North American Commercial & Industrial Insulation Standards Manual, 9th Edition

The North American Commercial & Industrial Insulation Standards Manual, 9th Edition features 111 detailed plates that illustrate typical insulation system configurations — including piping, fittings, valves, flanges, vessels, ducts, and equipment — with a newly added section covering cryogenic applications. In addition, the manual includes updated materials‑and‑properties tables that conform to current ASTM (and ASHRAE) standards, a revised glossary of terms, and new content such as a flashing section. The purpose of the Manual is to serve as a common technical language among engineers, contractors, architects, specifiers, and owners: by clearly defining accepted installation practices and detailing standard cartoons (the “plates”), it helps reduce miscommunication, minimize punch‑list items, and streamline project execution. Overall, this Manual is positioned not just as a how‑to guide, but as an authoritative source for insulation system design, specification writing, project coordination and installation quality control across North America.

Key aspects:

• Selection of insulation materials and systems for thermal and acoustic performance
• System design guidance for commercial HVAC, process piping, power systems, and cryogenic applications
• Specification writing and coordination practices for insulation work
• Installation methods—both general applications and specialized ones (e.g., removable/blanket insulation, refrigeration, noise control)
• Illustrative detail plates showing typical installation configurations (jacketing, supports, terminations, etc.)
• Reference tables, definitions, and a glossary to support design and installation professionals.

Highlights:

Official industry standard for mechanical insulation design and installation in North America

Includes 111 updated detail “plates” (illustrations) showing insulation systems for:

• Piping, fittings, valves, flanges
• Ducts, equipment, and vessels
• Cryogenic systems (new section)

Updated materials and properties tables aligned with current ASTM standards

Expanded and revised glossary to improve technical clarity and consistency

Guidance for spec writing, coordination, and project documentation

Covers installation methods for a range of systems:

• Hot and cold piping
• HVAC, refrigeration, and acoustical insulation
• Removable insulation blankets

About MICA

Midwest Insulation Contractors Association (MICA) is a U.S.‑based trade association founded in 1956.Its membership is made up of commercial and industrial insulation contractors, abatement contractors, and associated manufacturers and distributors. The group serves the mechanical insulation industry by developing best‑practice guidelines, offering training and educational programs, and publishing technical resources — among them the insulation standards manual. In its role as author of the manual, MICA acts collectively: the Manual was conceived by the association and has been published through its technical committee process, rather than being the work of a single named author.

Other Works:

•  Insulation Handbook
•  ANSI / EIMA 99-A-2017: Standard for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage