Print this page Making Decisions with Insulation
Christopher Haslego, B.S. ChE
Course Outline
Many people overlook the importance of insulation in the chemical industry. Some estimates have predicted that insulation in U.S. industry alone saves approximately 200 million barrels of oil every year. While placing insulation onto a pipe is fairly easy, resolving issues such as what type of insulation to use and how much is not so easy. Insulation is available in nearly any material imaginable.
Within this 3-hour online course, the student will discover which factors play an important role in determining insulation thickness and type. The student will also learn how to design for safety, process, and economic consideration when designing a new insulated system. This course comes complete with detailed theory, practical application knowledge and examples. This course includes an Excel file which the student will be asked to download.
The course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Effectively calculate the proper insulation thickness for a given scenario;
- Defend your choice from three (3) perspectives: safety, process operation, and economics;
- Calculate heat losses from insulated versus uninsulated pipes;
- Guard against condensation forming on insulated pipes;
- Quickly estimate cost savings as a result of insulation installation;
- Understand the impact of dew points on a given installation;
- Understand how insulation offers significant resistance to heat transfer;
- Work with the theoretical equations that dictate insulation thickness selection; and
- Apply the knowledge
to a real plant application.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for chemical and mechanical engineers.
Benefit to Attendees
Attendee of this
course will be able better comprehend the both the theoretical and practical
aspects of selecting the type and thickness of insulation for a given application.
Additionally, attendees will be able to better predict the energy savings resulting
from the use of insulation and take into account the safety aspects of a given
insulation installation.
Course
Introduction
Many people overlook the importance of insulation in the chemical industry. Some estimates have predicted that insulation in U.S. industry alone saves approximately 200 million barrels of oil every year. While placing insulation onto a pipe is fairly easy, resolving issues such as what type of insulation to use and how much is not so easy. Insulation is available in nearly any material imaginable. The most important characteristics of any insulation material include a low thermal conductivity, low tendency toward absorbing water, and of course the material should be inexpensive.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file (529 KB) Making Decisions with Insulation. You need to open or download this document to study this course.
Bonus Materials
For the paid user only, an Excel spreadsheet "Insulated Pipe Temperature Prediction Spreadsheet" is available at the beginning of the quiz. The spreassheet will help you predict the temperature inside a pipe and the corresponding linear heat loss by entering the values in the yellow cells.
Course Summary
There are many factors to consider when thinking about insulation. Insulation saves money for certain, but it can also be effective as a safety and process control device. Insulation can be used to regulate process temperatures, protect workers from serious injury, and save thousands of dollars in energy costs. One should never overlook its usefulness. It's also bad practice to consider only one of the important factors discussed in this course. The key is to consider all factors that will be affected by installing insulation on a pipe or any other piece of equipment.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites or web pages:
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
