Pipelines of various systems tend to be long. Their sites are both on the surface and underground. Therefore, it is extremely important that the efficiency of isolation of communications from cold and other external influences be sufficiently high. Pipe insulation does the job quite well.
The purpose of thermal insulation
The most serious and common problem is the freezing of pipes in outdoor sections of the pipeline and in unheated premises. It is wiser to use the insulation system initially than to eliminate the consequences later.
Thermal insulation of pipes protects communications from rust that appears on the metal parts of the system as a result of the constant formation of condensate. As a result, pipes become thinner and fail.
Insulation for pipes helps to avoid heat loss. By maintaining the temperature in the pipes of the heating system, the owner will be able to significantly reduce utility costs.
Requirements for pipe insulation
- Low thermal conductivity, allowingsignificantly reduce heat loss.
- High strength and long service life.
- Wide temperature range. Sudden temperature changes should not affect the properties of the insulation, especially when it comes to hot water pipes located on the street.
- Reliable waterproofing that will not let water or condensate through the insulation.
- Quality pipe insulation is not affected by adverse environmental influences.
- Fire safety. When insulating piping systems located in places where fire is possible (baths, steam rooms, etc.), only non-combustible materials are used.
- Easy to install. In industrial construction or self-insulation, this is a definite plus.
Varieties of heaters
- Mineral wool or bas alt insulation. It is a high-strength material with a fairly long service life. The temperature range of use is very wide - from -60 °C to +200 °C. Flexibility and adhesion are good. Cotton wool is additionally reinforced with fiberglass or foil.
- Glass wool has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity - from 0.028 to 0.034 W/m. It is non-combustible and is not exposed to high temperatures. It has only one drawback - high hygroscopicity, so an additional layer of insulating material is needed on the outside. As a heater for heating pipes, it is used quite often, being one of the inexpensive materials - from 60 to 80 rubles per 1 kg.
- Insulation foam polystyrene, in fact, the same foam, but in a special form. It is effective in use at a temperature from -80 °C to + 180 °C. Its thermal conductivity is higher than that of previous materials - up to 0.05 W / m. Despite this, it also retains heat well. Its advantages include ease of installation - the elements are produced in the form of hemispheres, with which it is quite simple to wrap a pipe section and fasten the halves. The outer layer of insulation has an external coating, which increases its wear resistance. The cost depends on the diameter and thickness of the material. The thinnest insulation costs about 60 rubles. per meter.
- Insulation for pipes "shell" is made of polyurethane foam and is similar in its properties to foam. It consists of two halves, resembling a walnut shell, which are superimposed on the pipe from both sides and firmly fixed with wire. Having a high density and approximately the same coefficient of thermal conductivity, this material more easily tolerates mechanical stress, adequately insulates at temperatures from -180 ° C to +130 ° C. When dismantled, it retains all its thermal insulation properties, so it can be reused. Will last about 30 years. The cost of insulation varies from 200 to 1000 rubles, depending on the size of the material.
Inexpensive and simple insulation - polyethylene foam. Thanks to the fine-mesh structure, it perfectly retains heat. Its thermal conductivity is not higher than 0.05 W/m. The operating temperature range is from -50 °С to +90 °С. It has a small weight and thickness, which means it saves space. Durable, will last more than 100 years. The price depends on the thickness of the sheet and is approximately 160-200 rubles per linear meter
One of the most modern thermal insulation materials is liquid pipe insulation. It has the lowest thermal conductivity - 0.01 W / m, diluted with water and easy to apply. When dry, it reliably protects against moisture, effectively saves heat. The price is 350-400 rubles per liter
Installation
It completely depends on what kind of insulation is taken. Glass wool is often used for heating pipes, and the technique for using it is very simple. The layer is wound on the pipe and fastened with adhesive tape around the entire perimeter. This ensures structural integrity even if the pipe is deformed by ground displacement.
Issue price
The range of prices for pipe insulation is quite large, it all depends on the type of material and manufacturer. The cheapest is polyethylene foam. The most expensive will cost polyurethane shell and liquid insulation. Reliability and impeccable functioning of numerous engineering communications largely determine a comfortable existence. It is always possible to choose a pipe insulation, the price of which is affordable, and the technical characteristics guarantee the economical and careful operation of plumbing and heating systems.
