Heat insulation material for pipes and its varieties. Requirements for thermal insulation

Pipelines of various systems, as a rule, have a large length. Their plots are located both on the surface and under the ground. Therefore, it is extremely important that the effectiveness of isolation of communications from cold and other external influences is sufficiently high. Heater for pipes is quite capable of this task.

Purpose of thermal insulation

The most serious and often occurring problem is the freezing of pipes in the street sections of the pipeline and in unheated rooms. It is more reasonable to use the system of insulation initially, than to eliminate the consequences.

Thermal insulation of pipes protects communication from rust, appearing on the metal parts of the system as a result of the constant formation of condensate. As a result, the pipes become thinner and out of order.

Heat insulation for pipes helps to avoid heat loss. Keeping the temperature in the pipes of the heating system, the owner can significantly reduce the utility costs.

Requirements for heat insulation materials for pipes

• Low thermal conductivity, which significantly reduces heat loss.
• High strength and long service life.
• Wide temperature range. Sharp changes in temperature should not affect the properties of the insulation, especially when it comes to hot water pipes located on the street.
• Reliable waterproofing, which will not let through the heater water or condensation.
• Quality insulation for pipes is not subject to adverse environmental effects.
• 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. With industrial construction or with self-insulation, this is an undoubted plus.

Types of heaters

• Mineral wool or basalt insulation. This is a high-strength material with a fairly long life. The temperature range of use is very wide - from -60 ° C to +200 ° C. Flexibility and adhesion are good. The cotton wool is additionally reinforced with glass wool or foil.
• Glass wool has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity - from 0.028 to 0.034 W / m. It is non-combustible material and is not exposed to high temperatures. It has only one drawback - high hygroscopicity, therefore an additional layer of insulation material is required from the outside. As a heater for heating pipes is used quite often, being one of the inexpensive materials - from 60 to 80 rubles per 1 kg.

• Insulated polystyrene foam, in fact, the same foam, 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 keeps the heat well. Its advantages include simplicity of installation - the elements are produced in the form of hemispheres, by which it is quite easy to wrap a pipe section and fasten the halves. The outer layer of the insulation has an external coating, which increases its wear resistance. The cost depends on the diameter and thickness of the material. The most thin insulation costs about 60 rubles. Per meter.
• Insulation for pipes "shell" is made of polyurethane foam and is similar in properties to foam plastic. It consists of two halves resembling walnut shells, which are laid on the pipe on 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 effects, adequately insulates at temperatures from -180 ° C to +130 ° C. When dismantling, it retains all its thermal insulation properties, so it can be re-used. 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 - foam polyethylene. Due to the fine-meshed structure it keeps the heat perfectly. Its thermal conductivity is not higher than 0.05 W / m. Operating temperature ranges from -50 ° C to +90 ° C. 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 running meter.

• One of the most modern thermal insulation materials is a liquid insulation for pipes. It has the lowest thermal conductivity - 0.01 W / m, diluted with water and is easily applied. In dry form reliably protects from moisture, effectively saves heat. The price is 350-400 rubles per liter.

Installation

It completely depends on what kind of insulation is taken. For heating pipes, glass wool is often used, and the technique of its application is very simple. The layer is wound on a pipe and fixed with adhesive tape all around the perimeter. This ensures the integrity of the structure, even if the pipe is deformed from the ground displacement.

Price of issue

The spread of prices for insulation for pipes is quite large, it all depends on the type of material and the manufacturer. The cheapest is foamed polyethylene. The most expensive is a polyurethane foam shell and a liquid insulation. Reliability and perfect functioning of numerous engineering communications in many respects determine comfortable existence. There is always a possibility to choose a heater for pipes, the price of which is affordable, and technical characteristics guarantee economical and careful operation of water supply and heating systems.