Mechanical Insulation Design Guide
Last updated: 12-27-2007
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 'Comment' link on 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
- Energy Conservation
- Economic Considerations - Return on Investment
Simple Payback, Rate of Return, and Emissions Calculator- Environmental Considerations - Sustainability
- Fire Safety
- Freeze Protection
- Time to Freezing for Fluid in an Insulated Pipe Calculator
- Personnel Protection - Safety
- Process Control
- Temperature Drop Calculator
- 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
- Simple Heat Flow Calculator
- Controlling Surface Temperatures
- Simple Thickness Calculator
- Dimensions of Standard Pipe and Tubing Insulation
- Heat Loss from Bare Pipe and Tubing
Resources
- Relevant Standards and Guidelines
- References
- Educational Resources
- Other Resources
