Insulation of Cooling Systems

Cooling systems and insulation thickness. Determines the required insulation thickness for chilled water, refrigerant, and brine systems based on system type, operation temperature, and pipe size.

Insulation of Cooling Systems

To avoid heat gain and reduced efficiency of cooling systems, as well as condensation of water on surfaces and potential corrosion problems, pipes in cooling systems should always be insulated.

The insulation thickness of chilled water, refrigerant and brine systems should not be less than indicated in the table below.

Note: Insulation should be made with micro-cellular cross-linked polyethylene foam with low water vapor diffusion.

Calculator

Inputs

Results

Required Insulation Thickness-- inches
Required Insulation Thickness-- mm
SystemOperation TemperaturePipe Size (inches)Insulation Thickness (inches)
Chilled Water40 - 55 °F (4 - 12 °C)< 1"0.5
Chilled Water40 - 55 °F (4 - 12 °C)1 1/4" - 2"0.75
Chilled Water40 - 55 °F (4 - 12 °C)2 1/2" - 4"1.0
Chilled Water40 - 55 °F (4 - 12 °C)5" - 6"1.0
Chilled Water40 - 55 °F (4 - 12 °C)> 8"1.0
Refrigerant< 40 °F (< 4 °C)< 1"1.0
Refrigerant< 40 °F (< 4 °C)1 1/4" - 2"1.5
Refrigerant< 40 °F (< 4 °C)2 1/2" - 4"1.5
Refrigerant< 40 °F (< 4 °C)5" - 6"1.5
Refrigerant< 40 °F (< 4 °C)> 8"1.5
Brine< 40 °F (< 4 °C)< 1"1.0
Brine< 40 °F (< 4 °C)1 1/4" - 2"1.5
Brine< 40 °F (< 4 °C)2 1/2" - 4"1.5
Brine< 40 °F (< 4 °C)5" - 6"1.5
Brine< 40 °F (< 4 °C)> 8"1.5
Insulation of Cooling Systems | MEPKit Engineering Tools | MEPKit