1.1This test method covers the measurement of the steady-state heat transfer properties of pipe insulations. Specimen types include rigid, flexible, and loose fill; homogeneous and nonhomogeneous; isotropic and nonisotropic; circular or non-circular cross section. Measurement of metallic reflective insulation and mass insulations with metal jackets or other elements of high axial conductance is included; however, additional precautions must be taken and specified special procedures must be followed.

1.2The test apparatus for this purpose is a guarded-end or calibrated-end pipe apparatus. The guarded-end apparatus is a primary (or absolute) method. The guarded-end method is comparable, but not identical to ISO 8497.

1.3The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.4When appropriate, or as required by specifications or other test methods, the following thermal transfer properties for the specimen can be calculated from the measured data (see 3.2):

1.5This test method allows for operation over a wide range of temperatures. The upper and lower limit of the pipe surface temperature is determined by the maximum and minimum service temperature of the specimen or of the materials used in constructing the apparatus. In any case, the apparatus must be operated such that the temperature difference between the exposed surface and the ambient is sufficiently large enough to provide the precision of measurement desired. Normally the apparatus is operated in closely controlled still air ambient from 15 to 30°C, but other temperatures, other gases, and other velocities are acceptable. It is also acceptable to control the outer specimen surface temperature by the use of a heated or cooled outer sheath or blanket or by the use of an additional uniform layer of insulation.

1.6The use any size or shape of test pipe is allowable provided that it matches the specimens to be tested. Normally the test method is used with circular pipes; however, its use is permitted with pipes or ducts of noncircular cross section (square, rectangular, hexagonal, etc.). One common size used for interlaboratory comparison is a pipe with a circular cross section of 88.9-mm diameter (standard nominal 80-mm [3-in.] pipe size), although several other sizes are reported in the literature (2-4).

1.7The test method applies only to test pipes with a horizontal or vertical axis. For the horizontal axis, the literature includes using the guarded-end, the calibrated, and the calibrated-end cap methods. For the vertical axis, no experience has been found to support the use of the calibrated or calibrated-end methods. Therefore the method is restricted to using the guarded-end pipe apparatus for vertical axis measurements.

1.8This test method covers two distinctly different types of pipe apparatus, the guarded-end and the calibrated or calculated-end types, which differ in the treatment of axial heat transfer at the end of the test section.

1.9This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.