Quote Originally Posted by RANGER1 View Post
A client asked some time ago how important pipework insulation is in regards to lost plant efficiency, power savings etc.
Has anyone any recommendations or papers to justify real world savings, heat loads.
Mainly talking about 2 stage ammonia refrigeration systems, coolstores.

Thanks
Staying over on a ship and nothing to do but reading through old posts on RE

I think the proper answer to that question would be:
worst case, you are spending 5-10% of all the energy you are putting into the plant to cool down the air surrounding the pipes, instead of using that energy to cool down your product.
Damaged insulation may also cause moisture to get to the pipes and cause accelerated corrosion which can lead to unwanted breakdowns and downtime.
Ice is a very good insulator, but it is very bad for your pipes