British Standard have introduced a new energy rating system for industrial thermal insulation applications
British Standard have introduced a new energy rating system, titled BS EN 17956:2024, for industrial thermal insulation applications.
It utilises the already recognised A-to-G rating system, and is now used to establish methods for energy classification for a number of insulation systems, including for pipes, ducts, vessels, and other equipment with a −30°C to 650°C temperature range.
The UK can do more to save power
The European Industrial Insulation Foundation found the UK to be somewhat lacking when it comes industrial insulation efficiency.
A report in 2021 determined that the UK has the potential to save 1.183 ktoe of energy, and reduce carbon emissions by 3.480 kt through improving industrial insulation solutions.
This would be equivalent to over 1.7m cars, or 863,000 homes.
The report states that industry across Europe has had a tendency to not insulate enough in order to reduce pressure and maintenance costs, as well as a general lack of knowledge on the topic.
TICA welcomes the new rating for industrial thermal insulation applications
Chris Ridge, TICA’s technical director, said: “Trying to get either government or industry to recognise the gaping hole that exists in our national Net Zero Strategy deployment, due to uninsulated or badly insulated pipework, has proven challenging.
“Anything that makes the specification of energy saving thermal insulation easier to understand and enact for clients is most welcome. I think the UK thermal insulation market will need to undergo a period of adaptation before the benefits of BS EN 17956: 2024 can be deployed at a national scale, but the conversations with Net Zero policymakers needs to start now.
“At our national training centre, we are already training thermal insulation apprentices on the fundamentals of thermal imaging, so they understand the importance of pipe insulation as a means of reducing energy losses. We are also working with the EiiF to upskill the next generation of UK-based TIPCHECK (Technical Insulation Performance Check) experts.”
