Storage Insulation????

[Robby]

I soon will be istalling 1100 gal. exterior water(heat) storage. I have the option of having it sprayed with urathane, then painting to stop UV or building a large 12'x8'x8' box then using blow in or batts of fiberglass. Both are costly. I intended R40, but does anyone have experience or knowledge how much insulation R rating for temperatures from 85F to -20F. Water temps from 185 to 190F.

Thanks

Robby

 

[stee6043]

I guess saying you'll need "a lot" would not be helpful. I have two layers of R30 around my tanks and they are inside. I essentially built a box around my tanks and it makes it much easier to jam as much insulation around the tanks as possible....

 

[Nofossil]

The more the better. I'd go with the enclosure. Be very anal about sealing it perfectly to prevent convection and air infiltration. Given the delta T involved between storage and the outside air, 12" on the sides and 24" on the top doesn't seem at all excessive.

 

[Rickard]

I went with blown in cellulose. 1' on the sides and 2' on top that has now settled to 1 1/2'. It's all in a box surrounding the tanks. It seems to be working well.

Dean

 

[Robby]

Thanks, I think your all correct, it's quit costly but best done right the first time. I have done some work (thinking and calculater), on the box and I guess I will build a semi circuler insulation container. Less than 1/2 the insulation if container follows the shape of tank, 2' on top coming down to 1' on side and bottom.

Robby