Aquatherm Advanced & Equivalent Thickness
However, not all piping materials have the same rates of energy transfer, nor do all insulation materials provide the same level of insualtion. Therefore, the ASHRAE 90.1 allows for equivalent insulation levels to be used. That is to say, based on the energy transfer of metal pipe and 1.5 inches of fiberglass insulation, a different piping material and insulation can be used, given that the heat transfer remains the same. Aquatherm pipes are made from polypropylene random (PP-R), which has a very low rate of energy transfer. In the Aquatherm Advanced system, these pipes are combined with a reflective bubble wrap (Reflectix) to achieve a much higher insulating value with much less insulation. A single layer of the insulating wrap (0.3 inches) will achieve 1.3 to 1.9 inch equivalent rating, varying with the size and thickness of the pipe. A second full wrap (0.6 inches) will achieve a 2.1 to 2.6 inch equivalent rating. Aquatherm pipe combined with a single wrap of Reflectix insulation meets the required Ashrae 90.1 equivalent thickness, except for 4 inch heating pipe. In this instance, an additional half wrap will provide the needed insulation value. The equivalent thicknesses of single and double wraps can be found in the Aquatherm catalog. Both of these tables assume the fittings have not been insulated. There are also equivalent thicknesses given for insulating the fittings as well, but this is not necessary and usually does not yield energy savings to justify the added cost when compared to adding additional wrapping to the pipes themselves. In summary, a single wrap of Reflectix insulation on Aquatherm pipe will meet current ASHRAE 90.1 standards except on 4 inch heating pipe, where one and a half wraps will need to be applied. |
Modern energy codes are based around the use of metal pipe, which has a high rate of energy transfer, meaning that a great deal of energy can travel into or out of the pipe. Insulation levels are dictated accordingly, using fiberglass insulation as the standard. As of 2007, ASHRAE 90.1 requires one inch of insulation for heating applications water (140 -200 degrees F) or less on all sizes under 4 inches. At 4 inches and above, 1.5 inches of insulation is required. Domestic hot and cold water requires one inch or less. Chilled water under 40 degrees requires an inch or less on all sizes except those 8 inches and beyond where 1.5 inches of insulation is required.