Mechanical Insulating
Mechanical Insulating introduces learners to basic safety practices of the craft, as well the characteristics and applications of all types of pipe insulation as well as their installation. This three-level curriculum also covers the processes for sheet metal lagging and the fabrication of jacketing for piping, fittings, vessels and equipment, as well as practices for installing pipe fittings, valves and flanges.
Craft Snapshot
Curriculum Details
Module ID 19101: Provides an overview of the insulation industry, including how and why insulation is used, safety factors related to insulation, and common insulation-specific tools.
Module ID 19104: Covers receiving, stacking, and storage of insulation materials, as well as material movement on the jobsite.
Module ID 19105: Provides an overview of different pipe types and their uses, pipe sizing methodology, and the relationship between pipe sizes and insulation sizes.
Module ID 19209: Covers cold and hot water plumbing systems and insulation requirements for different types of plumbing systems.
Module ID 19210: Covers chilled and hot water heating and dual temperature systems, including the types of pipe and equipment common to each type of system. Explains the types of insulation required by each type of system.
Module ID 19106: Describes the characteristics of fiberglass pipe insulation and the characteristics of ASJ jacketing.
Module ID 19107: Explains insulation requirements for fittings, valves, and flanges. Provides tips for professional and economical installation.
Module ID 19309: Describes how to determine the insulation requirements of a project by interpreting construction drawings.
Module ID 19212: Reviews some basic arithmetic and geometric concepts applicable to the mechanical insulating craft. Building on these basic skills, trainees then learn drafting and layout methods that they will frequently use throughout their careers.
Module ID 19303: Describes methods of heat transfer and moisture migration and discusses the application of various types of insulation to slow or prevent these processes.
Module ID 19201: Covers proper tool use and procedures for installing flexible foam insulation, including how to cut and install flexible foam insulation on pipe fittings, valves, flanges, equipment, and air ducts.
Module ID 19302: Covers the identification of various duct systems and their associated components.
Module ID 19202: Covers fiberglass blanket installation to ducts and apparatus and discusses vapor-sealed blanket insulation facings.
Module ID 19203: Covers fiberglass board insulation applications, such as cutting fiberglass board insulation to fit over standing seams and stiffeners, vapor-seal applications, and cutting and installing fiberglass board insulation on round or oval ducts.
Module ID 19208: Covers the proper use of finishing tools, cleanup and protection procedures, and the limitations of cements, fabric finishes, and mastics.
Module ID 19304: Covers the identification, application, and use of adhesives.
Module ID 19211: Addresses the need to avoid the intrusion of water vapor into porous insulation and vapor retardant materials available to mechanical insulators. Trainees will also learn how to apply vapor-retardant mastics and membranes for common insulating scenarios.
Module ID 19305: Covers the identification of steam and condensate piping and describes steam and process water systems and their components.
Module ID 19204: Discusses the safe handling and storage of calcium silicate pipe insulation, how to make accurate cuts, and how to install single- and double-layers of calcium silicate pipe insulation.
Module ID 19206: Covers the proper use of tools; handling and storage of rigid foam insulation; measuring, cutting, installing, and sealing rigid foam plastic and cellular glass insulation; cryogenic installation; expansion joints; contraction joints; and vapor stops.
Module ID 19306: Describes boilers and related equipment, and their insulation requirements.
Module ID 19205: Describes how to measure, cut, and score mineral wool insulation. Discusses attachments used on mineral wool, installation methods, sealing requirements, and how to use pin welding equipment.
Module ID 19207: Covers the measuring requirements of board and block insulation; scoring, beveling, and cutting methods; and how to install board and block insulation on flat or curved surfaces and on large diameter tanks.
Module ID 19312: Describes the identification and application of common sheet metal tools, discusses fabrication and installation methods, and covers flashing and sealing techniques.
Module ID 19313: Describes the purposes and the types of insulation jacketing available for mechanical systems. This module also explains how to work with various kinds of organic, polymeric, and other types of jacket not made from rigid sheet metal.
Module ID 19310: Covers the identification and applications of pipes and pipe fittings and describes types of pipe and fitting jacketing, along with layout installation procedures and securements.
Module ID 19311: Covers the identification of vessel and equipment jacketing, along with layout, fabrication, installation procedures, and securements.
Module ID 19314: Provides a detailed introduction to removable and reusable flexible insulation covers, and explains the construction and installation of commercially-fabricated and kit insulation covers.
Module ID 19308: Describes special-application insulation systems, including low-temperature and prefabricated panels; refractory insulation; soft pads and pre-shaped removable covers; pre-insulated systems; spray, foam, and pour-in-place insulation; fire stops; noise and sound control systems; and cryogenic applications.
Module ID 46101: The course covers basic leadership skills and explains different leadership styles, communication, delegating, and problem solving. Jobsite safety and the crew leader’s role in safety are discussed, as well as project planning, scheduling, and estimating.
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.
David Gottlich, Brace Industrial Group
Gary Satterfield, Insulation Specialties Inc.
Jeffrey DeGraaf, Industrial Construction & Engineering Co.
Peter Gauchel, L&C Insulation
Randy Beard, Brock
Ron King, National Insulation Association
Tim Coughlin, Southern Tier Insulations
Wes Howard, Petrin Corporation
Instructor Resources
Instructor Toolbox
NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.
Assessments
NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.