Pipe insulation breakdown large NH3 plant

[RANGER1]

Has anyone out there have information or articles on heat load imposed on refrig plant due to deteriorated lagging .

Client trying to justify replacement of lagging ( old polystyrene type ) to management .

System has -40 C & -10 C liquid overfeed system with long piperuns in ceiling & outside ( -40 outside ) .

System is installed in tropical climate which is my immiediate concern.


Thanks in advance

[brian_chapin]

I can't offer any advice on calculating the heat load imposed by bad insulation but there may well be a regulatory cost associated with it.

Take a look at some OSHA citations on the matter at: http://taocompliance.com/news/?p=30

You may be able to justify it as a cost-avoidance issue.

[charlie n]

Try this program to calculate heat gain. http://www.pipeinsulation.org/. Failed or wet polystyrene can probably be calculated as 0 insulation. The larger risk is a major leak when (not if .. when) there is a pipe failure from corrosion.

[Sandro Baptista]

And if the insulation gets liquid water or vapor water from atmosphere it will condense and solidify expanding because of the "hydrogen bridges" and ....bumm...