Proper selection of thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation plays a key role in the overall energy management picture. It is interesting to consider that by using the insulation, the entire energy requirements of a system are reduced. Since, the main function of insulation is to reduce the heat transfer, the insulation material must have the appropriate characteristic to retard the transport of heat occurred by conduction, convection and radiation. The proper selection and application of various insulation materials are very important in the domain of heat transfer. This paper discusses how to select thermal insulation material and on what basis a decision is made for application, concerning material selection and costs, through brief discussion about major insulation materials, properties, steps for economic selection, applications, economics of insulation and thickness, location, case study and conclusion.