Each technological process is based on economic efficiency, which is influenced by a combination of many factors. One of these points, important for many industries (chemical, oil refining, metallurgical, food, utilities and many others), is the thermal insulation of equipment and pipelines. On an industrial scale, it is used on horizontal and vertical apparatuses, tanks for storing various liquids, in various exchangers and pumps. The processes of using cryogenic and low-temperature equipment are distinguished by particularly high requirements for thermal insulation. The energy industry uses insulating elements in the operation of all types of boilers and turbines, chimneys, storage tanks and various types of heat exchangers. Depending on the area of application, certain requirements are presented to them, which are included in SNiP. Thermal insulation of pipelines ensures the preservation of the invariance of the specified parameters at which the processes occur, as well as their safety, reduces losses.
General information
Thermal insulation is one of the most common types of protection, which has found its application in almost all industries. Thanks to it, trouble-free operation of most objects that pose a threat to human health or the environment is ensured. There are certain requirements for material selection and installation. They are collected in SNiP. The piping insulation must comply with the standards, since the normal functioning of many systems depends on it. Almost all of the requirements listed in the documentation are binding. In most cases, thermal insulation of heat pipelines is a key factor for the smooth operation and functioning of energy facilities, housing and communal services and industry. An additional quality possessed by thermal insulation of pipelines is the provision of requirements applicable in the field of energy conservation. Proper piping insulation made in accordance with all standards can reduce heat loss during its transfer from the supplier to the final consumer (for example, when providing hot water services in the housing and communal services system), which in turn reduces the overall energy costs.
Building Requirements
Installation and operation of thermal insulation structures directly depend on their purpose and installation location. There are a number of factors that affect thermal insulation materials. These include temperature, humidity, mechanical and other influences. To date, certain requirements have been adopted and approved, in accordance with which the calculation of pipeline insulation and subsequent installation is performed. They are considered basic, their accounting is basic in the construction of structures. These include, in particular:
- safety in relation to the environment;
- fire hazard, reliability and durability of the materials from which the construction is made;
- heat engineering indicators.
The parameters characterizing the operational properties of thermal insulation materials include some physical quantities. These are thermal conductivity, compressibility, elasticity, density, vibration resistance. Flammability, resistance to aggressive factors, insulation thickness of pipelines and a number of other parameters are of no small importance.
Thermal conductivity of the material
The thermal conductivity coefficient of the raw material from which the insulation is made determines the effectiveness of the entire structure. Based on its value, the required thickness of the future material is calculated. This in turn affects the amount of load that will be exerted by the heat insulator on the object. When calculating the coefficient value, the whole set of factors that directly affect it is taken into account. The final value affects the choice of material, the way it is laid, the required thickness to achieve maximum effect. It also takes into account temperature resistance, the degree of deformation at a given load, the permissible load that the material will add to the insulated structure, and much more.
Life time
The operational period of thermal insulation structures is different and depends on many factors directly influencing it. These, in particular, should include the location of the facility and weather conditions, the presence / absence of mechanical influence on the insulating structure. These key factors influence the durability of the structure. An additional special coating helps to increase the service life, which significantly reduces the level of environmental impact.
Fire safety requirements
Fire safety standards are defined for each industry. For example, for gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries, the use of slow-burning or non-combustible materials as part of heat-insulating structures is allowed. At the same time, the choice is influenced not only by the indicated indicators of the selected substance, but also by the behavior of the heat-insulating structure in a general fire. The increase in fire resistance is achieved by applying an additional coating resistant to high temperatures.
Sanitary requirements for facilities
When designing facilities, within which specific technological processes should take place with increased requirements for sterility and cleanliness (for example, for the pharmaceutical industry), certain norms are of primary importance. It is important for such rooms to use materials that do not affect air pollution. The situation is similar for housing and communal services. Pipeline insulation is carried out in strict accordance with established standards, while reliability and safety of use must be ensured.
Domestic manufacturers of protective materials
The market for thermal insulation materials is diverse and able to meet the needs of any customer. Here is the product
ktsiya both imported and domestic manufacturers. Russian companies produce the following types of thermal insulation materials:
- mats, which are fiberglass sewn on both sides, in mineral wool or kraft paper covers;
- mineral wool products based on corrugated structure (with its help industrial isolation of pipelines is carried out);
- mineral wool slabs on a synthetic basis;
- products based on glass staple synthetic fibers.
The largest manufacturers of thermal insulation materials are: Thermosteps OJSC, Nazarovsky ZTI, Mineral Vata (CJSC), URSA-Eurasia OJSC.
Foreign manufacturers of materials
The products of foreign companies are also represented on the market of thermal insulation materials. Among none stand out: "Partek", "Rockwool" (Denmark), "Paroc" (Finland), "Izomat" (Slovakia), "San Gobain Izover" (Finland). All of them specialize in various types and combinations of fibrous thermal insulation materials. The most common are mats, cylinders and plates, which can be uncoated or coated on one side (for example, aluminum foil can be used as it).
Rubber and foam materials
The most common of foam insulation materials received polyurethane filling. It is used in two forms: in the form of tiled products and spraying, it is used mainly for protection in low-temperature production. Its developer is the Scientific Research Institute of Synthetic Resins (in Vladimir), and its subsidiary is CJSC Izolan. Pipeline insulation is also carried out with synthetic materials. In this case, equipment operating in conditions of negative and positive ambient temperatures is protected. The main suppliers of such materials are L'ISOLANTE K-FLEX and Armasell. Such thermal insulation looks like tubes (cylinders) or plate-sheet products.