High-quality thermal insulation of pipes is a necessary condition in order to prevent leakage of heat, to avoid the appearance of condensate and freezing of a pipeline located outside a heated room.
Insulation value
The main purpose of the insulation for pipes is to reduce heat loss. Correctly selected and installed in compliance with the technology thermal insulation material can reduce heat loss by 25%. In addition, it also serves to solve many other problems.
Thermal insulation for water 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 of the working substance. Such properties of the insulation 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 intended directly for pipes. If the roll insulation is mounted without any problems, then the rigid material is selected of the appropriate shapes and sizes, taking into account the diameter of the pipe.
Attention should be paid to the ability of the material to absorb moisture. It should be minimal, as the wetting insulation significantly reduces protective functions. In most cases, the pipe insulation is carried out independently, without the involvement of specialists, therefore, preference should be given to materials having 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 efficient insulation. Available in the form of half-cylinders (shells) of different diameters and thicknesses, which are mounted on the pipe using clamps or mastics. The advantage of the shell is that it completely eliminates the formation of the vapor effect and such pipe insulation. 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 outdoor installation), fiberglass, polyethylene (when laying in the ground) are used. The shell made of polyurethane foam is able to withstand temperatures from -180 to +135 ° C. Used for coating and seamless method, when the polyurethane is sprayed on the surface of the pipe, which provides maximum protection.
- Mineral wool. It is used as a heater for metal, plastic, as well as other types of pipes. This material is the most affordable at a price (6 sq. M will cost 450 rubles), therefore it is used rationally where large volumes are required: during the construction of heating mains, water mains, etc. The disadvantage is that pipe insulation with mineral wool requires additional protection against moisture.
- Foam insulation. It is characterized by increased strength and is made of foam that does not support combustion. The possibility of reusing this thermal insulation 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 pipes is also gaining popularity. New products include foil insulation with a heat-reflecting effect. It protects it from water penetration. At many industrial facilities, thermal paint is used, characterized by high heat-insulating ability with a minimum layer. It is applied with a regular brush or roller. For covering large areas - with a spray gun. In addition to the main function, such a heater 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 boiler.
Installation of thermal insulation materials
In order to insulate the pipeline with rolled, sheet or molded material, special equipment is not required. This can be done on its own, having at hand a knife, tape, brush, galvanized wire, as well as an anti-corrosion primer mixture.
The surface of the metal pipe must first be thoroughly cleaned of impurities and a primer layer is applied to it. Then tightly wrap the pipe with reinforced tape, securing the seams with wire. Further thermal insulation of the heating pipes is carried out depending on the shape of the insulation. Fixture of casing materials is performed 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.
Pipe insulation in the ground
Laying communications in the ground necessarily requires pipe insulation with heat-insulating materials. This is taken into account when calculating the width of the trench. At the bottom it is desirable to lay a sand or expanded clay pillow. Pipes are wrapped with insulation, which is mounted, depending on its type, with tape or wire.
Thermal insulation of sewer pipes running underground is often done using the combined method. Most materials are successfully combined with each other, providing a good effect.