Pipelines of various systems, as a rule, have a large length. Their sites are both on the surface and underground. Therefore, it is extremely important that the efficiency of isolation of communications from the cold and other external influences is sufficiently high. Insulation for pipes copes with this task.
Purpose of thermal insulation
The most serious and common problem is the freezing of pipes on the street sections of the pipeline and in unheated rooms. 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 constant condensation. As a result of this, the pipes become thinner and fail.
Insulation for pipes helps to avoid heat loss. By keeping the temperature in the pipes of the heating system, the owner will be able to significantly reduce utility costs.
Requirements for insulation for pipes
- Low thermal conductivity, which can significantly reduce heat loss.
- High strength and long life.
- Wide temperature range. Sudden changes in temperature should not affect the properties of the insulation, especially when it comes to pipes with hot water located on the street.
- Reliable waterproofing, which will not let water or condensate pass through the insulation.
- High-quality insulation for pipes is not subject to adverse environmental influences.
- Fire safety. When warming piping systems located in places where ignition is possible (baths, steam rooms, etc.), only non-combustible materials are used.
- Easy to install. With industrial construction or with independent insulation, this is a definite plus.
Varieties of insulation
- Mineral wool or basalt insulation. This is a high-strength material with a rather long service life. The temperature range of use is very wide - from -60 ° C to +200 ° C. Flexibility and grip 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 a non-combustible material and is not subject to high temperatures. It has only one drawback - high hygroscopicity, therefore, an additional layer of insulating material on the outside is necessary. As a heater for heating pipes is used quite often, being one of the inexpensive materials - from 60 to 80 rubles per 1 kg.
- The polystyrene insulation, in fact, is the same polystyrene, but in a special form. Effective in use at temperatures 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 together. 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.
- The 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 two sides and are firmly fixed with wire. Having a high density and approximately the same coefficient of thermal conductivity, this material is easier to tolerate mechanical stresses, adequately insulates at temperatures from -180 ° C to +130 ° C. During dismantling, it retains all its heat-insulating properties, so it can be reused. It 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 - foamed polyethylene. Thanks to its fine-meshed structure, it retains heat very well. Its thermal conductivity is not higher than 0.05 W / m. The operating temperature range is from -50 ° C to +90 ° C. It has a small weight and thickness, which means it saves area. It is durable, will serve 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 advanced heat-insulating materials is a liquid insulation for pipes. It has the lowest thermal conductivity - 0.01 W / m, is diluted with water and easy to apply. When dry, it reliably protects from moisture, effectively saves heat. The price is 350-400 rubles per liter.
Mounting
It completely depends on what kind of insulation is taken. Glass wool is often used for heating pipes, and the technique for its use is very simple. The layer is wound on a pipe and fastened with tape along the entire perimeter. This ensures the integrity of the structure, even if the pipe is deformed from soil displacement.
Issue price
The price range for insulation for pipes is large enough, it all depends on the type of material and manufacturer. The cheapest is foamed polyethylene. Polyurethane shell and liquid insulation will be the most expensive. Reliability and flawless functioning of numerous utilities largely determine a comfortable existence. There is always the opportunity to choose a heater for pipes, the price of which is affordable, and technical specifications guarantee economical and careful operation of water supply and heating systems.