Date and time

Date: 5th November 2026

Time: 16:00-17.30

Download the Paper

The paper will be available in mid-October.

Book your online place here

Overview

This online technical session will explore the critical role of thermal insulation in refrigeration and cold chain applications. The presentations will examine insulation envelope degradation in refrigerated chambers and the thermal insulation of refrigerated pipework, including ammonia lines, highlighting the impact of insulation performance on system efficiency, reliability and cold chain operation.

Paper 1: Insulation Envelope Degradation in Refrigerated Chambers. Edwin Bowater, MInstR, and George Gaughan, MInstR, of FJB. 

This paper examines the degradation and failure of insulation envelopes used in refrigerated chambers, highlighting their critical role in maintaining cold-chain temperatures, reducing energy consumption, and limiting refrigeration plant size. It explores how incorrect specification, design, installation, and maintenance can contribute to deterioration, operational difficulties, increased energy use, and, in severe cases, structural collapse. Through case studies from the UK and overseas, the paper investigates ceiling-panel degradation, including catastrophic failures, across different panel and core types. It identifies root causes and presents practical field-based techniques for assessing insulation-envelope condition. The authors draw on 35 years of combined international experience.

Paper 2: Thermal insulation of refrigerated pipework in cold chain applications, Chris Ridge Technical Director at  Thermal Insulation Contractors Association 

This technical paper will examine the role and performance of thermal insulation on refrigerated pipework within cold-chain applications, with particular focus on systems such as ammonia refrigeration lines.

Do you require proof of your Continuous Professional Development?

A Continuous Professional Development (CPD) certificate is available to IOR members. IOR members will receive details of how to claim this certificate once they have attended the event.  We will send certificates of attendance to all delegates who join the broadcast of this talk.