To maintain safety and reliability, any installation of of calcium insulation should conform to the specification standard set by ASTM. In this case, the current active standard is ASTM C533 – 13, which covers calcium silicate block and pipe thermal insulation for use on surfaces with temperatures between 80 and 1700°F (27 to 927°C), unless otherwise agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
The abstract for ASTM C533 – 13 specifies that the thermal insulation shall consist principally of hydrous calcium silicate — usually with the incorporation of fibrous reinforcement — and that the insulation must conform to the physical requirements of the application. It also mandates the performance of certain test methods including: block insulation; pipe insulation; apparent thermal conductivity; linear shrinkage after heat soaking; flexural strength; compressive strength; mass loss by tumbling; hot surface performance; surface burning characteristics; stress corrosion performance; and moisture content by dry weight.