The most common use of insulation is to reduce or completely stop the transfer of heat between surfaces. Installers must have a comprehensive knowledge of how heat transfer occurs through various substances in order to effectively contain it. In this week’s article, we are going to explore the basics of heat loss and heat gain in mechanical insulation. To do this, we must first take a look at the methods by which heat travels.
Conduction, Convection, and Radiation
Heat naturally flows from warmer to cooler surfaces until both surfaces are the same temperature. This transfer typically occurs one of three ways:
- Conduction. This is heat flow through solid objects in contact with one another. The motion of warm molecules will transfer to cooler ones, increasing their temperature.
- Convection. This is heat flow within a fluid, either a liquid or gas. This often creates a circular path of heat transfer as the warmer fluid rises and the cooler fluid sinks.
- Radiation. Lastly, radiation travels through electromagnetic waves without heating the space between surfaces. Microwaves use this method to heat up your food.
Characteristics That Affect Heat Transfer
There are many different factors that will impact the efficacy of an insulation when attempting to reduce heat transfer. Thermal resistance, for one, is often used to quantify the usefulness of an insulation material. However, other factors that need to be taken into account are thermal conductivity, material density, compressive resistance, and dimensional stability, among other things. Insulation that cannot maintain its integrity in a particular application will not be effective, no matter how high its original thermal resistance.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of the method, insulation is designed to reduce heat transfer and maintain a predetermined temperature. Plumbing and HVAC systems, pipes, and machinery all experience heat transfer differently, therefore the proper insulation will be different for each application. That is why it is so important to have an insulation professional inspect, advise, and install your mechanical insulation. They will be familiar with the equations and requirements of your unique applications.
For mechanical insulation experts in the Calgary area, contact our team at Westcal Insulation today!
