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Fiberglass pipe insulation is intended as a thermal insulation that best serves steam and heating hot water piping. The pipe insulation is molded, heavy-density insulation made from inorganic glass strands that are bonded. The fiberglass insulation is used to insulate iron and copper piping in industrial applications and in commercial buildings. It is suit- able for hot, concealed and exposed pip- ing systems operating at temperatures from 0 F to 1000 F. Additional weather protection is needed for outdoor piping. The mechanical insulation may be installed while the system is in operation, at all temperatures up to 1000 F. During initial heat up to operating temperatures, a slight odor and smoke is normal due to bonding material. Care must be taken when using sealants, solvents or flam- mable adhesives during installation. Chilled water piping insulation must be installed in an adequately ventilated area to ensure airflow. It may be neces- sary to increase insulation thickness if adequate ventilation isn't present. It is important to not crowd the insulation, but allow for adequate air movement as this can affect condensation control. A gap of four inches is recommended be- tween insulated pipes and from adjacent surfaces. All chilled water piping insulation should be continuous through the wall and ceiling openings, except where fire-stop materials are required. On all chilled water pipe work, it is critical that all seams and joints are glued in their en- tirety to provide a continuous vapor seal. Be aware on tight bends as there is a risk the insulation will kink in the throat of the bend if it is slid around the bend, reducing insulation thickness. For pre-formed insulation tubes, insulate each continuous run of pip- ing with full-length tubes of insulation, cutting single pieces to complete the end of the run. Insulating pipework with pre- formed insulation tubes can be applied using the slide-on technique, the snap- on technique, self-seal tubes or lapseal tubes. The pre-formed insulation tubes should be pushed onto the piping not pulled. The insulation should overlap .25 inches at butt-edge seams with the edges compressed into place. There shouldn't be any gaps where the insulation joins. It is important to use a sharp non- serrated knife and keep the knife at a low angle when slitting the pre-formed tubes. Mechanical insulation contractors should use sharpened off-cuts of pipes to make the needed holes in the tubes. Always cut on the flattest side of the tubes. MAINTENANCE Regular maintenance and inspections should be conducted to prevent problems before they happen. Periodically examining the mechanical insulation materials and assessing its general state allows for any areas of concern to be identified. However, proper upkeep does not detour materials from being affected. Mechanical insulation requires replacement if deterioration is detected. Materials that withstand temperatures from one extreme to another are likely to require partial or full replacement. A high-performing HVAC system requires in-depth information on the application of the mechanical insulation. One specification does not fit every application. It is vital to remember that mechanical insulation materials don't fail per section, but that entire systems fail. Failure of any component will cause the system to perform at less than desired levels, and should be addressed immediately. John Buff a is a sales engineer for ISS Insulation Services & Solutions. He can be reached at jbuff a@insulationsands.com or visit insulationsands.com. efficient air Save energy with Vari-Green ® motors. The world's best-performing fans just got even more efficient — and cost-effective — thanks to Greenheck's high-efficiency Vari-Green ® EC motor that can be specified on Greenheck centrifugal rooftop fans, sidewall fans, utility, and inline exhaust and supply fans. The low maintenance, direct-drive Vari-Green motor can operate at 80% turndown of full speed as compared to 30% turndown for standard industry PSC motors. By achieving a wider range of variable speeds, the Vari-Green motor can perform at lower RPMs — saving 20%-70% of the energy costs required by PSC motors and extending bearing life. To find out more about our Vari-Green motor, watch a video at greenheck.com/library. Fans & Ventilators | Centrifugal & Vane Axial Fans | Energy Recovery Ventilators Packaged Ventilation Systems | Make-up Air Units | Kitchen Ventilation Systems Dampers | Louvers | Lab Exhaust Systems | Coils 715.359.6171 • greenheck.com CIRCLE ID #16 ON READER SERVICE CARD OR GO TO HVACPPRODUCTS.COM/MARKET 3 4