Mechanical insulation is used in both the commercial and industrial sectors. Commercial applications include health care, institutional, office buildings and warehouses. The industrial sector includes power, petrochemical, paper and pulp industries.
As an insulation estimator, your responsibilities include taking measurements of areas needing to be insulated, reading blueprints, attending pre-bid meetings and communicating with clients and contractors. This can be an extremely demanding job.
Cost
The cost of mechanical insulation depends on the materials used, labor required to install it, and its thickness. Generally, thicker insulation requires more labor to install, but also saves energy in the long run because it reduces the transfer of heat from hot to cold surfaces. The cost of mechanical insulation is relatively low compared to other construction costs, making it a cost-effective way to increase the efficiency and performance of buildings.
A reputable and experienced mechanical insulation contractor can offer an estimate of the amount and type of insulation needed for a particular project. They can also advise on the best options for the job, and provide a complete quote and proposal. These contractors usually have multiple estimators and a proven track record in the industry.
Mechanical insulation can be installed in a variety of places, including cold water and refrigerant piping, air handling systems, boilers, furnaces, electrical equipment, and other industrial processes. In addition to reducing energy consumption, mechanical insulation can provide other benefits such as condensation control, safety protection, noise reduction, and freeze protection.
Insulation is manufactured from a variety of materials, such as cellular, fibrous, flake, and granular. Each type of insulation has its own unique set of benefits, and a contractor will use the appropriate insulation for the specific application. For example, cellular insulation is ideal for preventing condensation, while fibrous insulation can be used to reduce vibrations and noise.
An experienced mechanical insulation estimator can quickly and accurately perform a mechanical insulation takeoff using a proprietary software system. This software allows the user to mark up plans on screen, measure lengths, widths, and heights, and calculate areas or volumes. It can even compare multiple sets of measurements for a more thorough analysis of the project. It can then convert the takeoff data into a professional mechanical insulation estimate so that the HVAC contractor can get a bid in first place.
Another important factor to consider when estimating the cost of mechanical insulation is the potential for inspections and field quality control tests. These tests may require the removal and replacement of a small number of insulation samples, which can be expensive. Therefore, it is important that designers include these costs in the initial estimates.
Types
While much of the attention on energy efficiency in buildings goes to paradigm-shifting technologies, it’s easy to forget that mechanical insulation has a significant role to play. Properly insulating pipes and equipment will immediately reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. Union insulators have the experience and skills to handle a wide range of mechanical insulation projects, from large new construction to routine annual maintenance work.
The first step in the design process is to determine what items need to be insulated, and what type of insulation will be used. Once the list of items and insulation types is established, a schedule should be written. This schedule should include a list of all items that need to be insulated, the insulation thickness required, and the location where the insulation will be installed. The schedule should also describe any special requirements such as a fire-rated system.
When preparing a schedule for a mechanical project, it is important to remember that the item list will need to be expanded to incorporate a list of insulation types, as well as the thicknesses that are required. For example, a hydronic piping schedule may require different insulation thicknesses for pipe sizes NPS 3/4 (DN 20) than it does for NPS 12 (DN 300). The list of insulation materials will need to be expanded to include a variety of options, including fiberglass, mineral wool, Foamglas, calcium silicate and perlite.
Another important factor is to consider the environmental conditions that will be experienced by the insulation. For instance, in an industrial setting, it is not uncommon for insulation to be removed or damaged during a process, such as inspections or repairs. Without proper maintenance, this can cause the insulation to lose its efficiency. It is therefore important to develop a plan that will keep the insulation in good condition.
In addition to the thermal benefits of mechanical insulation, it can mitigate personal safety risks by reducing surface temperatures. This is especially true for systems that create extremely hot or cold surfaces that could pose a risk to individuals working in the area. Insulation can protect workers by leveling the surface temperature so components are safe to touch. It can also reduce noise levels by absorbing sound waves.
Installation
Unlike building envelope insulation and insulation for other types of structures, mechanical insulation is often found on equipment or piping in industrial facilities. It is not uncommon to find it in commercial buildings as well, but it is more visible in facilities that have a greater need for energy efficiency. Unfortunately, between 10 and 30 percent of installed mechanical insulation is damaged or missing. Without regular inspection and maintenance, this insulation cannot live up to its energy efficiency potential.
The type of mechanical insulation a contractor chooses to install depends on the specific issue they are trying to address. For example, if they are looking to reduce condensation or noise levels, they may choose cellular or fibrous insulation materials. Cellular insulation is made from plastic or fiberglass and consists of tiny chambers, while fibrous insulation material is comprised of glass, metal or wood. These insulation products are available in a range of different densities and forms, allowing contractors to choose the one that best fits their particular project and the needs of the client.
In addition to the type of insulation that is chosen, there are also other issues that must be taken into consideration when estimating mechanical insulation. These include the location of the installation, the ability to access the area, and the need for safety equipment and procedures.
Another important aspect to consider is the length of time the insulation will be installed. In many cases, contractors are working on a contract basis and are required to finish the job in a certain amount of time. Understanding how long the work will take can help the insulator manage their finances and schedule accordingly.
In the case of a new installation, the mechanical insulation specification must be clearly defined and understood by all parties. This includes the design team, project managers and subcontractors. The specifications should clearly describe the mechanical insulation requirements for each system, including the types and thicknesses of the insulation. They should also include the requirements for submittals, extra materials, coordination and installer qualifications. This will allow the insulator to ensure they are purchasing the correct materials for their project and that they are using the proper installation methods.
Maintenance
Keeping mechanical insulation properly maintained is a crucial part of the system. It keeps the hot or cold air from escaping, which saves energy and reduces emissions and operating costs. It also helps ensure that the system performs at its best and prevents damage and corrosion. This is why it’s important to have an effective inspection and maintenance program in place.
According to the National Insulation Association (NIA), between 10 and 30 percent of mechanical insulation in commercial and industrial facilities is damaged or missing. Without regular inspections, this can cause insulation to fail to live up to its energy efficiency potential. Additionally, it opens up the building’s mechanical systems to performance inefficiencies and potential damage such as icing, condensation buildup or corrosion under insulation.
A well-maintained mechanical insulation system can increase the equipment life cycle and reduce energy costs. It can also help ensure that the temperature is accurate and consistent throughout the facility, which improves process efficiency. In addition, a good mechanical insulation system can also reduce the risk of fires and explosions. In many cases, the investment in mechanical insulation is repaid within six months of installation.
As a mechanical insulator, you need to have a detail-oriented mindset. This will help you assess a building’s mechanical insulation to determine the structural anomalies or obsolete installation materials that need to be replaced. It will also help you interpret and implement blueprint specifications.
In addition to being detail-oriented, insulators must use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow the occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations of their employer. These include wearing respirators, eye protection and work boots while completing mechanical insulation work.
Mechanical insulation work can be complex, but with the right tools and training, it’s easy to get more jobs and bid higher quality projects. By using a mechanical insulation estimating tool like MIKE, developed by Comput-Ability in partnership with mechanical insulation contractors, you can take the guesswork out of your estimating and bidding processes. By saving time and reducing errors, you can win more jobs, improve your profits and grow your business.