Standard Practice for Handling, Transporting, Shipping, Storage, Receiving, and Application of Thermal Insulation Materials For Use in Contact with Austenitic Stainless Steel

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Insulations that are used as a part of the thermal insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steels have the potential to become contaminated with water soluble corrosive ions which, in turn, if permitted to reach the stainless steel surface, are possible to contribute to external stress corrosion cracking (ESCC). Therefore, it is important to reduce the exposure of such insulating materials to water-soluble corrosive ion compounds at all stages of manufacture, handling, shipping, storage, and application. During manufacture, precautions shall be taken to minimize water soluble corrosive ion content, both in the material and as surface contamination. Once the manufacture is complete, care must be exercised during handling, transporting, shipping, storage, receiving, and application to avoid contamination with corrosive ions that can be transported by water through the insulation materials onto the stainless steel surface. This practice presents criteria which, if followed, will minimize the risks of ESCC associated with the application of insulation materials. It must be emphasized, however, that because of the many variable factors present, complete freedom from ESCC can not be assured under all circumstances, even when following the guidance of this practice.  
4.2 Continued protection of the insulation and the stainless steel surface from moisture and contamination after the insulation system is installed and over its entire service life is of significant importance. In-service contamination has the potential to occur from many sources; for example, from airborne contaminates, rain or salt spray, periodic fire sprinkler system tests, wash-downs, or process leakage. Weather barrier jacketing systems and proper application shall be chosen to provide long-term protection in the intended use environment.  
4.3 The entire insulation system shall be periodically inspected and maintained. Insulation that is suspected of contamination shall be retested...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is intended to provide guidance and direction in the handling, transporting, shipping, storage, receiving, and application of thermal insulating materials to be used as a surface treatment or as part of the thermal insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steel.  
1.2 This 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.  
1.3 This 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.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Aug-2019
Technical Committee
C16 - Thermal Insulation

Relations

Effective Date
01-Sep-2019
Effective Date
15-Apr-2024
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
15-Apr-2018
Effective Date
01-Jun-2017
Effective Date
15-Oct-2015
Effective Date
01-Jun-2015
Effective Date
01-May-2013
Effective Date
01-May-2013
Effective Date
01-Apr-2013
Effective Date
01-Mar-2013
Effective Date
01-Mar-2013
Effective Date
15-May-2011
Effective Date
15-May-2011

Overview

ASTM C929-14(2019) is the standard practice established by ASTM International for the handling, transportation, shipping, storage, receiving, and application of thermal insulation materials intended for use in contact with austenitic stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steels are widely used in many industrial and commercial applications due to their corrosion resistance, but they are susceptible to external stress corrosion cracking (ESCC) if contaminated by water-soluble corrosive ions. This standard provides comprehensive guidelines for minimizing the risk of corrosion and preserving equipment longevity through correct material handling and system maintenance.

Key Topics

  • Water-Soluble Corrosive Ions: The standard emphasizes the risk posed by chloride ions, fluoride ions, and other ionic chemicals that can be absorbed by insulation and transported to stainless steel surfaces, potentially leading to ESCC.
  • Material Qualification: Only insulation materials tested and qualified for use in contact with austenitic stainless steel should be selected. Qualified and unqualified materials must be clearly identified and kept segregated.
  • Handling and Transportation: Insulation materials must be handled, transported, and shipped in ways that prevent exposure to contamination from external sources. Packaging should ensure protection against weather and handling damage.
  • Storage Requirements: Insulation and accessory materials must be stored in weathertight buildings, kept off the ground, and protected from water, contaminants, and flooding. Segregation of qualified and unqualified materials is crucial.
  • Inspection and Testing: Materials must be visually inspected for water damage or contamination at various stages, including upon receipt, after storage, and before application. Suspected materials should be retested or replaced.
  • Application Precautions: Cleanliness of the stainless steel surface is essential before applying insulation. Mixing containers and tools should be free of contaminants, and only distilled or demineralized water should be used with cements.
  • Maintenance: The completed insulation system must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent in-service contamination from sources such as rain, salt spray, or airborne pollutants.

Applications

The ASTM C929-14(2019) standard is highly relevant across several industries and applications, including:

  • Industrial Processing Plants: Where austenitic stainless steel is used for piping, vessels, or equipment, the appropriate handling and application of insulation are critical to avoid corrosion failures.
  • Chemical and Petrochemical Facilities: These environments pose significant risks of airborne contamination and process leaks; adherence to this standard helps ensure long-term system integrity.
  • Power Generation: Steam systems and heat exchangers utilizing stainless steel benefit from proper insulation practices to avoid unplanned downtime due to ESCC.
  • Cold and Cryogenic Services: Preventing condensation and ingress of corrosive ions during storage and service is vital.
  • Construction and Maintenance: Contractors, facility managers, and inspectors rely on these guidelines to select, receive, and apply qualified insulation products.

Related Standards

Implementing ASTM C929-14(2019) is often done alongside the following standards for effective insulation system design and maintenance:

  • ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
  • ASTM C195: Specification for Mineral Fiber Thermal Insulating Cement
  • ASTM C449: Specification for Mineral Fiber Hydraulic-Setting Thermal Insulating and Finishing Cement
  • ASTM C692: Test Method for Evaluating the Influence of Thermal Insulations on ESCC of Austenitic Stainless Steel
  • ASTM C795: Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use in Contact with Austenitic Stainless Steel
  • ASTM C871: Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Thermal Insulation Materials for Leachable Ions

By following ASTM C929-14(2019) and associated ASTM standards, organizations can reduce the risk of ESCC and maintain the safety, reliability, and efficiency of systems utilizing austenitic stainless steel. Proper application of this standard ensures protective processes from manufacturing through long-term service, supporting compliance, and extending asset life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM C929-14(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Handling, Transporting, Shipping, Storage, Receiving, and Application of Thermal Insulation Materials For Use in Contact with Austenitic Stainless Steel". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Insulations that are used as a part of the thermal insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steels have the potential to become contaminated with water soluble corrosive ions which, in turn, if permitted to reach the stainless steel surface, are possible to contribute to external stress corrosion cracking (ESCC). Therefore, it is important to reduce the exposure of such insulating materials to water-soluble corrosive ion compounds at all stages of manufacture, handling, shipping, storage, and application. During manufacture, precautions shall be taken to minimize water soluble corrosive ion content, both in the material and as surface contamination. Once the manufacture is complete, care must be exercised during handling, transporting, shipping, storage, receiving, and application to avoid contamination with corrosive ions that can be transported by water through the insulation materials onto the stainless steel surface. This practice presents criteria which, if followed, will minimize the risks of ESCC associated with the application of insulation materials. It must be emphasized, however, that because of the many variable factors present, complete freedom from ESCC can not be assured under all circumstances, even when following the guidance of this practice. 4.2 Continued protection of the insulation and the stainless steel surface from moisture and contamination after the insulation system is installed and over its entire service life is of significant importance. In-service contamination has the potential to occur from many sources; for example, from airborne contaminates, rain or salt spray, periodic fire sprinkler system tests, wash-downs, or process leakage. Weather barrier jacketing systems and proper application shall be chosen to provide long-term protection in the intended use environment. 4.3 The entire insulation system shall be periodically inspected and maintained. Insulation that is suspected of contamination shall be retested... SCOPE 1.1 This practice is intended to provide guidance and direction in the handling, transporting, shipping, storage, receiving, and application of thermal insulating materials to be used as a surface treatment or as part of the thermal insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steel. 1.2 This 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. 1.3 This 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Insulations that are used as a part of the thermal insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steels have the potential to become contaminated with water soluble corrosive ions which, in turn, if permitted to reach the stainless steel surface, are possible to contribute to external stress corrosion cracking (ESCC). Therefore, it is important to reduce the exposure of such insulating materials to water-soluble corrosive ion compounds at all stages of manufacture, handling, shipping, storage, and application. During manufacture, precautions shall be taken to minimize water soluble corrosive ion content, both in the material and as surface contamination. Once the manufacture is complete, care must be exercised during handling, transporting, shipping, storage, receiving, and application to avoid contamination with corrosive ions that can be transported by water through the insulation materials onto the stainless steel surface. This practice presents criteria which, if followed, will minimize the risks of ESCC associated with the application of insulation materials. It must be emphasized, however, that because of the many variable factors present, complete freedom from ESCC can not be assured under all circumstances, even when following the guidance of this practice. 4.2 Continued protection of the insulation and the stainless steel surface from moisture and contamination after the insulation system is installed and over its entire service life is of significant importance. In-service contamination has the potential to occur from many sources; for example, from airborne contaminates, rain or salt spray, periodic fire sprinkler system tests, wash-downs, or process leakage. Weather barrier jacketing systems and proper application shall be chosen to provide long-term protection in the intended use environment. 4.3 The entire insulation system shall be periodically inspected and maintained. Insulation that is suspected of contamination shall be retested... SCOPE 1.1 This practice is intended to provide guidance and direction in the handling, transporting, shipping, storage, receiving, and application of thermal insulating materials to be used as a surface treatment or as part of the thermal insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steel. 1.2 This 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. 1.3 This 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.

ASTM C929-14(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 27.220 - Heat recovery. Thermal insulation. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM C929-14(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C929-14, ASTM C168-24, ASTM C195-07(2019), ASTM C449-07(2019), ASTM C168-18, ASTM C168-17, ASTM C168-15a, ASTM C168-15, ASTM C795-08(2013), ASTM C692-13, ASTM C168-13, ASTM C195-07(2013), ASTM C449-07(2013), ASTM C871-11, ASTM C871-11e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM C929-14(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This 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.
Designation: C929 − 14 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transporting, Shipping, Storage, Receiving, and
Application of Thermal Insulation Materials For Use in
Contact with Austenitic Stainless Steel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C929; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope lationMaterialsforLeachableChloride,Fluoride,Silicate,
and Sodium Ions
1.1 This practice is intended to provide guidance and
direction in the handling, transporting, shipping, storage,
3. Terminology
receiving, and application of thermal insulating materials to be
used as a surface treatment or as part of the thermal insulation 3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall apply to this prac-
system in contact with austenitic stainless steel.
tice.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.1 corrosive ions—chloride ion, fluoride ion, and other
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
varieties of acids and ionic chemical contaminates.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2.2 shipment—that material being received from the same
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. source of manufacture on the same day or each carload,
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- whichever is smaller.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2.3 water damage—damage caused by water seeping into
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
cartons of insulation or soaking into the insulation that is left
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
exposed to the weather, both of which increase the possibilities
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of absorption of contaminates.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.4 weathertight—protected from rain and wind. A dry,
shelteredconditionwhereinreasonableprecautionsaretakento
2. Referenced Documents
prevent indiscriminate water from coming in contact with the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
insulation.
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C195 Specification for Mineral Fiber Thermal Insulating
4. Significance and Use
Cement
4.1 Insulations that are used as a part of the thermal
C449 Specification for Mineral Fiber Hydraulic-Setting
insulation system in contact with austenitic stainless steels
Thermal Insulating and Finishing Cement
have the potential to become contaminated with water soluble
C692 Test Method for Evaluating the Influence of Thermal
corrosive ions which, in turn, if permitted to reach the stainless
Insulations on External Stress Corrosion Cracking Ten-
steel surface, are possible to contribute to external stress
dency of Austenitic Stainless Steel
corrosioncracking(ESCC).Therefore,itisimportanttoreduce
C795 Specification for Thermal Insulation for Use in Con-
the exposure of such insulating materials to water-soluble
tact with Austenitic Stainless Steel
corrosive ion compounds at all stages of manufacture,
C871 Test Methods for ChemicalAnalysis of Thermal Insu-
handling, shipping, storage, and application. During
manufacture, precautions shall be taken to minimize water
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
soluble corrosive ion content, both in the material and as
InsulationandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeC16.20onHomogeneous
surface contamination. Once the manufacture is complete, care
Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
must be exercised during handling, transporting, shipping,
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2019. Published October 2019. Originally
storage, receiving, and application to avoid contamination with
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as C929 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/C0929-14R19.
corrosive ions that can be transported by water through the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
insulation materials onto the stainless steel surface. This
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
practice presents criteria which, if followed, will minimize the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. risks of ESCC associated with the application of insulation
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C929 − 14 (2019)
materials. It must be emphasized, however, that because of the 7.3 Insulation shall be placed on non-contaminated pallets
many variable factors present, complete freedom from ESCC or shoring to prevent direction contact with the ground or floor.
can not be assured under all circumstances, even when follow-
7.4 If qualified and unqualified materials are stored in the
ing the guidance of this practice.
same area, they must be segregated.
4.2 Continued protection of the insulation and the stainless
steel surface from moisture and contamination after the insu-
8. Inspection
lation system is installed and over its entire service life is of
8.1 Insulation and accessory materials shall be inspected at
significant importance. In-service contamination has the poten-
various stages prior to application to further reduce the risk of
tial to occur from many sources; for example, from airborne
contamination. Retesting is permitted in a particularly critical
contaminates, rain or salt spray, periodic fire sprinkler system
application such as pressure vessels, or when contamination is
tests, wash-downs, or process leakage. Weather barrier jacket-
suspected by visual examination.
ing systems and proper application shall be chosen to provide
8.1.1 External shipping containers, packages, or cartons
long-term protection in the intended use environment.
shall be visually inspected for evidence of water damage or
4.3 The entire insulation system shall be periodically in-
contamination when received at the jobsite, when removed
spected and maintained. Insulation that is suspected of con-
from storage, and just prior to application. Any containers
tamination shall be retested or immediately replaced. Wash
showing evidence of water damage or contamination sha
...

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