Thermal insulation of pipelines is a method actively used to reduce heat losses of certain systems, to lower the temperature of communications, aimed at safe daily operation. Without the use of this technology, it is rather problematic to guarantee uninterrupted operation of networks in winter, since the risk of freezing and, as a result, failure of pipes is extremely high.
Thermal insulation of pipes provides for a number of technical regulations, compliance with which is mandatory when designing, installing and operating engineering systems of residential and public buildings, and other objects for various purposes.
More information is available on the website:
It should be noted that industrial thermal insulation refers to the thermal insulation of pipelines, tanks, as well as equipment and tanks.
Thermal insulation is carried out to prevent cooling of the liquid present in the pipes or to avoid the formation of condensate on the equipment. If heat losses are not so important, then this technological process is necessary to comply with TB.
Various versions of insulators are being considered for insulating pipes used for gas transportation.
Thermal insulation of the gas pipeline is carried out by means of a special varnish or paint, but usually they resort to modern protective materials that meet all the requirements for this, namely:
- the insulator for the gas pipeline must be endowed with the potential of its monolithic, uniform device on the pipe;
- the material for thermal insulation of the pipeline should be characterized by a low water absorption coefficient and have high waterproofing qualities;
- protect the structure from damaging ultraradiation.
Insulation of underground networks
Thermal insulation is a prerequisite for laying both water supply and sewerage systems. Insulation of pipelines will help to avoid freezing in winter and eliminate heat loss.
All insulation work must be carried out in accordance with the requirements, clearly formulated and prescribed in SNiP.
Thermal insulation requirements
The regulatory documents contain detailed information about the materials and methods of work. The applicable standards for thermal insulation contours are also indicated here, and certain recommendations are presented.
Types of thermal insulation materials
Thermal insulation is divided into types with certain properties and is produced in the following forms:
- sentiments;
- cylinders;
- mats;
- semi-cylinders;
- rolls.
Types of thermal insulation:
The list above is not exhaustive, the market is regularly updated with new options in this area.
Thermal insulation with mineral wool
Of all the types of insulation presented today, mineral wool is characterized by the lowest cost, and the simplicity of installing insulation is a plus. Thermal insulation of pipelines with mineral wool - process:
- a roll of cotton wool is cut into strips 200 mm thick (across) and they are then wrapped around the pipes, first with a layer of mineral wool (100 mm thick), on top - tightly with a layer of fiberglass;
- mineral wool should be laid evenly, it should not be wrinkled.
Mineral wool is considered as a thermal insulation of pipelines of significant diameter, applicable for heating routes of urban networks and for sewerage systems, for sewerage systems of small diameter and for water supply pipes - not practiced.
Thermal insulation of external pipelines
The choice of thermal insulation materials for external laying of heating pipes is quite large and is offered in the form of roll-type mats. 
The flexibility of the material allows them to be shaped for ease of installation, heaters are offered, applied in liquid form, their further qualities appear after solidification.
Removable thermal insulation in a galvanized casing is widely used in linear sections of pipelines.
Foam rubber in the form of tubes or rolls, depending on the diameter of the pipes, is used as thermal insulation for pipes and parts of technological pipelines, it is installed in several layers, depending on the required thickness of thermal insulation.
An interesting method for thermal insulation is considered to be the cover layer, the types of which can actually be found on the site:
Thermal insulation materials used on pipelines laid in the open air and directly on the surface of the earth will allow hot water not to cool down on the way to the consumer, and all types of pipes are insulated:
- plastic;
- metal;
- polymeric;
- metal-plastic;
- composite.
Moreover, with independent thermal insulation of communications in a private house, it is easier to work with pre-insulated pipes and self-adhesive insulation, and it is recommended to use additional winding, for example, aluminum tape, as an assistant to eliminate shortcomings.
Calculation of heat loss. The methodology for calculating possible heat losses by a pipeline, taking into account the actual temperatures of the coolant and the air surrounding the system, the properties and thickness of the thermal insulation can be found here:
Thermal insulation materials for pipelines, including polyurethane foam and glass wool, are highly effective insulating materials in all their qualities.
Polyurethane foam as a pipeline insulation is an environmentally friendly and efficient insulation. It is characterized by a neutral smell, is not susceptible to fungus, is endowed with increased resistance to harmful environments, does not collapse, and is completely harmless to humans and the environment. 
Directly for pipes of large diameter, the spraying method is used, as a result of which a seamless continuous insulation is formed, a peak reduction in heat loss is guaranteed. Spraying is carried out at the place of work, using special equipment for thermal insulation of pipelines, the simplicity and speed of the procedure is a clear advantage. For work on pipes of small diameter, shells based on polyurethane foam are considered, providing a high level of thermal insulation, this method is affordable.
Thermal insulation using glass wool meets all the requirements for thermal insulation materials. 
The material is offered in the form of rolls, mats, slabs of different thicknesses, sizes and densities. Glass wool during installation is somewhat inconvenient and needs additional insulation and sealing, which increases the cost of work and their duration.
Drawing up an estimate for the insulation of the pipeline
Works on thermal insulation of pipelines are impossible without drawing up a preliminary estimate, which spells out “step by step” the entire sequence of work performed, on the basis of which the cost of work is formed.
You can read the rules for drawing up an estimate on the website:
How is pipe insulation work carried out?
Thermal insulation must be carried out in accordance with the current rules and regulations, which guarantees effective energy savings and an increase in the duration of the useful life
.The installation of thermal insulation of pipelines, based on the article, can actually be carried out using various materials, but taking into account certain factors and, above all, from the direct purpose of the future system being laid.
For example, thermal insulation of pipelines with a high temperature of the medium transported through it is best done using cylinder insulation (PUF shell), additionally laminated with foil cardboard or foil.
Brief device for thermal insulation of pipelines
Preliminary stage:
- complete completion of installation work (locksmith, welding);
- cleaning with steel shields (manually) or using sandblasting machines of the surface and joints of the pipeline, degreasing;
- testing the strength and tightness of welds (visual inspection, pressure test, control (if necessary) using special equipment));
- application of special compounds - epoxy primers (as an example).
It is interesting to get acquainted visually with the installation process:
the process of installing thermal insulation of pipelines
It does not matter whether a high-rise or a small wooden house is being prepared, if it has communications, they must be installed and installed according to the rules.
While there are no big problems with electricity-powered, telephone and other wires, errors in the process of installing heating pipes, water supply and sewerage lead to not the most pleasant consequences.
Errors during the installation of the pipeline itself can cause leaks in the docking points and are removed very simply. But errors in the installation of thermal insulation of pipelines lead to freezing of pipes, and as a rule, their rupture in the most inappropriate places. So, the first and most definite advantage that the owner receives by properly organizing the process of installing thermal insulation of pipelines is the absence of stressful circumstances associated with accidents in the operation of the pipeline.
Plus, thermal insulation does the following functions:
- interferes with the action of an aggressive environment;
- minimizes heat exchange with the external environment, reducing heat loss;
- keeps the system working.
Materials used in the installation of thermal insulation of pipelines.
heat-insulating materials of pipelines
Realizing the need for thermal insulation, the owner of a privatized house (brick, log house, foam concrete blocks, etc.) proceeds to the selection of materials from which the installation process will be performed.
Let's discuss in detail, as far as the volume of the publication allows, all types of materials for thermal insulation and the specifics of their installation process.
- Fiberglass heat insulators.
Very popular with installers. Very light, non-combustible material, does not rot, is popularly known under the names "fiberglass-based wool", "mineral wool". Can be supplied as rolls or as pressed boards. Due to its fibrous structure, it perfectly absorbs moisture. During installation, this specificity must be taken into account and the insulated pipes should be covered with a moisture-repellent material (rolled roofing material, polyethylene, fiberglass).
Wool based on fiberglass is not suitable for insulating underground pipelines. Plus, during its installation, it is necessary to take into account the compaction index (thermal insulators made of fiberglass are compacted with some period).
- Basalt mineral wool.
From themselves are plates and cylinders molded and special. Very durable, they, like fiberglass wool, are non-combustible, durable, at the same time they do not absorb moisture and are great for installing both underground and above-ground communications.
Most manufacturers use aluminum foil as additional moisture and thermal insulation.
Due to the rather high price, basalt seals are not as famous as fiberglass wool, but with their help it is convenient to install the thermal insulation of pipelines in problem areas (tees, expanders, and so on).
Installation work using basalt forms does not require great abilities and is carried out without outside help.
- Expanded polystyrene (expanded polystyrene).
Just imagine a pipe that is made of polystyrene foam and sawn in two, while any half of the resulting pipe is equipped with a groove and a spike for good joint reliability, and you will get a complete picture of the data, the so-called "shells".
Taking into account the properties of expanded polystyrene, it must be stated that such insulation is well suited for thermal insulation of both ground and underground pipelines.
To install such thermal insulation, it is very simple to combine the two halves of the shell into one, and tie them together using special glue or ordinary tape. Qualified installers offer to remove the halves of the pipe a little 10-15 cm relative to each other. This will give the so-called "overlap". To bypass difficult areas (turns, expanders, tees), special figured shells are used.
- Polyurethane foam.
Mats with a one-sided lining can be used, while the mats are installed with the lining towards the frame (inside the structure). Fully prefabricated structures based on stitched mats in linings can also be used. 4.6. Thermal insulation of cold drinking water storage tanks in water supply systems. For thermal insulation of cold water storage tanks in water supply systems, it is recommended, first of all, to use stitched mats in fiberglass linings on both sides. The design of thermal insulation is similar to that given in paragraphs 4.5.4 - 4.5.5 (with a frame made of wooden bars) and is distinguished by the presence of a vapor barrier layer. Stitching mats manufactured by CJSC ISOROK are installed in one or two layers, depending on the estimated thickness of the insulation, between the posts of a wooden frame, fastened with pins with tying of galvanized wire along the pins (Fig. 59 - 64).
Technologies for installing thermal insulation of pipelines
FIELD OF APPLICATION OF HEAT-INSULATING MATS OF MINERAL WOOL PLUGGED PRODUCTION OF CJSC "ISOROK" 1.1. Heat-insulating pierced mineral wool mats are intended for use in industrial thermal insulation at temperatures of insulated surfaces from minus 180°С to plus 700°С and in accordance with the recommendations of sections 2 and 3. service mats piercing is significantly reduced.
1.2. Stitched mats can be used to insulate industrial equipment of industrial and housing facilities, including:
- vertical and horizontal cylindrical technological apparatuses of enterprises of chemical, oil refining, gas, metallurgical, etc.
Sewn mats made of mineral wool - so that the pipes live longer!
Info
CUTWOOL®MP stitched mats are made of mineral basalt wool on a synthetic binder with carpet stitching with glass roving, lined with fiberglass on both sides of the mat, according to TU 5762-002-89646568-2013. Marking: CUTWOOL®MP2 M50-2400.100.1000, TU 5762-002-89646568-2013, where: MP is a symbol for stitched mats; 2 - lining with fiberglass on both sides; M50 - brand of product; 2400 - mat length (mm); 100 – mat thickness (mm); 1000 - mat width (mm). Specifications: Length (mm) 2400 Width (mm) 1000 Thickness (mm) from 50 to 120; Density, kg/m3 from 30 to 100; Compressibility, % no more than 20 Humidity, % no more than 0.5 Thermal conductivity, W/mK 0.033 Combustibility group NG Application temperature* from -180 to +600; * standard application temperature +4000C, more on special order.
Benefits of embroidered mineral wool mats
They are characterized by low smoke generation, and also effectively prevent the spread of fire, providing additional time for the rescue of personnel and equipment.
- Excellent soundproofing. Stitched mats guarantee excellent sound insulation of both residential premises and industrial workshops.
- Ability to withstand high temperatures. Mineral wool stitched mats are a material that can withstand loads up to 700°C! And some types of material, for example, having a combined composition, with the addition of mullite-silica, operate at temperatures up to 1100°C!
- Chemical resistance.
Mineral wool mats pierced are not afraid of the effects of such organic substances as oils, alkalis, solvents. - Low water absorption. An important ability of pierced mineral wool mats is to resist the influence of moisture.
Heat-insulating products CJSC "izorok". part 2
To compensate for temperature deformations, serration of coating elements or other design solutions can be applied. 4.3.14. The design of the protective coating of the vertical apparatus is shown in fig. 47 and 48. The protective coating of vertical apparatuses is also fastened with self-tapping screws 4x12 with anti-corrosion coating or rivets.
Attention
Screw (rivet) installation step: vertically 150 - 200 mm, horizontally - no more than 300 mm. 4.3.15. In the protective coating of the apparatus, expansion joints must be provided in height, in which the elements of the protective coating rest on unloading devices or hinged brackets (Fig. 79) and are not fixed horizontally (circumferences). Hinged brackets can be installed on the sheets of the previous row.
Unloading devices are installed along the height of the apparatus with a step in height of not more than 3-4 meters.
403 forbidden
By density mats are produced grade 100. 2.3. The limiting temperature of application is determined by the temperature resistance of mineral wool and lining materials. The limiting temperature for the use of mats, depending on the type of facing material, is given in Table 2.1. Table 2.1. Application temperature of piercing mats.
Name of lining material Without lining material or with fiberglass lining on one side (install with fabric facing outward) 600-700 (see clause 1.1.) Cloth, mesh, fiberglass canvas (with lining material sewn on both sides) 450 2.4. Mineral wool mats grade 100 with and without facings belong to the group of non-combustible materials (NG) according to GOST 30244. 2.5. Nominal dimensions of mats with indication of limit deviations are given in Table 2.2. Table 2.2.
Permissible temperature difference (to - tk) Air temperature, t0 , °С Relative air humidity, φ, % 50 60 70 80 90 Estimated difference, (to - tk) °С 10 9.8 7.3 5.1 3.1 1.5 12 9.9 7.3 5.1 3.1 1.5 14 10.1 7.4 5.2 3.2 1.5 16 10.2 7.6 5.3 3.3 1, 5 18 10.4 7.7 5.4 3.3 1.5 20 10.5 7.8 5.4 3.4 1.5 22 10.7 7.9 5.5 3.4 1.5 24 10.9 8.0 5.6 3.5 1.6 26 11.0 8.2 5.7 3.5 1.6 28 11.2 8.3 5.8 3.6 1.6 30 11, 4 8.4 5.9 3.6 1.6 5.3.4. The heat transfer coefficient, (αn), should be taken in accordance with Appendix 2.1. 5.3.5. When designing, it is necessary to take the thickness of thermal insulation in the structure, a multiple of 10 mm, taking into account the current range of pierced mineral wool mats produced by ZAO ISOROK, while rounding up only.
5.3.6.
Unloading devices are also installed at the upper and lower bottoms of the apparatus. To make the structure of the protective coating rigid, the elements of the coating can be zigzag. 4.4. Thermal insulation of gas ducts and air ducts of rectangular section. 4.4.1. Heat-insulating stitched mats are recommended to be used for insulation of gas ducts of thermal power plants, objects of ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, etc., and rectangular air ducts. A variant of the design of the thermal insulation of a gas duct with a rectangular cross section is shown in fig. 49. Fastening of the heat-insulating layer is provided with the help of pins (welded, plug-in) and bandages. At the corners of the thermal insulation of rectangular gas ducts, metal linings made of the coating material are installed under the bandages or wire rings replacing them.
Thermal insulation of pipelines with pierced mats
Temperature regimes of water heating networks, ºС 95-70 150-70 180-70 Pipeline Estimated coolant temperature, ™ ºС Supply 65 90 110 Return 50 50 50 : - for year-round operation of the heating network - the average annual temperature of the outside air; - when working only during the heating period - the average for the heating period; c) with a depth of laying the top of the channel more than 0.7 m - the average annual temperature of the soil at the depth of laying the axis of the pipelines. 5.4.3. The recommended thickness of insulation from heat-insulating pierced mineral wool mats grade 100, which meets the norms of heat flux density for pipelines of heating networks of two-pipe underground channel laying, located in the European region of Russia, is given in Table 5.4.2.
Thermal insulation of pipelines with stitched mats
The calculated thickness of thermal insulation from pierced mineral wool mats produced by ISOROK CJSC at an air temperature in the room of 20ºС and relative humidity of 60, 70 and 80% is given in Table 5.3.2. 5.3.7. If the temperature and humidity in the room differ from those indicated, the thickness of the insulation should be determined by formulas (6) or (7), since with an increase in the relative humidity of the air in the absence of ventilation, the thickness of the insulation increases significantly. Table 5.3.2. The recommended thickness of thermal insulation from pierced mineral wool mats, which prevents condensation of moisture from the air on the surface of the insulation of pipelines and equipment located in the room.
Outer diameter, mm Relative humidity of the ambient air.
Thermal insulation of pipelines is a set of measures aimed at preventing the heat exchange of the carrier transported through them with the environment. Thermal insulation of pipelines is used not only in heating systems and hot water supply, but also where technology requires the transportation of substances with a certain temperature, for example, refrigerants.
The meaning of thermal insulation is the use of means that provide thermal resistance to heat transfer of any kind: contact and carried out by means of infrared radiation.
The greatest application, expressed in numbers, is the thermal insulation of pipelines of heating networks. Unlike Europe, the centralized heating system dominates the entire post-Soviet space. Only in Russia alone, the total length of heating networks is more than 260 thousand kilometers.
Much less often, insulation for heating pipes is used in private households with an autonomous heating system. Only in a few northern regions, private houses are connected to the central heating main with heating pipes placed outside.
For some types of boilers, for example, powerful gas or diesel ones, the requirements of the set of rules SP 61.13330.2012 “Thermal insulation of equipment and pipelines” require a separate location from the building - in a boiler room several meters away from the heated object. In their case, the strapping fragment passing through the street necessarily needs to be insulated.
On the street, insulation of heating pipelines is required both for open ground placement and for hidden laying underground. The latter method is channel - a reinforced concrete gutter is first laid in the trench, and pipes are already placed in it. Channelless placement - directly in the ground. The insulating materials used differ not only in thermal conductivity, but also in vapor and water resistance, durability and installation methods.
The need to insulate cold water pipes is not so obvious. However, it cannot be dispensed with in the case when the water supply is laid in an open ground way - the pipes must be protected from freezing and subsequent damage. But inside buildings, it is also necessary to insulate water pipes - to prevent moisture condensation on them.
Glass wool, mineral wool
Proven insulating materials. They meet the requirements of SP 61.13330.2012, SNiP 41-03-2003 and fire safety standards for any installation method. They are fibers with a diameter of 3-15 microns, similar in structure to crystals.
Glass wool is made from waste glass production, mineral wool from silicon-containing slag and silicate metallurgy waste. The differences in their properties are insignificant. They are produced in the form of rolls, stitched mats, plates and pressed cylinders.
It is important to be careful with materials and be able to handle them correctly. Any manipulations should be performed in protective overalls, gloves and a respirator.
Mounting
The pipe is wrapped or lined with cotton wool, ensuring a uniform filling density over the entire surface. Then the insulation, without too much pressure, is fixed with a tie wire. The material is hygroscopic and easily gets wet, therefore, the insulation of external pipelines made of mineral or glass wool requires the installation of a vapor barrier layer made of a material with low vapor permeability: roofing material or polyethylene film.
A cover layer is placed on top of it, which prevents the penetration of precipitation - a casing made of roofing sheet, galvanized iron or sheet aluminum.
Basalt (stone) wool
Thicker than glass wool. The fibers are made from a melt of gabbro-basalt rocks. Absolutely non-combustible, briefly withstands temperatures up to 900 ° C. Not all insulating materials can, like basalt wool, be in long-term contact with surfaces heated to 700 ° C.
The thermal conductivity is comparable to polymers, ranging from 0.032 to 0.048 W/(m K). High performance indicators make it possible to use its thermal insulation properties not only for pipelines, but also for the arrangement of hot chimneys.
Available in several versions:
- like glass wool, rolls;
- in the form of mats (stitched rolls);
- in the form of cylindrical elements with one longitudinal slot;
- in the form of pressed cylinder fragments, the so-called shells.
The last two versions have different modifications, differing in density and the presence of a heat-reflecting film. The slot of the cylinder and the edges of the shells can be made in the form of a spike connection. 
SP 61.13330.2012 contains an indication that the thermal insulation of pipelines must comply with safety and environmental protection requirements. By itself, basalt wool fully complies with this indication.
Manufacturers often resort to tricks: to improve consumer performance - to give it hydrophobicity, greater density, vapor permeability, they use impregnations based on phenol-formaldehyde resins. Therefore, it cannot be called 100% safe for humans. Before using basalt wool in a residential area, it is advisable to study its hygiene certificate.
Mounting
Insulation fibers are stronger than those of glass wool, so the ingress of its particles into the body through the lungs or skin is almost impossible. However, when working, it is still recommended to use gloves and a respirator.
The installation of a roll web does not differ from the way in which glass wool heating pipes are insulated. Thermal protection in the form of shells and cylinders is attached to pipes using mounting tape or a wide bandage. Despite some hydrophobicity of basalt wool, pipes insulated with it also require a waterproof vapor-permeable sheath made of polyethylene or roofing felt, and an additional one made of tin or dense aluminum foil.
Foamed polyurethane (polyurethane foam, PPU)
Reduces heat loss by more than half compared to glass wool and mineral wool. Its advantages include: low thermal conductivity, excellent waterproofing properties. The service life declared by the manufacturers is 30 years; The operating temperature range is from -40 to +140 °С, the maximum withstand temperature for a short time is 150 °С.
The main brands of PPU belong to the combustibility group G4 (highly combustible). When changing the composition with the help of the addition of fire retardants, they are assigned G3 (normally combustible).
Although polyurethane foam is excellent as an insulating material for heating pipes, keep in mind that SP 61.13330.2012 allows the use of such thermal insulation only in single-family residential buildings, and SP 2.13130.2012 limits their height to two floors.
The heat-insulating coating is produced in the form of shells - semicircular segments with tongue-and-groove locks at the ends. Ready-made steel pipes insulated from polyurethane foam with protective sheath made of polyethylene.
Mounting
The shells are fixed on the heating pipe with the help of ties, clamps, plastic or metal bandage. Like many polymers, the material does not tolerate prolonged exposure to sunlight, so an open above-ground pipeline using PU foam shells needs a cover layer, for example, made of galvanized steel.
For underground channelless placement, heat-insulating products are laid on waterproof and temperature-resistant mastics or adhesives, and are insulated from the outside with a waterproof coating. It is also necessary to take care of the anti-corrosion treatment of the surface of metal pipes - even the glued shell joint is not tight enough to prevent condensation of water vapor from the air.
Expanded polystyrene (polystyrene, PPS)
It is produced in the form of shells, outwardly practically no different from polyurethane foam - the same dimensions, the same tongue-and-groove locking connection. But the temperature range of application, from -100 to +80 ° C, with all this external similarity, makes it impossible or limited to use it for thermal insulation of a heating pipeline.
SNiP 41-01-2003 "Heating, ventilation and air conditioning" states that in the case of a two-pipe heat supply system, the maximum supply temperature can reach 95 ° C. As for the return risers of heating, everything is not so simple here: it is believed that the temperature in them does not exceed 50 ° C.
Foam insulation is more often used for cold water and sewer pipes. However, it can be used over other heaters with a higher allowable application temperature.
The material has a number of some disadvantages: it is highly combustible (even with the addition of fire retardants), it does not tolerate chemical influences (it dissolves in acetone), it crumbles with balls during prolonged exposure to solar radiation.
There are other, non-polystyrene foams - formaldehyde, or shortly, phenolic. In fact, this is a completely different material. It is devoid of these shortcomings, is successfully used as thermal insulation of pipelines, but is not so widespread.
Mounting
The shells are fixed on the pipe with a bandage or foil tape, it is allowed to glue them to the pipe and to each other.
Foamed polyethylene
The temperature range at which the use of foamed high-pressure polyethylene is allowed is from -70 to +70 °С. The upper limit is not combined with the maximum temperature of the heating pipe, usually taken into account in the calculations. This means that the material is of little use as a thermal insulation of pipelines, but can be used as an insulating layer over a heat-resistant one.
Polyethylene foam insulation has found practically no alternative application as protection against freezing of water pipes. Very often it is used as a vapor barrier and waterproofing.
The material is produced in the form of sheets or in the form of a flexible thick-walled pipe. The latter form is more often used, as it is more convenient for insulating water pipes. The standard length is 2 meters. The color varies from white to dark gray. An IR reflective aluminum foil coating may be available. The differences relate to internal diameters (from 15 to 114 mm), wall thickness (from 6 to 30 mm).
The application ensures that the temperature on the pipe is above the dew point, which means it prevents the formation of condensate.
Mounting
An easy way with worse vapor barrier results is to cut the foam material into a small indentation along the side surface, open the edges and put it on the pipe. Then wrap along the entire length with mounting tape.
A more complicated solution (and by no means always feasible) is to turn off the water, completely disassemble the insulated sections of the water supply and put on solid sections. Then put everything back together. Secure the polyethylene with zip ties. In this case, only the junction of the segments will become a weak point. It can be glued or also wrapped with tape.
foamed rubber
Foamed synthetic rubber with a closed cell structure is the most versatile material for keeping warm and cold. Designed for temperature range from -200 to +150 °C. Conforms to all requirements of ecological safety.
It is used as insulation for cold water pipelines, insulation for heating pipes, often found in refrigeration and ventilation systems. Heating pipes laid inside buildings and insulated with rubber do not require the installation of a vapor barrier layer.
Outwardly similar to polyethylene foam, it is also available in the form of sheets and flexible thick-walled pipes. Installation is also practically the same, except that such thermal insulation of pipes can be attached to glue.
Liquid heaters
A technology has been successfully applied that allows self-spraying foam from a polyurethane composition onto ready-made structures. Excellent adhesive properties allow it to be used not only for insulating pipelines, but also applied to other elements that need insulation: foundation, walls, roofing. The coating, in addition to thermal protection, provides hydro, vapor barrier, provides anti-corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Properly performed installation of thermal insulation is a guarantee that the pipe will not lose heat, and the consumer will not freeze. Freezing of the cold water supply pipeline invariably leads to its rupture. Until recently, in hidden and open heating mains, glass wool was the usual insulating material. Its shortcomings stem from one another. Such coverage requires constant monitoring.
Even with a slight damage to the protective surface layer, vapor permeability and hygroscopicity nullify all savings. Moisture causes low thermal resistance and premature failure. Modern insulating materials with a cellular structure that are inert to the effects of steam and water will help to significantly improve the situation: polyurethane foam, foamed rubber, polyethylene foam.
Exists two reasons, because of which all thermal insulation work is carried out:
- Prevention of emergency situations. Frozen water often causes pipe breakage. The influence of low temperatures significantly affects the quality of the material of the product and its overall integrity. The solution to this problem is the high-quality insulation of unprotected pipe sections.
- Reducing energy costs for heating. Many pipeline channels are located on the street: either in contact with the ground, or at a short distance from it. The structures reduce the temperature due to the high heat transfer to the environment. The lack of proper thermal insulation will entail high financial costs, as well as reduce the quality of the material from which the pipeline channels are made.
Thus, thermal insulation of pipelines and equipment is an integral measure.
Calculation of thermal insulation of pipelines and characteristics of laying networks
Calculation of the thickness and volume of thermal insulation of pipelines is a labor-intensive and difficult process. A common and frequently used calculation method is to perform calculations using normalized heat loss indicators. Building codes and regulations (SNiP) calculated the values of heat losses for pipelines of different diameters, taking into account several ways of laying them:
- open method, outdoors;
- open way, indoors/tunnel;
- channelless method;
- laying in impassable channels.
The calculation of thermal insulation (thickness and volume) occurs so that the level of heat loss does not exceed the value specified in SNiP. Calculations are also carried out using various regulatory documents, including the Code of Rules.
It has some simplifications, which are as follows:
- Heat losses when the pipe walls are heated by the internal environment are much less than the heat losses lost in the layers of external thermal insulation. This makes it possible not to take them into account when performing calculations and calculations.
- Many network pipelines are produced by using steel, the heat transfer resistance of which is extremely low. Especially when compared with the characteristics of thermal insulation material.
That is why the heat transfer resistance in calculations and computational processes is not required to be used.
To obtain an accurate result, it is recommended to contact a specialist, self-calculation will be inaccurate.
Classification of materials for thermal insulation
Heaters of pipeline channels have their own classification, which we will analyze in more detail.
Depending on the form: rolls, piece products, pouring insulators, combined heaters (include several forms). Insulation also varies in appearance. The selected insulator directly determines the features of the installation.
A very common thermal insulation for process pipelines. A layer of such paint has a thickness of 2 millimeters, but is similar to 2-3 cm of mineral wool and polyester foam. Warming in this way is environmentally friendly and safe for the health of others.
Thermal paint is perfectly applied both on straight surfaces and on areas with flaws. The material does not require ventilation after painting. The paint is resistant to sudden changes in temperature, it was created specifically for work in extreme conditions.
It has a special structure, therefore, when sprayed, it penetrates even surfaces with limited access. In addition, thermal paint provides additional protection against corrosion.
mineral wool
Mineral wool has the characteristics necessary for the insulation of pipelines: a low level of thermal conductivity and fire resistance. Therefore, it is widely used in the field of thermal insulation of heating mains.
Such material is indispensable when working on the insulation of pipelines with elevated temperatures. Mineral wool withstands temperatures up to 700 degrees Celsius. The material is expensive, it is worth paying attention to when choosing.
Polyurethane foam is considered one of the high quality insulation materials used for thermal insulation of pipelines. The material goes on sale immediately together with pipes, as a whole with 2 shells. Polyurethane foam fills the voids between the parts of the pipes.
Such products are installed in places designed for laying. It is important after the completion of the main work to carry out the correct insulation at the joints. The popularity of the material is due to the simplicity and short installation time.
Styrofoam
Expanded polystyrene (or polystyrene) is used as an insulator for pipeline channels. The insulation consists of two parts, interconnected by means of fasteners "thorn-groove". This allows assembly / disassembly of the heat insulator if necessary. The size is adjusted individually, depending on the size of the pipe itself.
Polyfoam does not absorb moisture and is characterized by a low level of thermal conductivity, therefore it is suitable for work with insulation pipeline channels. Such an insulator has a long service life - 50 years. But there is a drawback - due to flammability, it cannot be used when working with high temperatures.
Polyethylene
Foamed polyethylene is considered a popular material, which is used as an insulator for pipelines.
Outwardly, it looks like a heat-insulating cylinder, which allows tight coverage of the pipeline and provides its reliable protection from negative environmental influences. Installation is simple and short.
Before installation, a longitudinal incision is made on the polyethylene structure, the material is put on the prepared pipe, and then glued. The special foam structure gives dense warming.
All insulation materials have properties and characteristics, therefore, one or another thermal insulation should be chosen based on financial resources and the characteristics of the conditions in which pipeline channels are laid.
The use of high-quality thermal insulation reduces the level of heat loss and reduces budget costs. In addition, the pipes themselves remain safe and sound.
Each heater differs in the nuances of installation. The installation of thermal insulation materials should not be done independently. Only an experienced worker will install the insulation in accordance with the rules and regulations!
You can order the production of a complete set of pipelines from. Product quality is guaranteed by the manufacturer!