ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Repair of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels
Standard Practice for Repair of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels
ABSTRACT
This practice covers the repair of rigid cellular polyurethane insulation systems on outdoor service vessels operating within a specified temperature range. Before any repairs are performed, all damaged nonadhering foam should be removed up to the dry, solidly adhering layer and the remaining foam insulation should then be beveled on all sides. If the existing substrate primer is damaged, it should be wire-brushed and reprimed where feasible. To protect the surrounding undamaged area, a covering should be installed around the area that needs to be repaired prior to the application of spray foam. Repairs shall be made in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the repair of spray-applied polyurethane insulation on vessels normally operating at temperatures between −30 and +107°C [−22 and +225°F].
1.2 Warning—At temperatures below 0°C [32°F] the application of a spray “foam” directly onto the cold substrate may not be possible. The term “foam” applies to spray-applied polyurethane or polyisocyanurate (PUR or PIR) rigid cellular plastic only, and not to any other plastic insulation.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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. For a specific precautionary statement see 1.2.
1.5 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
- 28-Feb-2023
- Technical Committee
- C16 - Thermal Insulation
- Drafting Committee
- C16.40 - Insulation Systems
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2005
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2003
Overview
ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023) - Standard Practice for Repair of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels provides comprehensive guidance for the repair of spray-applied rigid cellular polyurethane or polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) insulation systems on outdoor vessels. This standard covers essential procedures, from preparation and removal of damaged material to the application of repair methods, ensuring consistent insulation performance on vessels operating between −30 and +107°C [−22 and +225°F]. Developed in line with internationally recognized principles, this ASTM standard supports safety, system integrity, and longevity for outdoor industrial insulation.
Key Topics
Scope of Application
- Focuses on outdoor service vessels operating within −30°C to +107°C [−22°F to +225°F].
- Applies exclusively to spray-applied polyurethane or polyisocyanurate (PUR/PIR) rigid cellular plastics.
- Units are indicated in both SI and inch-pound; systems should not be combined.
Repair Preparation
- Remove all damaged or nonadhering foam up to the dry, solidly adhering layer.
- Bevel remaining insulation at approximately 45° on all edges of the prepared area.
- Examine substrate; wire-brush and re-prime if the original primer is compromised.
- Install protective covering to shield undamaged areas during spray application.
Repair Procedures
- Standard conditions: Spray foam directly into the prepared area, then top-coat with the specified protective coating. Reinforcing fabric may be embedded as desired.
- Cold substrate (below 0°C/32°F): Install thin rigid PUR/PIR board with joint sealer, then apply spray foam as above.
- Repairs on horizontal surfaces must provide drainage to prevent standing water.
- Spray application must be avoided in wet conditions or if wind exceeds 15 mph [24 km/h]; shielded scaffolding may be used with owner approval.
Safety and Compliance
- Emphasizes the need for safe handling of materials and equipment.
- Requires users to evaluate safety, health, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance.
Applications
The guidance of ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023) is instrumental for:
Industrial Facility Maintenance
Assures that repairs to insulation on outdoor tanks, pipelines, and vessels maintain proper thermal resistance and energy efficiency.Petroleum and Chemical Industries
Supports performance of process equipment insulation, especially where temperature control is critical for safety and efficiency.Insulation Contractors and Maintenance Teams
Offers standardized procedures to achieve reliable, repeatable repair outcomes, minimizing operational downtime and maximizing insulation lifespan.Asset Integrity Management
Helps owners and operators uphold system performance, manage risks from moisture ingress, and ensure regulatory compliance for outdoor insulated vessels.
Related Standards
For comprehensive thermal insulation system management, consider these related ASTM standards:
ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
Provides standardized definitions for insulation materials and processes.ASTM C945 - Practice for Design Considerations and Spray Application of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels
Offers design and application guidelines to complement the repair procedures in C950.Additional Reference
Guidance developed in accordance with WTO TBT Committee principles on standardization ensures international applicability and harmonization.
By adhering to ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023), organizations ensure reliable repair and restoration of rigid cellular polyurethane insulation, supporting safety, thermal performance, and regulatory conformance for outdoor service vessels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Repair of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This practice covers the repair of rigid cellular polyurethane insulation systems on outdoor service vessels operating within a specified temperature range. Before any repairs are performed, all damaged nonadhering foam should be removed up to the dry, solidly adhering layer and the remaining foam insulation should then be beveled on all sides. If the existing substrate primer is damaged, it should be wire-brushed and reprimed where feasible. To protect the surrounding undamaged area, a covering should be installed around the area that needs to be repaired prior to the application of spray foam. Repairs shall be made in accordance with the prescribed procedure. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the repair of spray-applied polyurethane insulation on vessels normally operating at temperatures between −30 and +107°C [−22 and +225°F]. 1.2 Warning—At temperatures below 0°C [32°F] the application of a spray “foam” directly onto the cold substrate may not be possible. The term “foam” applies to spray-applied polyurethane or polyisocyanurate (PUR or PIR) rigid cellular plastic only, and not to any other plastic insulation. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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. For a specific precautionary statement see 1.2. 1.5 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.
ABSTRACT This practice covers the repair of rigid cellular polyurethane insulation systems on outdoor service vessels operating within a specified temperature range. Before any repairs are performed, all damaged nonadhering foam should be removed up to the dry, solidly adhering layer and the remaining foam insulation should then be beveled on all sides. If the existing substrate primer is damaged, it should be wire-brushed and reprimed where feasible. To protect the surrounding undamaged area, a covering should be installed around the area that needs to be repaired prior to the application of spray foam. Repairs shall be made in accordance with the prescribed procedure. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers the repair of spray-applied polyurethane insulation on vessels normally operating at temperatures between −30 and +107°C [−22 and +225°F]. 1.2 Warning—At temperatures below 0°C [32°F] the application of a spray “foam” directly onto the cold substrate may not be possible. The term “foam” applies to spray-applied polyurethane or polyisocyanurate (PUR or PIR) rigid cellular plastic only, and not to any other plastic insulation. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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. For a specific precautionary statement see 1.2. 1.5 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 C950/C950M-08(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.100 - Cellular materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C168-24, ASTM C168-18, ASTM C168-17, ASTM C168-15a, ASTM C168-15, ASTM C168-13, ASTM C945-05(2012), ASTM C168-10, ASTM C168-08b, ASTM C168-08a, ASTM C168-08, ASTM C168-05a, ASTM C945-05, ASTM C168-05, ASTM C168-03. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C950/C950M-08(2023) 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: C950/C950M − 08 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Practice for
Repair of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System
on Outdoor Service Vessels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C950/C950M; 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 C945 Practice for Design Considerations and Spray Appli-
cation of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System
1.1 This practice covers the repair of spray-applied polyure-
on Outdoor Service Vessels
thane insulation on vessels normally operating at temperatures
between −30 and +107°C [−22 and +225°F].
3. Terminology
1.2 Warning—At temperatures below 0°C [32°F] the ap-
3.1 General—Definitions included in Terminology C168
plication of a spray “foam” directly onto the cold substrate may
shall apply to the terms used in this practice.
not be possible. The term “foam” applies to spray-applied
polyurethane or polyisocyanurate (PUR or PIR) rigid cellular
4. Surface Preparation
plastic only, and not to any other plastic insulation.
4.1 All damaged or nonadhering foam shall be removed to
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
the substrate in all directions, until dry, solidly adhering foam
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
is encountered.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
4.2 The remaining foam insulation shall be beveled on all
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
sides to approximately a 45° angle.
with the standard.
4.3 The substrate shall be examined and if the existing
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
primer is damaged, it shall be wire-brushed and reprimed,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
where feasible, in accordance with the primer manufacturer’s
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
instructions.
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
4.4 A covering shall be installed around the area to be
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental prac-
repaired, prior to spray foam application, to protect the
tices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
surrounding undamaged area from overspray and removed
prior to use. For a specific precautionary statement see 1.2.
after completion of the repair work.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Repair Procedure
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 The repair shall be accomplished in one of the following
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
manners:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1.1 Foam shall be spray applied to the prepared area and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
top-coated with the specified protective coating. (An open-
2. Referenced Documents
weave reinforcing fabric may be embedded into the wet first
coat if desired. Caution shall be taken to embed the reinforcing
2.1 ASTM Standards:
fabric totally within the coating.)
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
5.1.2 For substrate temperatures below 0°C [32°F], the
following procedure shall be used: Cut to shape and install a
This practice
...




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