Mechanical insulation is a great tool when specified and installed properly, but in the rare circumstances when it is improperly installed or poorly specified, the entire system can be compromised. That said, there are a lot of moving parts that play into designing, installing, and maintaining a robust system.
It’s important to remember that all systems are only as strong as their weakest link, and should the insulation system fail, the damage could be substantial, including things mechanical damage, corrosion under insulation (CUI), condensation, and reduced process control. As we look at preventing insulation nightmares, we’ll take a look at the system as a whole, not just the insulating material.
This article explores the design considerations, best practice installations, and best practice maintenance plans that are critical to ensuring that the system is robust enough to handle the demands of the application.