Mechanical Insulation Design Guide

by the National Mechanical Insulation Committee (NMIC)

Updated:

11-21-2013

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) through the National Mechanical Insulation Committee (NMIC) has developed the Mechanical Insulation Design Guide (MIDG) to provide a comprehensive source of information on the performance, use, testing and standardization of mechanical insulation in buildings and industrial facilities.

The MIDG is continually being improved and updated. Any edits, revisions, updates or interest in adding new information should be directed through the 'Contact' link at the top of this page. Disclaimer

Introduction

Introduction
Background
- National Mechanical Insulation Committee
- National Mechanical Insulation Committee (NMIC) Objective
- Mechanical Insulation Market Definitions
Scope of the Design Guide
- Using the Mechanical Insulation Design Guide
- Why?, What?, Where?, How?, How To?, How Much?
Example Design Problems
- Example 1
- Example 2

Design Objectives

Introduction
Design Objectives
- Condensation Control
  - Condensation Control Calculator for Horizontal Pipe
- Energy Conservation - Financial Considerations
  - Energy Calculator for Equipment (Vertical Flat Surfaces)
  - Energy Calculator for Horizontal Piping
- Economic Considerations - Return on Investment
  - Mechanical Insulation Financial Calculator
- Economic Thickness Considerations
- Environmental Considerations - Sustainability
- Fire Safety
- Freeze Protection
  - Estimate Time to Freezing for Water in an Insulated Pipe Calculator
- Personnel Protection - Safety
  - Personnel Protection Calculator for Horizontal Piping
- Process Control
  - Temperature Drop Calculator for Air Ducts
  - Temperature Drop Calculator for Hydronic Piping
- Noise Control
Other Design Considerations
- Abuse Resistance
- Corrosion Under Insulation
- Indoor Air Quality
- Maintainability
- Regulatory Considerations
- Service and Location
- Service Life

Materials and Systems

Introduction
Categories of Insulation Materials
Physical Properties of Insulation Materials
- Performance Properties Guide For Insulation Materials
Product Characteristics of Thermal Insulation Materials
- Cellular Insulations
  - Elastomeric
  - Cellular Glass
  - Polystyrene
    - Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)
    - Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)
  - Polyisocyanurate
  - Polyurethane
    - Sprayed Polyurethane Foam
    - Poured-in-Place Polyurethane
  - Phenolic
  - Melamine
  - Polyethylene/Polyolefin
  - Polyimide
- Fibrous Insulations
  - Mineral Fiber (Fiberglass and Mineral Wool)
    - Fiberglass
    - Mineral Wool
  - Mineral Fiber Pipe
  - Mineral Fiber Blanket
  - Mineral Fiber Block and Board
  - Textile Glass
  - High Temperature Fiber
- Granular Insulations
  - Calcium Silicate
  - Molded Expanded Perlite
  - Microporous Insulation
  - Silica Aerogels
  - Poured-In-Place Insulation
- Reflective Insulation
Categories of Weather Barriers, Vapor Retarders, and Finishes
Physical Properties of Weather Barriers, Vapor Retarders, and Finishes
Product Characteristics of Weather Barriers, Vapor Retarders, and Finishes
- Metal Rolls and Sheets
- Polymeric (plastic) rolls or sheets
  - PVC Jackets
  - PVDC Film
- Laminates
  - Laminated Foil jacketing (ASJ/FSK/PSP/FSP)
  - Synthetic Rubber Laminates
  - Multi-ply Laminates
- Fabrics
- Mastics and Coatings
  - Mastic Characteristics
    - Vapor Retarder Mastics
    - Weather Barrier Mastics and Coatings
  - Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Mastic Systems
- Insulating and Finishing Cements
Fabrication of Insulation Products
- Insulation Fabrication Standard
- Removable/Reusable Insulation Covers (Industrial and Commercial)
Accessory Products
- Adhesives
- Reinforcements for Cements and Mastics
- Sealants
- Other Accessory Products

Installation

Introduction
Pre-work Considerations
Securing Methods
- Pipe and Tubing
  - Insulating Pipe Hangers
- Tanks, Vessels, and Equipment
- Ducts
Finishes
Special Considerations
Inspection and Maintenance
- Risk Assessment Discussion
- Maintenance "Check List"
- General Guidelines for the Repair of a Below Ambient Insulation System After Substrate Inspection
- General Guidelines for the Repair of Above Ambient Insulation System After Substrate Inspection
- Example Installation Plates

Design Data

Introduction
Estimating Heat Loss and Heat Gain
Controlling Surface Temperatures
Dimensions of Standard Pipe and Tubing Insulation
Heat Loss from Bare Pipe and Tubing

Specifications

Introduction
Formats
Methods of Specifying
Defining the Scope of Work
Specification Language and Writing Style
Coordination with Drawings
Coordination with Other Specification Sections
Adequate Clearance for Proper Insulation Application

E-Learning Modules

Mechanical Insulation Education & Awareness Course

Simple Calculators

Resources

Relevant Standards and Guidelines
Manufacturer by Product Type
- Mechanical Insulation Manufacturer by Product Type
- Mechanical Insulation Weather Barrier, Vapor Retarders, and Finish Manufacturers by Product Type
- Mechanical Insulation Accessory Product Manufacturer by Product Type
References
Educational Resources
Other Resources