When it’s cold out, we all need a blanket to stay warm.

Mechanical systems are just as receptive to that extra layer, and in fact, insulation accomplishes many things that make campus more sustainable.

The F&S Building Heat & Frost Insulators, called shop 52 at F&S, provide insulation fabrication for systems in buildings all across campus – often in tight spaces, basements, and attics alike.

Typically, mechanical insulation installers are educated through a 4-year training program.  Insulators learn about R-Values (how effective insulating is), fabrication types, and how mechanical systems work.  Well-installed fabrication looks clean and aesthetically pleasing, too.

The shop, established in 2010, provides insulation fabrication for mechanical systems. Properly installed mechanical insulation provides long-term energy efficiency, emission reduction, cost savings and safety benefits. 

Basically, as pipes transport hot steam from Abbott Power Plant to campus buildings, the exposed pipes disperse heat everywhere along the line, including well before the heat gets to its desired end point to make customers happy and safe. The insulation on those pipes keeps the heat in.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the job is knowing that we are constantly saving our customers in energy costs over time, while also protecting their building structures and equipment from heat or condensation damage,” said Clint McGraw, an insulator with F&S. “Doing work to save energy has been a daily and common success.”

For Example…

McGraw recounted a recent example of insulator work done on 100 feet of 6” steam pipeline, with a surface temperature of 350 Fahrenheit.

Before insulation:
Heat loss of 136,500 BTUs
CO2 emissions of 75 metric tons per year
Energy cost of $11,000 per year

After insulation:
Heat loss of 7,850 BTUs
CO2 emissions of 4 metric tons per year
Energy cost of $635 per year