Success Story Summary
FOAMGLAS® Insulation Protects Convention Center’s Chilled Water Pipelines in Orange County, Florida
According to the National Weather Service, the highest average relative humidity in Orange County is 92%—occurring at about 7 a.m. between August and September. However, this is only an average. Humidity levels frequently reach 100% throughout the year, adding to problems of moisture absorption and subsequent failure of chilled water pipeline insulation systems. When the Orange County Convention Center began the Phase IV expansion, it needed an insulation system for the chilled water system that could stand up to these temperature challenges. FOAMGLAS
® cellular glass insulation was selected. Chilled water lines are particularly vulnerable to water vapor intrusion. Whenever the heat and humidity of the air are high and the temperature of the pipes is lower than the dew point of the surrounding air, vapor tends to migrate toward the pipe and condensation can occur. If a permeable or moisture-absorbing insulation is used, it will absorb water, making the insulation a thermal conductor rather than an insulator. This will accelerate pipe corrosion, water spotting and the growth of mold and mildew. Compressive strength was also important for this application because the mechanical rooms are a high-abuse area where maintenance occurs daily. FOAMGLAS
® Insulation met both challenges.
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