SECTION 15250

INSULATION
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

A.

Provide insulation for piping and ductwork as indicated on the drawing and as
specified herein.

B.

Work Included:
1.

2.

C.

The following piping systems shall be insulated:

a.

Domestic hot water system.

b.

Power generator engine cooling water piping.

c.

Power generator engine exhaust piping (including silencer).

d.

Condensate drain piping.

e.

Refrigerant piping.

The following duct systems shall be insulated:

a.

Supply air ductwork (both exposed and concealed)

b.

Return air ducts when outside of a conditioned space

c.

Air conditioning plenums, housings, and cold sections that are not
factory insulated

Work Not Included:

1.

The following piping systems shall not be insulated.

a.

Vertical soil, waste, and storm sewer piping.

b.

Horizontal soil, waste, and storm sewer piping located within utility
and crawl spaces.

15250-1

1.2

c.

Plumbing vents.

d.

Underground soil, waste, and storm sewer piping.

e.

Fire protection piping.

f.

Underground domestic cold water piping.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

A.

Fire Resistant Materials: All insulation, jackets, facings, and adhesive used shall
have fire and smoke hazard ratings as tested by procedure ASTM E-84, not
exceeding flame spread of 25 and smoke developed of 50. Accessories such as
adhesives, mastics, cements, tapes and cloths for fittings shall have similar
component ratings.

B.

Installer's Qualifications: Use only applicators regularly engaged in the business

of insulating mechanical systems.

C.

Application details shall be in accordance with the insulating material suppliers'

recommendations.

D.

The following codes and standards are intended to provide an acceptable level of
quality for materials and products. The Contractor may propose alternative
codes and standards provided they give an equivalent degree of quality as the
referenced codes and standards. They shall be submitted for the Royal
Commission review in advance of their use.
1.

ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials

E 84 Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

2.

NFPA - National Fire Protection Association

255

3.

UL - Underwriter's Laboratories
723

4.
1.3

Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials.

Tests of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

ACGIH - American Conference of Government Industries Hygienist

DEFINITIONS

15250-2

A.

"Concealed" refers to insulation:

1.

Above ceilings.

2.

Enclosed in equipment casings or metal enclosures.

3.

In partitions, pipe shafts, or furred spaces.

4.

In unfinished spaces, providing that it is at least 2.5 m above floor and at

least 1.25 m from any equipment.

B.

"Exposed" refers to insulation in view in finished spaces.

C.

"Exterior" refers to outdoors.

D.

"Interior" refers to indoors.

1.4

SUBMITTALS

A.

Product Data: Submit product data on insulation materials, mastics, adhesives,

and accessories defining insulation values, installation methods, flame spread/
smoke develop ratings, and certificates indicating that the insulation materials
meet the specified requirements.

B.

Samples: Submit samples of each type of insulation material specified in this

Section. Samples shall be as follows:
1.

Pipe Insulation: Mean pipe diameter, 150 mm long.

2.

Duct Insulation: 300 mm square by required thickness.

3.

Equipment Insulation: 300 mm square by required thickness.

C.

Certification: Provide manufacturer's certificates of compliance as required for

fire rated materials.

D.

Catalogue data for each type of insulation system including the following
information:
1.

Density in kg/m3.

2.

Insulation thickness in mm.

3.

Thermal conductivity in W/mC at 150C mean temperature.

15250-3

4.

Perm rating.

5.

Minimum and maximum temperature limits in C, if applicable.

6.

External facing or covering.

7.

Description of:

8.
1.5

a.

Adhesives,

b.

Mechanical fasteners, and

c.

Application, finishing, and flashing materials and methods.

Independent or composite fire hazard classifications of the above.

PRODUCT HANDLING

A.

All products shall be delivered in manufacturer's original, protective packaging.

B.

All products shall be inspected at time of delivery for damage and for compliance
with Specifications.

C.

Any products that are damaged or found not to be in accordance with the
Specifications shall be immediately repaired or replaced.

D.

All products shall be handled and stored as recommended by the manufacturer

to prevent damage and deterioration.

1.6
A.

STORAGE
Store insulation in protected areas from inclement conditions above ground. Do
not permit insulation to become wet or soiled.

PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1

PIPE INSULATION

A.

All goods and products covered by these specifications shall be procured, when
available, from an in-Kingdom manufacturer. Procurement of all goods and
products manufactured out-of-Kingdom shall be approved by the Royal
Commission.

B.

Insulation, cements, sealants, adhesives, and coverings shall have an

independent or composite flame-spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke

15250-4

development rating no higher than 50 when tested in accordance with ASTM E

84, NFPA 255 or UL 723 unless specifically indicated otherwise. Certification of
test results shall be permanently stamped on shipping containers or materials
with the flame-spread and smoke development rating.
C.

2.2
A.

Adhesives, sealers and vapor barrier coatings, shall be compatible with the
materials to which they are applied, and shall not corrode, soften or otherwise
attach such material in either the wet or dry state.
TYPE I - INSULATION
Insulation Material: Molded fiberglass sectional pipe insulation with factory
applied vapor barrier consisting of laminated aluminum foil, fiberglass reinforcing,
and white paper exterior, having the following characteristics:
1.

Thickness: 25 mm, except 38 mm to areas where people may contact

pipe surface to 2440 mm above walking level, e.g., all hot vents, drains
and overflows.

2.

Density: 56 kg/m3.

3.

Thermal Conductivity: 0.034 W/mC at 24C mean temperature.

4.

Maximum Temperature Limit: Heated surfaces to 230C.

5.

Minimum Temperature Limit: Cooled surfaces to -20C.

B.

Lagging Adhesive: Water-base, light colored, non- flammable, UL approved,

applied by brush or spray; flame spread of 10, ASTM E 84.

C.

Vapor Barrier Coating (Indoor use only): White, flexible, fire resistive, specifically
designed for coating fibrous glass insulation, having the following characteristics:

D.

1.

Dry Flame Spread: 2, ASTM E 84.

2.

Wet Flammability: 110C.

3.

Perm Rating: 0.05 perm. maximum.

Insulating Cement: Mineral wool base with rust inhibitor additive, having the
following characteristics:
1.

Density: 384 kg/m3.

2.

Thermal Conductivity: 0.112 W/mC at 204C mean temperature.

3.

Maximum Temperature Limit: Heated surfaces to 540C.

15250-5

4.
E.

Finish: Hard and free of cracks, white in color, a suitable for painting.

Glass Cloth Tape: Field applied presized open mesh coated fabric made from
continuous filament glass yarn specifically designed for use with weather
protective coatings, having the following characteristics:
1.

Weight: 54 g/m2 maximum.

2.

Mesh: 20 x 20 yarns per 25 mm.

3.

Maximum Temperature Limit: Heater surfaces to 120C.

F.

Stainless Steel Jacket: Insulated exterior pipes; stain- less steel, with 4.8 mm
corrugations and factory applied vapor barrier.

G.

Flanges, Fittings and Valves: Preformed vinyl insulation covers with inserts of
same material as pipe insulation.

2.3
A.

TYPE II INSULATION
Insulation Material: Molded fiberglass sectional pipe insulation with factory
applied weatherproof 0.4 mm thick aluminum jacket having self-affixing
longitudinal seam, having the following characteristics:
1.

Thickness: 25 mm, except 38 mm to areas where people may contact

pipe surface to 2440 mm above walking level, e.g., all hot vents, drains
and overflows.

2.

Density: 56 kg/m3.

3.

Thermal Conductivity: 0.034 W/mC.

4.

Maximum Temperature Limit: Heated surfaces to 230C.

5.

Minimum Temperature Limit: Cooled Surfaces to -20C.

6.

Perm Rating: 0.02 perm.

B.

Lagging Adhesive: Same as for Type I, Insulation.

C.

Insulating Cement: Same as for Type I, Insulation.

D.

Glass Cloth Tape: Same as for Type I, Insulation.

E.

Joint and Section Sealer: Same as vapor barrier coating for Type I, Insulation.

15250-6

F.
2.4
A.

Bands: Minimum 13 x 0.40 mm stainless steel.

TYPE III INSULATION
Insulation Material: Molded rigid closed cellular glass sectional pipe and block
insulation, having the following characteristics:
1.

Thickness: 50 mm.

2.

Density: 136 kg/m3.

3.

Thermal Conductivity: 0.065 W/mC at 10C mean temperature.

4.

Maximum Temperature Limit: Heated surfaces to 260C.

5.

Minimum Temperature Limit: Cooled surfaces to -20C.

6.

Fire Hazard Classification: Noncombustible.

7.

Perm Rating: 0.02 perm.

B.

Insulation Sealer: Compatible gray nonvolatile mineral solvent, brushable

consistency, cold bonding.

C.

Insulation Coating:
Single component, soft paste non-hardening butyl
composition, maximum temperature limit 95C (constant), approximately density
1320 kg/m3.

D.

Reinforcement: Acrylic fiber acetate treated cloth, maximum elongation 37

percent at 21C.

E.

Bands: Minimum 13 x 0.40 mm stainless steel bands.

F.

Shields: Minimum 2.70 mm galvanized steel, 300 mm long minimum, 180

degrees circumference.

G.

Canvass Jacket: Canvas weighing 54 g/m 2 minimum with quick setting waterbase sizing adhesive.

H.

Stainless Steel Jacket: Same as for Type I, Insulation.

2.5
A.

TYPE IV - INSULATION
Insulation Material: Flexible black elastomeric foam, having the following use
and characteristics:
1.

For interior use only. Not to be used where subjected to sun light.

15250-7

2.

Thickness 9.5 mm.

3.

Thermal Conductivity: 0.037 W/mC at 24C mean temperature.

4.

Water Absorption: 3 Percent by weight.

Maximum Temperature Limit: Heated surfaces to 104C.

6.

Minimum Temperature Limit: Cooled surfaces to -40C.

B.

Fixing: Slip-on or snapped-on.

C.

Fitting Covers: Mitered sections of pipe insulation or sheets of same material.

D.

Sealer: Rubber-base air drying contact adhesive, with hydrocarbon and ketone
solvents, 25 percent solids by weight.

E.

Finish Lacquer: White plasticized vinyl lacquer, density minimum 1050 kg/m 3,
suitable for brush application.

2.6

DUCT INSULATION

A.

Round Ducts: Flexible fibrous glass insulation, k value at 24C maximum 0.035
W/M C with factory applied reinforced aluminum foil vapor barrier for systems
conveying air at less than room temperature.

B.

Rectangular Ducts (Acoustic Liner): Fiberglass insulation with k value at 24C

maximum 0.035 W/M C, absolute roughness of exposed surface not to exceed
0.0013, surface treated for fire and abrasive resistance at air velocities up to
20 m per second, 48 kilograms per cubic meter density applied with rubber
based adhesive suitable for application by brush or spray. Lined ducts need not
be externally insulated.

C.

Mineral-Fiber board Thermal Insulation (Exposed to Weather Duct): Glass fibers

bonded with a thermosetting resin complying with ASTM C 612, Type 1B, 48
Kg/m3 density, thermal, conductivity of 0.037 W/m C max, at 24C, with factoryapplied Foil Reinforced Kraft (FRK) vapor barrier. Block or board type insulation
shall not be less than 50mm thick.

D.

Mineral-Fiber blanket Thermal Insulation (Indoor Duct): Glass fibers bonded with
a thermosetting resin complying with ASTM C 553, Type IV, 24 kg/m 3 density,
thermal conductivity of 0.036 0.037 W/m C max, at 24C, with factory-applied
Foil Reinforced Kraft (FRK) vapor barrier. Block or board type insulation shall
not be less than 50mm thick.

E.

Insulation for Flexible Vaporseal Duct: Glass fiber blanket, ASTM C 553, Type 1,
16 kg/m3 density, minimum 38m nominal thickness Insulation shall be sheathed

15250-8

with a vapor barrier having a maximum permeability of 0.02 perm as per ASTM E
96.
F.
2.7

Aluminum Cladding (Exposed to Weather Ductwork): ASTM B209, Temper H14,

06 mm, either corrugated, embossed, smooth or equivalent.
FIRE PROOF INSULATION

A.

Rectangular ducts at fire rated wall penetrations: 25 mm thick rock wool rigid
insulation, density 60 kg/m3 with factory-applied reinforced aluminum foil facing
or calcium silicate rigid board or approved equal.

B.

Inside pipe sleeves cavities at fire rated walls: Loose, unbound fiber rock wool
insulation or approved equal.

2.8

ACCESSORIES

A.

Sealants: Sealants, mastics, and adhesives shall be as recommended by the

insulation manufacturer.

B.

Hanger Shields:
1.

Steel pipe covering shields, similar to Elcen Type "A" through "D" or
approved equal, for low temperature piping applications (60C and below).

2.

Steel protective pipe saddles, similar to Elcen Figure No. 252, or approved
equal, for medium and high temperature pipe applications (60C and
above).

PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1

INSPECTION

A.

Prior to installation of this work, carefully inspect the installation of the materials
and equipment to be insulated to verify that all such work is complete, including
testing, and ready to receive insulation.

B.

Verify that insulation shall be installed in accordance with the MYAS codes and
regulations, the referenced standards, and the manufacturer's written
instructions.

3.2

TESTS

15250-9

A.

3.3

Do not install insulation until specified tests have been conducted on the piping
and duct systems to be insulated and results approved by the Royal
Commission.
PIPE INSULATION - INSTALLATION

A.

Ensure insulation is continuous through inside walls. Pack around pipes with
fireproof self-supporting insulation material, fully sealed. (Staples not allowed in
vapor seal jackets.)

B.

Insulate fittings and valves:

connections, and expansion
manufacturers instructions.

C.

Place insulation neatly at hangers, supports, and other protrusions. Insulation,

whether hot or cold application, shall be continuous through hangers. Whenever
insulation shows signs of being compressed, or when the insulation or jacket
shows visible signs of distortion at or near the support shield, insulation inserts
as specified below for piping larger than 50 mm shall be installed. An insulation
insert of cellular glass or calcium silicate of the necessary strength shall be
installed. The insert shall cover not less than the bottom 180-degree arc of the
pipe. Inserts shall be the same thickness as the insulation, and shall extend 50
mm on each end beyond the protection shield. When insulation inserts are
required and the insulation thickness is less than 25 mm, wooden or cork dowels
or blocks may be installed beneath the pipe to prevent the weight of the pipe
from crushing the insulation.

D.

Locate insulation cover seams in the least visible locations.

E.

Hot Piping (up to 105C): Cover fittings and valves with equivalent thickness of
insulation material. For exposed fittings and valves, apply hydraulic setting
cement paste over insulating material before applying canvas covering.

F.

Hot Piping: (106 to 400C): Cover fittings with equivalent thickness of insulation
material. Cover with a 50 mm hexagonal mesh wire which is tightly stretched
in place and secured by wiring to anchors with edges tied together. A minimum
10 mm thick smooth coat of mineral fiber insulating cement shall be trowelled
over the mesh and then covered with minimum 250 grams pre-sized canvas
covering applied with adhesive.

G.

No welding shall be done on piping, duct or equipment without written approval

from the Royal Commission or its representatives. The capacitor discharge
welding process may be used for securing metal fasteners to duct.

Do not insulate unions, strainers, flexible

joints.
Terminate insulation neatly per

15250-10

H.

3.4

Installation of Below ground Pipe Insulation

a.

Bore surfaces of the insulation shall be coated with a thin coat of gypsum
cement of a type recommended by the insulation manufacturer.

b.

Stainless steel bands, 19 mm wide by 0.508 mm thick shall be used to

secure insulation in place. A minimum of two bands per section of insulation
shall be applied.

c.

Insulation shall terminate at anchor blocks but shall be continuous through

sleeves and manholes.

d.

At point of entry to buildings, underground insulation shall be terminated 50

mm inside the wall or floor.

e.

Provision for expansion and contraction of the insulation system shall be

made in accordance with the insulation manufacturer's recommendations.

f.

Flanges, couplings, valves, and fittings shall be insulated with factory premolded, prefabricated, or field-fabricated sections of insulation of the same
material and thickness as the adjoining pipe insulation.

g.

Insulation, including fittings, shall be finished with three coats of asphaltic

mastic, with 6 by 5.5 mesh synthetic reinforcing fabric embedded between
coats. Jacketing material and application procedures shall match
manufacturer's written instructions.

DUCT INSULATION - INSTALLATION

A.

Ensure insulation is continuous through inside walls. Pack around ducts with
fireproof self-supporting insulation material, properly sealed. Staples not allowed
in vapor seal jackets.

B.

Place insulation neatly at hangers, supports, and other protrusions.

C.

Locate insulation cover seams in the least visible locations.

D.

Duct work requiring insulation in mechanical equipment rooms shall be internally

lined.

E.

Round Ducts: Adhere flexible insulation to ductwork with adhesive applied in

150 mm wide strips on 400 mm centers. Provide 1.7 mm diameter annealed tie
wire tied, spiral wound or half hitched at 400 mm centers for securing duct
insulation until adhesive sets. Butt insulation and seal joints and breaks in ducts

15250-11

conveying air at less than room temperature with 50 mm lap of foil adhered over
joint.
F.

Rectangular Ducts (Acoustical Liner): Applied to interior of ducts. Secure to

ductwork with adhesive using 50% coverage and 2.6 mm thick impale anchor
tabs on 400 mm centers. Cut off excess fastener length and cover with brush
coat on mastic. Brush coat all cut ends with mastic. Ducts with acoustic
insulation do not require external thermal insulation. Duct dimension indicated on
the drawings are net inside dimensions clean of liner.

G.

Rectangular Ducts: Applied to exterior of ducts. Insulation shall be cut slightly

longer than perimeter of duct to insure full thickness at corners. All insulation
shall be applied with edges tightly stitched with staples. Tape the stitched seam
with 75 mm wide pressure sensitive aluminum foil tape. Insulation shall be
additionally secured to the bottom of all ducts 450 mm or wider by means of
welded pins and speed clips. The protruding ends of pins shall be cut off flush
after speed clips have been applied. Vapor barrier facings shall be thoroughly
sealed where pins have pierced the vapor barrier with a vapor barrier adhesive.
Alternate insulation applications may be acceptable, subject to Royal
Commission review.

H.

Insulation for relief air ducts and portions of return air ducts installed in the ceiling
spaces where condensation is not a problem may be omitted. The designer is
required to provide calculations to prove, that if insulation is not provided for
ducts or equipment, the space will be properly cooled and condensation will not
form on ductwork or equipment. For ducts to be used for both heating and
cooling, the requirements for cold ducts will govern.

I.

Installation on Concealed Duct

a.

For rectangular, oval or round ducts, flexible insulation shall be attached by

applying adhesive around the entire perimeter of the duct in 150 mm wide
strips on 300 mm centers.

b.

For rectangular and oval ducts, 600 mm and larger insulation shall be
additionally secured to bottom of ducts by the use of mechanical fasteners.
Fasteners shall be spaced on 400 mm centers and not more than 400 mm
from duct corners.

c.

For rectangular, oval and round ducts, mechanical fasteners shall be

provided on sides of duct risers for all duct sizes. Fasteners shall be spaced
on 400 mm centers and not more than 400 mm from duct corners.

15250-12

J.

K.

d.

Self-locking washers shall be installed where mechanical fasteners are

used. The pin shall be trimmed back and bent over.

e.

Jacket overlaps shall be secured with staples and tape as necessary to

ensure a secure seal. Staples, tape and seams shall be coated with a brush
coat of vapor retarder coating or PVDC adhesive tape.

f.

Breaks in the jacket material shall be covered with patches of the same
material as the vapor retarder jacket. The patches shall extend not less
than 50 mm beyond the break or penetration in all directions and shall be
secured with tape and staples. Staples and tape joints shall be sealed with a
brush coat of vapor retarder coating or PVDC adhesive tape.

g.

Insulation terminations and pin punctures shall be sealed and flashed with a
reinforced vapor retarder coating finish or tape with a brush coat of vapor
retarder coating. The coating shall overlap the adjoining insulation and uninsulated surface 50 mm. Pin puncture coatings shall extend 50 mm from
the puncture in all directions.

Installation on Exposed Duct Work

a.

For rectangular ducts, rigid insulation shall be secured to the duct by

mechanical fasteners on all four sides of the duct, spaced not more than
300 mm apart and not more than 75 mm from the edges of the insulation
joints. A minimum of two rows of fasteners shall be provided for each side of
duct 300 mm and larger. One row shall be provided for each side of duct
less than 300 mm. Mechanical fasteners shall be as corrosion resistant as
G60 coated galvanized steel, and shall indefinitely sustain a 22.7 kg tensile
dead load test perpendicular to the duct wall.

b.

Duct insulation shall be formed with minimum jacket seams. Each piece of
rigid insulation shall be fastened to the duct using mechanical fasteners.
When the height of projections is less than the insulation thickness,
insulation shall be brought up to standing seams, reinforcing, and other
vertical projections and shall not be carried over. Vapor retarder jacket shall
be continuous across seams, reinforcing, and projections. When height of
projections is greater than the insulation thickness, insulation and jacket
shall be carried over. Apply insulation

Insulation for Warm Air Duct

Insulation and vapor barrier shall be provided for the following warm air ducts
and associated equipment:
a.

Supply ducts.

15250-13

L.

b.

Return air ducts

c.

Relief air ducts

d.

Flexible run-outs (field insulated)

e.

Plenums

f.

Duct-mounted coil casings

g.

Coil-headers and return bends

h.

Coil casings.

i.

Fresh air intake ducts

j.

Filter boxes

k.

Mixing boxes

l.

Supply fans

m.

Site-erected air conditioner casings

n.

Ducts exposed to weather

Duct Exposed to Weather

Installation: Ducts exposed to weather not internally lined, shall be insulated and
finished as specified for the applicable service for exposed duct inside the
building. After the above is accomplished, the insulation shall then be further
finished as detailed in the following subparagraphs.
Round Duct: Aluminum jacket with factory applied moisture retarder shall be
applied with the joints lapped not less than 75 mm and secured with bands
located at circumferential laps and at not more than 300 mm intervals throughout.
Horizontal joints shall be lapped down to shed water and located at 4 or 8 o'clock
position. Joints shall be sealed with caulking to prevent moisture penetration.
Where jacketing abuts an un-insulated surface, joints shall be sealed with
caulking.
Rectangular Ducts: Two coats of weather barrier mastic reinforced with fabric or
mesh for outdoor application shall be applied to the entire surface. Each coat of
weatherproof mastic shall be 2.0 mm minimum thickness. The exterior shall be a
metal jacketing applied for mechanical abuse and weather protection, and
secured with screws.

15250-14

3.5
A.

INSULATION - THICKNESS SCHEDULE

Pipe Insulation:
Pipe
Sizes
mm

Piping
Domestic hot water piping

Power generator engine exhaust

pipe and silencer.
B.

Insulation
Thickness
mm

All sizes,
Up to 50
Over 50

25
40

All sizes

150

Duct Insulation:
Insulation Thickness
mm

Duct and Equipment

Plenums (Cold)

25

Supply Ducts

25

Supply and Return ducts exposed

To weather

50

Return Air Ducts Outside of a

Conditioned Space

25

Ventilation Equipment Casings

25

+ + END OF SECTION 15250 + +

15250-15