Chilled Water Insulation Systems with Pittsburgh Corning FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation

Just imagine a chilled water line insulated with an open structure insulation, covered with a layer of aluminium foil in order to form a vapour retardant jacket.

If this vapour retardant layer is correctly installed, it blocks out any moisture penetration that might happen by diffusion. However, when the system operates at low temperatures (meaning temperatures between - 4°C and + 15°C), a depression appears within the insulation layer.

This depression can sometimes be extremely important, so when a damage appears in the protection jacket, moisture-loaded air will inevitably try to penetrate the insulation layer in order to balance out the air pressure level differences.

The moisture carried into the insulation layer starts to condensate when the melting-point is reached. Once the system operates at a higher temperature, dry air will flow out of the insulation, and by the next low temperature cycle, the moisture-loaded air will return into the insulation layer.

A similar transfer mechanism happens on a daily basis when we experience air pressure variations. This mechanism is also called "pumping effect". The mechanism of moisture transfer is far more active than the water vapour difusion mechanism.
This air flow exchange characterized by the "pumping effect" can be blocked off by the use of insulation materials with a closed-cell structure.

FOAMGLAS® insulation is a lightweight, rigid insulating material composed of millions of hermetically sealed glass cells. Each cell is an insulating space. Thanks to its closed-cell structure and to its eight exceptional properties (water and water vapour resistant, dimensionnally stable, non-combustible, high compressive strength, vermin resistant, resistant to acids, and ease of application), FOAMGLAS®  insulation rewards the building owner with a safe insulation of chilled water line installations:

Learn about the FOAMGLAS® Insulation solutions for chilled water at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.  There are considerable challenges when dealing with high heat and humidity, coupled with the critical building performance nature of a hospital.

Security is most important at Air France.  FOAMGLAS® Insulation is specified for condensation and fire protection, leaving behind these potential problems.

Safety and Security are paramount in the U.S. Capitol Visitors' Center in Washington, D.C.  No other insulation fits the bill better than FOAMGLAS® Insulation from Pittsburgh Corning.

Click on the picture above to learn about the Sustainability and LEED relationships with FOAMGLAS® Insulation.