Thermal insulation of pipes and the most popular types of heaters

Qualitative heat insulation of pipes is a necessary condition to prevent heat leakage, to avoid condensation and freezing of the pipeline located outside the heated room.

Value of thermal insulation

The main purpose of insulation for pipes is to reduce heat loss. Correctly selected and installed with observance of technology, heat-insulating material can reduce losses of heat energy 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 important. Thermal insulation of pipes using reliable modern materials makes it possible to ensure uninterrupted water supply at any time of the year.

Apply thermal insulation and for the very opposite purpose - when it is required to avoid the heating of the working substance. Such properties of a heater are necessary in systems for transfer of liquid gases, in refrigerator installations and some other devices.

Basic requirements for thermal insulation

The effectiveness of the chosen insulation depends largely on its technical characteristics.

It should be designed directly for pipes. If the roll insulation is mounted without any problems, then the rigid material is selected in appropriate shapes and sizes, taking into account the diameter of the pipe.

Pay attention to the ability of the material to moisture absorption. It should be minimal, because the wetting insulation significantly reduces the protective function. In most cases, the insulation of pipes is carried out independently, without the involvement of specialists, so preference should be given to materials that have a simpler mounting technology.

Essential factors in 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 it is the most convenient to use and effective insulation. Available in the form of half-cylinders (shell) of different diameters and thickness, which are fixed to the pipe with clamps or mastic. The advantage of the shell is that it completely eliminates the formation of the effect of steam such insulation of the pipes. The price for 1 running meter of this heater is relatively low - from 100 to 250 rubles. As a coating for this material, foil, galvanized steel (for external laying), fiberglass, polyethylene (for laying in the ground) are used. The shell of polyurethane foam is able to withstand temperatures from -180 to +135 ° C. A coating method and a seamless method are used when the polyurethane is sprayed onto the surface of the pipe, which provides maximum protection.
• Mineral wool. Used as a heater for metal, plastic, as well as other types of pipes. This material is the most democratic at a price (6 sq. M. Will cost 450 rubles), therefore, it is used rationally where large volumes are required: for the construction of heating mains, water supply lines, etc. The drawback is that the insulation of pipes with the help of Mineral wool requires additional protection against moisture.
• Foamed thermal insulation. It is characterized by increased strength and is made of a foam that does not support combustion. The possibility of reusing this insulating material allows you to save time when creating temporary communications. This is one of the more economical and reliable heaters.

Other types of heaters

Today, more and more modern insulation for water supply pipes is gaining popularity. To novelties it is possible to carry the foamed heater, possessing teplootrazhajushchim effect. It protects well from the penetration of water. Many industrial sites use a thermo-paint, which has a high thermal insulation ability with a minimum layer. Applied with a normal brush or roller. To cover large areas - using a sprayer. In addition to the main function of this insulation protects metal pipes from corrosion and gives them a more aesthetic appearance.

Foamed polyethylene also can be attributed to effective materials. Thermal insulation of pipes with its use helps to keep the temperature the same as at the outlet from the boiler.

Installation of heat-insulating materials

In order to insulate the pipeline with roll, sheet or molding material, special equipment is not required. This can be done on their own, with a knife, an adhesive tape, a brush, a galvanized wire, and an anti-corrosion primer mixture.

The surface of the metal pipe must first be thoroughly cleaned of contaminants and apply a primer layer on it. Then tightly wrap the pipe with reinforced tape, fixing the seams with a wire. Further heat 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 the already installed pipeline - after cutting and further sealing with special glue.

Heat insulation of pipes in the ground

Laying communications in the ground necessarily requires the insulation of pipes with thermal insulation materials. This is taken into account when calculating the width of the trench. At the bottom it is desirable to lay a sand or claydite pillow. Pipes are wrapped with a heater, which is attached depending on its type by tape or wire. Often the insulation of sewer pipes running underground is performed by a combined method. Most materials are successfully combined, providing a good effect.