High-quality thermal insulation of pipes is a necessary condition in order to prevent heat leakage, avoid condensation and freezing of pipelines located outside the heated room.
Insulation value
The main purpose of pipe insulation is to reduce heat loss. Properly selected and installed in compliance with the technology, heat-insulating material can reduce heat loss by 25%. In addition, it also serves to solve many other problems.
Thermal insulation for water supply pipes helps protect them from freezing and gusts. In the climatic conditions of Russia, this is especially true. Pipe insulation using reliable modern materials allows for uninterrupted water supply at any time of the year.
Thermal insulation is also used for a completely opposite purpose - when it is necessary to avoid heating the working substance. Such insulation properties are necessary in systems for pumping liquid gases, in refrigeration units and some other devices.
Basic requirements for thermal insulation
The effectiveness of the selected insulation depends largely on its technical characteristics.
It should be for pipes directly. If the roll insulation is mounted without any problems, then the rigid material is selected in the appropriate shapes and sizes, taking into account the diameter of the pipe.
You should pay attention to the ability of the material to absorb moisture. It should be minimal, since a wet insulation significantly reduces the protective functions. In most cases, thermal insulation of pipes is carried out independently, without the involvement of specialists, so preference should be given to materials that have a simpler installation technology.
Significant factors when choosing a heater are its long service life, compliance with fire and sanitary standards, as well as the cost of the material.
Popular thermal insulation materials
- Polyurethane foam. In domestic use, this is the most convenient and effective insulation in use. It is produced in the form of semi-cylinders (shells) of different diameters and thicknesses, which are attached to the pipe with clamps or mastic. The advantage of the shell is that such thermal insulation of pipes completely eliminates the formation of the steam effect. The price for 1 running meter of this insulation is relatively low - from 100 to 250 rubles. As a coating for this material, foil, galvanized steel (for external laying), fiberglass, polyethylene (when laying in the ground) are used. The shell of polyurethane foam is able to withstand temperaturesfrom -180 to +135 ⁰С. Used for coating and seamless method, when polyurethane is sprayed on the surface of the pipe, which provides maximum protection.
- Mineral wool. It is used as a heater for metal, plastic and other types of pipes. This is the most affordable material (6 sq. M will cost 450 rubles), so it finds rational use where large volumes are required: in the construction of heating mains, water supply mains, etc. The disadvantage is that the thermal insulation of pipes using mineral wool requires additional protection against moisture.
- Foam insulation. Differs in the increased durability and is made of polyfoam which is not supporting combustion. The possibility of reusing this heat-insulating material allows you to save money when creating temporary communications. This is one of the more economical and reliable heaters.
Other types of insulation
Today, more modern thermal insulation for water supply pipes is gaining popularity. The novelties include foil insulation, which has a heat-reflecting effect. It protects well from water penetration. Many industrial facilities use thermal paint, which is characterized by high thermal insulation with a minimum layer. Applied with a regular brush or roller. To cover large areas - with a sprayer. In addition to the main function, such insulation protects metal pipes from corrosion and gives them a more aesthetic appearance.
Foamed polyethylene can also be attributed to effective materials. Thermal insulation of pipes with its use helps to keep the temperature the same as at the outlet of the heating boiler.
Installation of thermal insulation materials
In order to insulate the pipeline with rolled, sheet or molded material, no special equipment is required. This can be done on your own, with a knife, tape, brush, galvanized wire, and an anti-corrosion primer mixture on hand.
The surface of the metal pipe must first be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and a layer of primer applied to it. Then tightly wrap the pipe with reinforced tape, securing the seams with wire. Further thermal insulation of heating pipes is carried out depending on the shape of the insulation. Fastening of casing materials is carried out due to special grooves. Cylindrical tubes are installed before the installation of the system, and on an already installed pipeline - after cutting and further sealing with special glue.
Insulation of pipes in the ground
Laying communications in the ground necessarily requires insulation of pipes with heat-insulating materials. This is taken into account when calculating the width of the trench. At the bottom of it, it is desirable to lay a sand or expanded clay pillow. Pipes are wrapped with insulation, which is attached, depending on its type, with adhesive tape or wire.
Sewage pipes running underground are often thermally insulated,combined method. Most of the materials are successfully combined with each other, providing a good effect.
