Pipe Insulation

Due to the increasing cost of fuel resources and high demand of energy efficiency, experts are turning into advocating application of pipe insulation both in home and industries. Different types of insulation materials can be formed in a tube or cylindrical forms. Other types can be easily cut and fold to wrap pipes and tubes.

Pipe is a cylindrical form of material used for the conveyance of liquid or gas. Pipe is made from rigid and permanent materials like metals. Pipe made from steel is the most common material because of it is more inexpensive than any other material. Steel is more durable than other metals. However, steel pipes are corrosive and does not last longer than other metals. Copper pipes are normally used for plumbing because of its non-corrosive property. Stainless steel, aluminum, and brass pipes are also used for the conveyance of gas and liquid. However, they are more expensive than steel thus limiting their uses to only a specific type of application.

Plastic and ceramics are also used to make pipes. Their use is only limited to water with lower temperature. Their properties cannot withstand high temperature.

Pipes should be insulated to absorb moisture. Insulating the pipe is also important to keep the pipes from freezing during cold periods. Insulation can also prevent the pipes from contributing warmth to homes, building or spaces when the pipes are carrying hot items.

Pipe insulation comes from different materials. The common materials are fiberglass, polyurethane pipe insulation foam and polysterene foam.

The use of sturdy and strong material called polyurethane foam has been in the use for over 30 years now in pipe insulation. Its increasing demand has even replaced the use of other popular material. The most common use of pipe insulation is found in district heater systems. Contractors are also familiar of its efficiency in gas and off the shore pipelines. It is a top choice in plumbing process, chemical refineries and industrial plants, milk and dairy product factories, district cooling system and pipe line insulation in swimming pools.

The substance called polyurethane foam is superior in insulation. Its molecular behavior helps reduce heat loss and retains consistency of ambient temperature especially in cold places where freezing is a common occurrence. Polyurethane pipe insulation is characterized by its high durability and breakage resistance. This is also highly adhesive and flexible that is very crucial to the maintenance of pipe insulation sections. This is also highly receptive of even the worst temperature extremities from -196 degrees Celsius to over 150 degrees Celsius.

Fiberglass pipe insulation is available in a roll bonded with a durable resin or polymer. Fiberglass pipe insulation is made inorganic glass fibers. It is available in many sizes but it is limited upon availability from different manufacturers and suppliers. It can stand a temperature as high as 850oF. It can be applied to iron and cooper pipes.

Polysterene pipe insulation is another form of foam insulation that can be applied to pipes. This material is colorless and thermal plastic in nature that enables it to bend and flex during heat exposure to 100 degrees Celsius. It can even protect itself from oils, alcohols, alkalinity and acidity. It is even used in major copper and iron piping. It can even withstand the temperature extremes from -310 degrees Fahrenheit to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pipe insulation made from either of the materials is utilized in applications that involve the use of pipes. Pipe insulation’s shapes, sizes and thickness depend on its applications.
There are many standards in determining pipe sizes and their prevalence differs on industry and geographical area.

Pipes are the materials in plumbing. Plumbing is normally the work of a plumber or more professionally, the mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineers know more in pipe sizing uses and estimates; the appropriate pipe insulation and the consideration of thickness of pipe insulation needed for different diameters of pipes.