Laboratories Sought for Thermal-Insulation Study

Laboratories are sought for a round robin study that will determine precision and bias for ASTM C 1373, Standard Practice for Determination of Thermal Resistance of Attic Insulation Systems Under Simulated Winter Conditions. The study is being conducted by a task group of Subcommittee C16.30 on Thermal Measurements, part of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation.

Testing is expected to begin next spring. It will require about two to three months of laboratory time. Study participants will obtain measurements for three different types of glass fiber attic insulation: one type of batts and two types of loose-fill insulation. The task group will supply the test materials.

“Tests will be conducted according to C 1373 and will require use of an apparatus covered by a standard test method as well,” said Kenneth E. Wilkes, Ph.D., senior researcher, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn. “Test Methods C 236, C 976, and C 1363 (hot box apparatus) are preferred because of their ability to accommodate a large air space over the insulation. However, other apparatus that can simulate in-service conditions also may be used (for example, modifications of Test Methods C 177 (guarded hot plate apparatus), C 518 (heat flow meter apparatus), or C 1114 (thin-heater apparatus) with Standard Practice 1045). In all cases, the size requirements specified in C 1373 must be followed.

To participate, or for technical details, contact the task group chairman, Kenneth E. Wilkes, Ph.D., senior researcher, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn. (phone: 865/574-5931). Committee C16 meets April 14-17 in Pittsburgh, Pa. For meeting or membership details, contact Tim Brooke, ASTM Technical Committee manager (phone: 610/832-9729). //

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