection; and process, condensation, and corrosion control.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14148\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03-300x154.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03-300x154.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03-1024x524.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03-768x393.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03-1536x786.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_03-2048x1048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Challenges<\/h2>\n<p>This was a highly complex project that presented challenges on multiple levels: size, scope, complexity, and scheduling, as well as the complications presented by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<p>The new construction\/expansion effectively doubled the size and production capability of the distillery, but the facility continued operation uninterrupted during it. It was a project of massive scale involving all of the trades working together. JT THORPE (Formerly Thermal Solutions, Inc.) Project Foreman Dan Lowry complimented the project managers and the General Contractor, calling them \u201cstellar,\u201d saying he was impressed at how well they handled the safety and scheduling of everyone. Lowry explained the insulation contractors and tradesmen had to keep out of the way of facility staff but also take all the necessary steps to ensure the distillery stayed within code for food production\u2014for example, diligently establishing and maintaining barriers to keep insulation and other construction materials from possible contact with the processes in production.<\/p>\n<p>The project also presented physical challenges that made JT THORPE\u2019s corporate focus on safety paramount to successful completion. Lowry described vessels \u201c6 feet in diameter and 50 feet tall,\u201d adding that because grading on the site did not allow for the use of lifts, \u201cthe first hurdle was to get to the job.\u201d Given the height and size of the vessels, \u201ceverything had to be done off very large ladders, using beam straps, retractable lanyards, and harnesses tied off above 4 feet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mother Nature kicked in to make things interesting, too. In a project that Lowry estimated was overall 60% outside and 40% inside, weather conditions can be critical. For example, while new construction was underway, a cold snap moved in that threatened<br \/>\nexisting outdoor process elements. JT THORPE&#8217;s team insulated more than 3,000 feet of piping in the course of 5 days, working in below-zero temperatures to keep production rolling.<\/p>\n<p>And, of course, Covid-19 hit just as the project was slated to begin, which delayed full startup almost a year. Lowry gave General Contractor ABEL Construction Company, Inc. high marks for their coordination of schedule, safety, and workflow involving multiple trades\u2014all impacted by shortages of labor, supply chain issues, and the need to accommodate new, pandemic-related requirements\u2014so that despite starting a year late, the overall construction finished on time. For its part, Lowry credited JT THORPE for being as prepared as possible and having a solid strategy to keep to its schedule. On the production side, John Stevens\u2019 and Managers Jude Malone\u2019s and Tony Kirk&#8217;s proactive approach to project management meant that when other companies were scrambling to get materials, JT THORPE\u2019s team already had what they needed to get to work. Lowry noted materials were back-ordered 3 to 6 months, and \u201cyou could not buy duct wrap,\u201d but JT THORPE had everything in stock. When Covid restricted the number of people allowed on site, they sent in a limited team to get measurements so they could prefabricate some of the equipment, and they established smaller teams of work crew units to limit possible exposure to the virus.<\/p>\n<h2>JT THORPE\u2019s Approach<\/h2>\n<p>The expansion project was completed in phases, with the mash cookers built first. Once they were completed, the facility was actually erected around them.<\/p>\n<h3>Mash Cookers<\/h3>\n<p>The application includes a high-heat cooker that requires a quick cool-down. JT THORPE utilized a cellular glass application with stainless-steel jacketing. Cellular glass was chosen because of its heat retention, rigidity, self-supporting nature, and the environmental conditions of the facility. In addition to meeting the customer\u2019s goals regarding energy savings, process control, personnel protection, and condensation and corrosion control, the design provides for system longevity, which reduces long-term maintenance costs for the customer. <em>Table 1<\/em> offers an overview of the mash cooker<br \/>\ninsulation solution.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14149\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04-300x214.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04-300x214.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04-1024x732.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04-768x549.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04-1536x1098.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_04-2048x1464.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>With a distillery, because even slight fluctuations in temperature can affect viscosity and other factors that make the difference between a smooth bourbon, for example, and a ruined batch that possibly also causes damage to expensive process equipment, mechanical insulation is mission critical. At the same time, the production processes involve equipment that needs to be maintained. Recognizing that removing insulation to give workers access for preventive maintenance often results in damage to the insulation (or worse\u2014insulation destroyed and not replaced), JT THORPE\u2019s proposed covering elements such as flanges and valves with removable insulated blankets to allow easy access and insulation replacement once maintenance was finished. <em>Table 2<\/em> lists elements of the removable cover solution.<\/p>\n<h3>Thumper<\/h3>\n<p><em>Table 3<\/em> lists elements and products used for the thumper.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14150\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05-300x114.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05-300x114.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05-1024x389.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05-768x292.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05-1536x583.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_05-2048x778.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14151\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06-300x212.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_06-2048x1448.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Additional Tanks and Vessels<\/h2>\n<p>JT THORPE was also responsible for insulating a centrifuge tank, chill water tank, and process water tank. <em>Table 4<\/em> details the insulation system components and products used for each.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14152\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07-300x234.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07-300x234.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07-1024x797.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07-768x598.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07-1536x1196.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_07.jpg 1828w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14153\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08-300x239.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08-300x239.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08-1024x815.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08-768x612.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08-1536x1223.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_08-2048x1631.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14154\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-218x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"218\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-218x300.jpg 218w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-744x1024.jpg 744w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-768x1057.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-1116x1536.jpg 1116w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-1488x2048.jpg 1488w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_09-scaled.jpg 1860w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 218px) 100vw, 218px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-14155\" src=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10-300x163.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10-1024x555.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10-768x416.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10-1536x832.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insulation.org\/io\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/05\/IO240502_10-2048x1110.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Project Takeaways<\/h2>\n<p>Key takeaways from this project reinforce themes mechanical insulation contractors stress are important with every job.<\/p>\n<h3>The Value of Coordination on Design to Meet Customer Objectives<\/h3>\n<p>From using ceramic spray on piping to provide thermal control for process performance and facility personnel safety in areas where space was confined to covering equipment such as flanges and valves with removable blankets to facilitate access for preventative maintenance, to changing the original spec from smooth stainless steel to a thicker gauge of embossed metal for improved durability (and appearance, as smooth stainless steel would show scratches that would inevitably result from mechanical and human abuse over time), JT THORPE was able to work with the Project Engineer and customer to identify materials and applications that would best meet project objectives.<\/p>\n<h3>Safety<\/h3>\n<p>JT THORPE\u2019s corporate culture of safety made a huge difference on this project. For example, in addition to the site challenges, and the added concerns of protecting everyone from a dangerous, pandemic virus, working with stainless steel can be extremely dangerous. The team spent thousands of manhours crafting and installing the stainless steel elements without a single injury. Calling up the image of how easy it is to get a serious cut from just the lid of can of tuna, Lowry said the company\u2019s impressive performance statistic resulted from their commitment to safety. \u201cEvery piece of stainless steel had a safety edge. [We made sure there would] never be a sharp edge on any of the stainless steel jacket we installed.\u201d All personnel wore necessary protective equipment without fail, including Kevlar gloves and arm guards.<\/p>\n<h3>Precision Installation<\/h3>\n<p>The project benefited from having a team with outstanding experience, skills, and training, including a supervisor with more than 19 years of experience and a talented and committed 19-year-old apprentice. As just one example of the complexity of the installation, Lowry explained how \u201cthe ceramic coating used starts out very thick\u2014almost like drywall mud\u2014and has to be mixed to a specific consistency.\u201d A large, industrial paint sprayer was used for application, with different tips and nozzle sizes as appropriate. Anything within 8 feet had to be completely covered to protect it against overspray. Two layers were required to ensure thermal retention, for both process efficiency and personnel protection, and each layer needs to be of a precise thickness. Additionally, each layer needed to dry before application of another layer or equipment use.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the number of protrusions, this complex required precise design and application. In every aspect of installation, the project illustrated the exemplary craftsmanship of JT THORPE\u2019s team of insulators.<\/p>\n<h3>Customer Focused on Quality, Willing to Invest<\/h3>\n<p>Lowry noted, simply properly insulating steam lines pays for itself in a year or less. When you run through all the ways using the appropriate materials and installing them properly saves energy and money\u2014including the human and financial costs of not providing adequate personnel protection, and the cost of process inefficiency or downtime\u2014the benefits are obvious. Still, some projects seek to cut corners, which makes projects with customers who recognize the value and budget the up-front cost for short- and long-term gain so satisfying. This customer was focused on the quality of the project and saw the benefit of insulation. They were very interested in having a system that would last for decades.<\/p>\n<h2>A Truly Rewarding Project<\/h2>\n<p>Lowry called this project \u201cone of those jobs that\u2019s just perfect for a good mechanical insulator\u201d because it called for a full range of capabilities and experience. \u201cFrom fabrication to the\u00a0materials used\u2014polyiso, ceramic, material wool, you name it\u2014we took measurements and cut our own. We got to run the entire gamut of skills.\u201d JT THORPE submitted this project to NIA\u2019s competition because it illustrated the exemplary craftsmanship of the company\u2019s insulators. Lowry said the project\u2019s success truly depended on the outstanding performance of a core team that included Vincent Benningfield, Rodney Dreher, Gary Hahn, Jason Hillerich, and Tyler Langley. Lowry summarized, \u201cIt was just a fantastic project. The materials were correct, the installation was solid\u2026 things just flowed very well.\u201d The competition was created after this project was concluded. Lowry emphasized that the insulators were not thinking about winning a prize; this was just a normal project for them. When thinking back, he said what really stands out to him was how the entire team worked well together during a difficult time, from the Lead Project Engineer to the General Contractor to all the other trades. Lowry is extremely proud of the work his team accomplished. \u201cWe have a core group that are animals when it comes to teamwork\u2026 All the guys knew it, too. This was one of those jobs where the project manager more than one time thanked me. Everybody respects what you\u2019re doing for them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the end, that makes this a truly rewarding project for everyone.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>NIA congratulates 2023 competition winners:<br \/>\n<strong>First Place:<\/strong> Elite Insulation, Inc.<br \/>\n<strong>Second Place:<\/strong> JT THORPE\/Thermal Solutions, Inc.<br \/>\n<strong>Third Place:<\/strong> Argus Contracting, LLC<\/p>\n<p>We thank all the entrants who helped highlight the diversity and creativity of the mechanical insulation industry:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<div>DKB, Inc.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Gribbins Insulation Company<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Hudak\u2019s Insulation Inc.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>I&amp;I<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Kerco, Inc.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Luse Thermal Technologies<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Performance Contracting, Inc.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Taurus Insulation, LLC<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div>Texoma Industrial\u00a0Insulation, Inc.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Watch for future articles with details on other projects submitted.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Project Foreman Dan Lowry details the design considerations for an indoor\/outdoor insulation system on a large distillery project in the southeast.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":[149],"featured_media":0,"template":"","categories":[22,646,660,661],"class_list":["post-14167","articles","type-articles","status-publish","hentry","category-commercialinstitutional","category-building-envelope","category-may-2024","category-hvac","author-ann-hennigan-grace"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.0 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - 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