3/9/2016 ThermalInsulation

ThermalInsulation

Thermal insulation in air conditioning system is primarily used to reduce heat gain or heat loss
from piping. Other factors include preventing the icing of water vapor and condensation on cold
surface.

Water vapor from the air or surrounding area must be kept from entering the cold side of the pipe
to prevent condensation of moisture from the air on the outside of the cold piping.

Condensation can cause damage to surrounding areas such as carpet or other furnishing. Hence,
the insulation must also acts as a vapor barrier.

Insulation material for HVAC applicaitons.

It also helps to reduce the noise level, absorb the vibration generated by the system, prevent the
spread of fire and adding structural strength to the walls or ceilings.

Well chosen material can also protects the piping being insulated from harsh environmental
conditions such as UV light, salt, water, dusts, chemicals and oil. Other characteristics may include
the ability to inhibit the growth or viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Insulation Characteristics

Low thermal conductivity.

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3/9/2016 Low thermal conductivity. ThermalInsulation

Reasonable strength

Non-combustible.

Resistance to Fungi such as one that is based on ASTM G21 standard.

Excellent resistance to ozone

Excellent resistance to UV.

Does not deteriorate or rot over time.

Pipe insulation materialscan be manufactured from rubber, wool, glass fibers or cork. The
polyurethane or P.U. is a synthetic material that is commonly used these days due to its low
thermal conductivity and other good properties.

Air conditioning insulation material.

LocationofInsulationInCoolingSystem
Cold Lineis insulated to prevent any air leakage into the insulation that can cause
condensation of moisture in the pipe.

Suction Lineis insulated to prevent the loss of capacity or sweating due to heat gain. Heat
gain causes extra load to the condenser hence reducing the overall capacity of the air
conditioning system.

Liquid Linedoes not require any insulation as it is at a higher temperature than the
surrounding air. Heat loss to the surrounding air is desirable as it improves the system
capacity.

Discharge Linedoes not require insulation because loss of heat removes load from the
condenser. This helps to improve the performance of the compressor.

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