Thermal bridging can make insulation installers feel the squeeze on refrigeration and chilled pipe system projects. When installing and maintaining pipe systems, the right combination of insulation, vapor retarder, and support system can minimize this compressing feeling as well as reduce damage and help save energy while maintaining the pipe’s structural integrity. Proper pipe suspension and mounting systems support the weight of a pipe by transmitting the load to the adjacent structure. These systems also need to avoid damaging the pipe insulation at the contact points, especially during normal thermal expansion and contraction. In large installations such as supermarkets, pipe systems can exceed a mile long. These lengths continually expand and contract significant amounts causing the introduction of potential failure points if the wrong support is specified. Damaged insulation and pipes create breaks resulting in thermal bridging which can cause condensation, dripping, freezing points, and mold growth which in turn compromises energy delivery. By getting even one component of an install project wrong, installers risk substandard system operation, safety concerns, or possibly expensive repairs.

Armacell’s Insuguard®, Insuguard® Multi and the family of accessories protect piping and its insulation from damage caused by pipe expansion, compression, and contraction. Insuguard pipe saddle is designed to protect insulated pipes on plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration and air conditioning applications. Its unique curved-edge design effectively cradles the pipe allowing it to expand and vibrate without damaging insulation. These rounded edges curve gently away from the pipe as well, so the insulation never catches or rips, but slides easily as the system expands and contracts.  This all eliminates problems of rotation, displacement and thermal insulation damage that plagues traditional pipe saddles. Insuguard Multi is a versatile pipe saddle that provides all the advantages of Insuguard, while also being compatible with different types of suspension systems. Interchangeable adaptors make Multi compatible with any chosen saddle size on various sizes of struts, H-Beam, I-Beam, steel angles, Clevis hangers and even floor mounts.

There are other advantages to using Insuguard versus a traditional pipe saddle. Installing Insuguard is quick and easy as there are no tools required to install it. A simple click is all it takes to lock the adaptor in place on the support. The install time for Insuguard Multi is 40% faster than metal or plastic shields and 80% faster than clamps or collars. With pipe saddles that a lock into place on the support strut, there’s also no worry that the support will work its way loose and fall into the occupant space below–a safety concern for both building owners and visitors.

In addition to an easy install, Armacell offers several accessories to round out the innovative Insuguard line of products. ShockTech® is a clip-on, magnetic shock detection tool designed to protect against piping damage caused by water hammer. If a shockwave is transmitted through fluid contained in a piping system, a color-coded flag is triggered to release at a different shock velocity, notifying you of a problem before damage is done. InsuCover® fits on any Insuguard pipe saddle and provides extra protection for pipes. InsuCover protects the top of the pipe and can be quickly attached with tie-wraps at the matching notches on the pipe saddle. Finally, InsuClip® pipe fastener was designed to secure extra lines running through the top of Clevis hangers. This pipe fastener takes advantage of unused space at the top of Clevis hangers by securely fastening liquid lines, water pipes and cables within the free space available above the cross bolt of Clevis hangers. These accessory products can also be installed with no tools and are quick and easy to put into place.

Insuguard provides solutions to problems of falling saddles, condensing mold growth, thawing and condensation, refrigerant leaks, insulation tear-off and inefficient labor and material use. Insuguard is also UL listed in the US (UL-723(ASTM E84) and ULC listed in Canada (ULC-S102.2). For more information, visit www.insuguard.com.