ASTM C653-17
Standard Guide for Determination of the Thermal Resistance of Low-Density Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation

Standard No.

ASTM C653-17

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM C653-17

Scope

4.1 This guide provides a method to determine the thermal performance of low-density blanket-type insulation. It may be used for the purposes of quality assurance, certification, or research.

4.2 The thermal resistance of low-density insulation depends significantly on the density, the thickness, and thermal conductivity. Typical low-density, mineral-fiber insulation for buildings may vary in density from one specimen to the next.

4.3 Thermal tests are time-consuming in comparison with density and thickness measurements. Low-density insulation material is produced in large quantities. A typical lot would be a truckload or the amount necessary to insulate a house.

4.4 The relatively low unit cost of this product and the relatively high cost of thermal resistance testing makes it cost-effective to test only a small percentage of the product area. It is recommended that there be a determination of the density that is representative of a lot by the measurement of the average density of a statistically representative sampling.

4.5 A fewer number of thermal measurements are then made to determine the apparent thermal conductivity at the previously determined representative density. The essential significance of this guide is that a large lot of variable material is best characterized by: (a) determining the representative density, and by (b) determining the thermal property at this representative density with a small number of thermal measurements.

4.6 Building insulation products are commonly manufactured in thicknesses ranging from 19 to 330 mm (0.75 to 13 in.) inclusive. Experimental work has verified that there is a dependence of λ_app on thickness for some low density materials.

4.7 The upper limit of test thickness for specimens evaluated using Test Methods C177, C518, and C1114 is established based upon the apparatus design, overall dimensions, expected thermal resistivity level and desired target accuracy. The testing organization is responsible for applying these restrictions when evaluating a product to ensure that the results meet applicable product labels and any existing regulatory requirements (2).

4.8 Extrapolation of the apparent thermal conductivity or the thermal resistance beyond the ranges of thickness or density of products tested is not valid.

1.1 This guide describes the calculation and interpolation of a thermal resistance value for low-density blanket-type insulation material at a particular density and thickness having been selected as representative of the product. It requires measured values of this average density and thickness, as well as apparent thermal conductivity value......

ASTM C653-17 Referenced Document

• ASTM C1045 Standard Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Properties Under Steady-State Conditions
• ASTM C1114 Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
• ASTM C167 Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
• ASTM C168 Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C177 Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
• ASTM C518 Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
• ASTM C687 Standard Practice for Determination of Thermal Resistance of Loose-Fill Building Insulation

ASTM C653-17 history

• 2017 ASTM C653-17 Standard Guide for Determination of the Thermal Resistance of Low-Density Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation
• 1997 ASTM C653-97(2012) Standard Guide for Determination of the Thermal Resistance of Low-Density Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation
• 1997 ASTM C653-97(2007) Standard Guide for Determination of the Thermal Resistance of Low-Density Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation
• 1997 ASTM C653-97(2002) Standard Guide for Determination of the Thermal Resistance of Low-Density Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation
• 1997 ASTM C653-97 Standard Guide for Determination of the Thermal Resistance of Low-Density Blanket-Type Mineral Fiber Insulation