INSULATION FOR CHILLED WATER PIPING
ISSUE:
Proper insulating material for chilled water piping in humid climates.
BACKGROUND:
Specifying improper insulating material for chilled water piping in humid climates
has lead to the premature failure of insulation. VA Master Specification Section
15250 cautions consultants through `SPEC WRITER NOTES' to specify cellular
glass insulation in humid climates to guard against this problem.
DISCUSSION:
Chilled water temperatures generally run between 5-7 degrees C (40-45 degrees
F). If the dew point temperature of ambient air remains above 7 degrees C (45
degrees F), water vapor in the air can penetrate insulation causing failure of the
insulation. Closed cell insulation protects against the migration of vapor better than
fiberglass insulation.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. Specify cellular glass insulation in humid climates.
2. Following VA medical centers are in humid areas where mean annual dew point
temperature is above 45 degrees F.
Atlanta, GA; Charleston, SC; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Jackson, MS; Little Rock,
AR; Memphis, TN; Miami, FL; Biloxi, MS; New Orleans, LA; San Diego, CA; San
Juan, PR; and Tampa, FL.
3. VA medical centers such as Bay Pines, Gainesville, Lake City in Florida and
other facilities in humid areas should also consider using cellular glass pipe
insulation on chilled water lines.
24 December 1997
FM-187C-DA81
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