Mechanical Insulation

Every facility or plant is unique. The first step of the Insulation Energy Appraisal process is for the appraiser to learn as much about your facility operation as possible.

The appraiser starts by meeting with personnel who know the facility well, whether owners or managers. The conversation focuses on a few key areas:

• Scope of the appraisal:
  What specific areas of concern do you have, or what areas need the most attention? Is this project for a single piece of equipment, a single process, or the entire plant?
• Facility operation info:
  What is your current energy usage and energy distribution system, and what are the costs to operate those systems?
• Facility layout and drawings:
  What are the major sources of energy serving the facility?

The results of the Insulation Energy Appraisal are only as strong as the information you are able to provide the appraiser. Complete, accurate information is critical for ensuring that the calculations and analysis are as helpful as possible. An experienced appraiser will have the tools and knowledge to either help you find the answers or make an educated estimate.

The next step is a facility walkthrough. This may take place on the same day as the initial info-gathering discussion, or it may take place during a follow-up visit.

During a walk-through, the appraiser will measure and document all applicable pipes, ducts, and equipment, both insulated and uninsulated or damaged. They may also photograph specific areas with a infrared camera to help facility personnel visualize the most concerning problem areas for energy loss.

The appraiser may also point out areas of concern with uninsulated areas or damaged insulation, such as personnel safety, regulatory compliance, corrosion under insulation, process control, or impact on adjacent equipment.

The thermal camera used during the facility walkthrough highlights low temperatures. Wet insulation transfers temperature far easier because moisture increases the transfer of energy due to water having a higher thermal conductivity than insulation. In many cases, wet insulation can turn moldy over time, which presents a health concern and endangers employee safety.

To deliver the most impactful and accurate appraisal possible, the appraiser will need to gather all of the following information:

The final deliverable of an Insulation Energy Appraisal is a comprehensive report. The report explains the financial, energy, and emissions that could be saved with a properly selected, specified, designed, installed, and maintained mechanical insulation system.

What is included in the final report?

• Fuel cost with your current insulation system
• Potential upgrades for your system to increase efficiency and decrease energy loss
• Potential savings with an insulation upgrade
• Environmental impact in terms of reduced CO2, NOx, and other greenhouse gases resulting from increased energy savings and reduced fuel consumption
• Energy (Btu) loss/gain from uninsulated surfaces in your facility
• Energy (Btu) loss/gain from insulated surfaces in your facility
• Btu or energy loss/gain from a pipe or vessel if it is insulated to the most thermally efficient, yet cost effective, thickness

What to Do with the Appraisal Report

Once the Insulation Energy Appraiser has presented the final report, what are your facility’s next steps?

• Review recommendations
  The appraiser will talk with you about recommendations for implementing the solutions specified in your final report. He or she can recommend a plan that makes sense depending on your facility’s needs and budget.
• Request a professional estimate
  If you desire, te appraiser can provide a professional estimate for purchasing and installing a new or upgraded insulation system based on the recommendations in the final report.
• Share with leaders and stakeholders
  After receiving the appraisal report, many report feeling armed and prepared to take the matter of insulation “up the ladder” to business leaders and stakeholders.

Here are two common next steps after receiving the appraisal report. Businesses will typically do one of these two things:

• Budget for the future
  With the information provided in the report, businesses can incorporate an insulation upgrade into future budget and sustainability initiative planning.
• Take action
  If you desire, the appraiser can provide a professional estimate for purchasing and installing a new or upgraded insulation system based on the recommendations in the final report.

Certified Insulation Energy Appraisers

Who performs Insulation Energy Appraisals? For truly professional, impactful results, it is imperative that you seek out a Certified Insulation Energy Appraiser.

The Certified Insulation Energy Appraisal program is a course taught through the National Insulation Association. The course teaches insulation professionals the proper ways to conduct Insulation Energy Appraisals, including:

• Conducting a facility walkthrough
• Using the 3E Plus^® software
• Utilize infrared cameras during inspections
• Understand steam efficiencies
• Analyze and complete an appraisal spreadsheet
• Present the customer with a final report that outlines the potential savings and emissions reductions that mechanical insulation can provide.

Students who pass the certified course exam are known as Certified Insulation Energy Appraisers. Certifications last three years.