Where to get Insulation for Steam Boiler in Apartment Building

Brad White_9

moulded fiberglass with all-service jacket (ASJ). Your state energy code or referenced model code will have thicknesses for each pipe size. Our (Massachusetts) energy code has the following as a guideline for you:

If low pressure steam (<15 psig) including condensate (201 to 250 degrees, F.):

Up to 1.5 inch pipe size: 1.5 inch thickness.
2 inch through 8-inch pipe sizes: 2 inch thickness.

Your state code may vary but this is at least a good place to start and good practice.

Elbows: For a commercial project, see if you can find moulded fiberglass elbows rather than the "diaper" with a PVC cover. If you use the diaper method, go heavy on the insulation. Too many times I have seen melted PVC below a barely insulated elbow.

Alternate material is Foamglass (stinky stuff to cut it and a bit abrasive but very heat resistant). Do NOT use foams such as Armaflex for steam. Cannot take the heat and will melt.

As for sources of supply local to you (central NY I gather?) you may just browse manufacturer web sites such as Knauf, Certain-Teed, Owens Corning to seek local distributors.


Hope this helps.
Good Luck-

Brad

Randy_21

What is the proper insulation and where can I buy for steam pipe

I am working on two 50 unit apartment buildings that have no insulation on the pipes. We want to insulate them but are having trouble choosing the best insulation and finding the best prices. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

We need lots of the following 8", 5", 4" and elbows.

Regards,
Randy