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Insulation of pipelines with tin. Stage-by-stage insulation of pipelines. Requirements for heat-insulating materials

The vast majority of regions of our country are characterized by very harsh winters. Frosts of minus 20 degrees and below will not surprise anyone. And even in the southern regions, with a mild climate, the weather sometimes brings “surprises” when the thermometer drops below zero for quite a long time. That is, at almost any point during private construction you have to think about how to protect against freezing.

Frozen water in pipes is not only and not even so much a temporary loss of one of the communal “conveniences”. Most often, such troubles lead to literally catastrophic consequences - they end with the rupture of pipe walls, complete failure of the entire home system, and the need for large-scale repair and restoration work. And hoping for some illusory luck, like this won’t happen to me, is extremely short-sighted. In any case, it is impossible to do without high-quality insulation of the system.

Let's see what kind of thermal insulation can be used for water supply pipes, let's look at the types of materials, their advantages and disadvantages. And with the main question - what should be the thickness of this insulating layer.

What methods are used to protect water pipes from freezing?

It doesn’t matter whether a private house receives water distribution from a central collector (and this also often happens), or whether an autonomous source (well or borehole) will be used, a pipe laying area is still expected where negative external temperatures are likely. The only exceptions can be considered those rare cases when the well is drilled directly in the basement of the house. And even then, on the way to the points of consumption there may also be sections of water supply passing through an unheated basement or basement. But in order to disable the water supply system, a very short uninsulated section is enough.

What approaches are used to protect water pipes from freezing?

• First of all, water main If possible, it should be laid below the soil freezing level in the given region. At this depth of the route (and it is taken with a reserve - the freezing level plus another 300÷500 mm), the temperature should never reach negative values. That is, the probability of getting an “ice jam” tends to zero.

However, this approach is not always fully feasible. In some regions, the soil freezes to a very significant depth, and digging such deep trenches significantly complicates the implementation of the project. It is not uncommon to find areas where the soil characteristics completely exclude such an arrangement of pipes.

In many regions, the level of soil freezing reaches very significant depths. It is not always possible to dig such deep trenches for laying water pipes.

In addition, the pipe, one way or another, must be lifted up in order for it to enter the house. And in any case, it will pass through “dangerous” areas - the upper sections of the route, passage through the foundation, through the basement, basement, or even just an unheated room, where negative temperatures can be observed in winter.

How the system is built autonomous water supply in a private house

Much depends on the source of water, its location on the site, distance from the residential building, the climatic conditions of the region and the design features of the building itself. Read more about this in a special publication on our portal.

• Those same “problem areas” of the water supply route can be artificially heated using electrical energy. For these purposes, special heating cables are used, which are laid on the pipe walls under a layer of thermal insulation, or even placed directly in the pipe cavity.

There are many varieties of such cables on sale these days, as well as automatic heating control units that turn on the power when required.

How to organize heating of water supply?

The appearance of warming cable systems eliminated a lot of problems when organizing autonomous water intakes in private homes. By the way, if you strictly follow the instructions of the manufacturers of such products, then it is quite possible to install and launch it yourself. More details can be found in a special publication on our portal.

• In the basement, basement or other areas of the house, where negative temperatures are not excluded, laying a “thermal satellite” is sometimes practiced. This is a pipe running parallel to the water supply and enclosed in a common thermal insulation shell, which is nothing more than one of the branches of the general heating circuit of the house.

Such a hike, of course, complicates both the plumbing and heating systems. But you no longer have to worry about the integrity of areas with such heating. True, only when the heating is on.

• One of radical ways Preventing water from freezing in pipes is to maintain a constant high pressure in them. To do this, the autonomous water supply system is supplemented with special equipment, and the pipes themselves must be able to withstand these increased loads.

The approach, although effective, is quite complex in organization and in everyday use. In addition, it turns out to be more expensive in terms of energy consumption. Such systems have not gained much popularity.

• The most common method is thermal insulation of pipes, that is, what this publication is essentially devoted to. The use of various insulation materials helps to avoid freezing of the water supply system, if, of course, the material and thickness of the insulation are selected correctly.

All this will be discussed in more detail below.

A special type of insulation sometimes includes the creation of a stationary air gap between the water pipe and the casing, which prevents direct contact of the pipe with the ground. In a nutshell, this can be described as a “pipe within a pipe.”

But, in truth, this method is not used in its “pure form”. Hollow space, at least for precise positioning water pipe inside the outer shell, it is still filled with insulating material. Which, in principle, is insulation only because of its ability to create a layer of immobilized air. So the result is classic thermal insulation of the pipe with the creation of an external casing. And by the way, it is always welcome to protect both the insulation and the pipe itself from mechanical influences, from ground moisture, and from damage that can be caused by rodents living underground, attracted by the winter heat.

In practice, a combination of most of the listed methods for protecting water pipes from freezing is usually used. That is, they try to deepen the route from the well or well as much as possible, insure the most vulnerable areas with additional heating and, of course, provide reliable thermal insulation, usually along the entire length of the water pipe.

Such an integrated approach is also necessary for the reasons that even high-quality insulation often does not guarantee complete protection of the water supply system. The table below shows the volumes of heat loss calculated for pipes of different external diameters, enclosed in a layer of thermal insulation of different thicknesses. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the insulation is taken as average, typical for most thermal insulation materials, used in the role under consideration – 0.04 W/(m×K).

Naturally, the amount of heat loss depends directly on the temperature difference environment and the liquid pumped through the pipe. The table shows several options - from Δt = 20 ℃ to Δt = 60 ℃. For example, if the temperature of water from a well (well) in winter is +2 ÷ 4 ℃, and in the winter the pipe passes through the base of the house, frozen to - 15 ℃, then the temperature difference can be considered 20 degrees.

Insulation layer thickness	Temperature difference (Δt, °С)	Pipe outer diameter (mm)
		15	20	25	32	40	50	65	80	100	150
		Average heat loss (W per linear meter of pipeline)
10 mm	20	7.2	8.4	10	12	13.4	16.2	19	23	29	41
	30	10.7	12.6	15	18	20.2	24.4	29	34	43	61
	40	14.3	16.8	20	24	26.8	32.5	38	45	57	81
	60	21.5	25.2	30	36	40.2	48.7	58	68	86	122
20 mm	20	4.6	5.3	6.1	7.2	7.9	9.4	11	13	16	22
	30	6.8	7.9	9.1	10.8	11.9	14.2	16	19	24	33
	40	9.1	10.6	12.2	14.4	15.8	18.8	22	25	32	44
	60	13.6	15.7	18.2	21.6	23.9	28.2	33	38	48	67
30 mm	20	3.6	4.1	4.7	5.5	6	7	8	9	11	16
	30	5.4	6.1	7.1	8.2	9	10.6	12	14	17	24
	40	7.3	8.3	9.5	10.9	12	14	16	19	23	31
	60	10.9	12.4	14.2	16.4	18	21	24	28	34	47
40 mm	20	3.1	3.5	4	4.6	4.9	5.8	7	8	9	12
	30	4.7	5.3	6	6.8	7.4	8.6	10	11	14	19
	40	6.2	7.1	7.9	9.1	10	11.5	13	15	18	25
	60	9.4	10.6	12	13.7	14.9	17.3	20	22	27	37

As you can see, even with a fairly thick insulation layer of 40 mm, a pipe with a diameter of 32 mm under the example conditions taken above will lose almost 5 W of thermal energy per linear meter. It doesn’t seem like much, but if there is no water movement in the pipe for several hours, an ice plug may appear in such an area. This means that these heat losses will have to be replenished in one way or another.

That is, when designing your water supply system, you need to carefully analyze theoretically vulnerable areas, and strengthen thermal insulation on them (if possible) or take steps to heat these “dangerous” areas. Which, by the way, are usually located in close proximity to the house or even directly in it. Although, it also happens that the entire route from the source to the house has to be heated, since, for example, rocky soil or high groundwater makes it impossible to dig trenches below the freezing level.

But even in this case, the importance of pipe insulation only increases. The heat generated by the heating system should not be wasted, but should fulfill its intended purpose. And without high-quality thermal insulation it is impossible to achieve this.

Thermal insulation requirements for water pipes

So, let's move directly to thermal insulation for water pipes. And first of all, let’s figure out what requirements it should ideally meet.

From the above it should already be clear that pipe thermal insulation is designed to perform two key interrelated tasks:

Protecting the water supply system from dropping its temperature below zero - in order to avoid freezing of water, leading to loss of system functionality and rupture of pipes.

In areas with forced heating - minimizing heat losses for efficient and economical operation heating cable.

High-quality insulation must meet the following criteria:

• Of course, its thermal insulation qualities should be put in first place. The lower the thermal conductivity coefficient, the more efficiently heat is retained, the thinner the thermal insulation layer can be provided.
• The water supply system in an autonomous system is mainly located in the ground, that is, in a moist soil environment. This means that thermal insulation must be resistant to moisture, preferably hydrophobic. Wet insulation always sharply loses its thermal insulation qualities. Those sections of pipelines that run outdoors also need protection from moisture.

Not all materials meet this criterion equally. But this can be partly solved by enclosing the insulated pipes in a waterproof shell or casing.

• The soil is often saturated with very aggressive chemical compounds. This means that both the insulation itself and the layer protecting it must be inert to such effects.
• An important criterion is the mechanical strength of the material. The insulation layer in the ground will experience serious soil pressure. In open areas, external mechanical influences cannot be excluded.
• The laying of water pipelines, especially in buried areas, is done with the expectation of many years of operation. This indicates the need for pronounced durability of the insulating material.
• Good modern thermal insulation should not cause installation difficulties. Very often when creating a water supply system they use ready-made solutions– already insulated pipes, which all that remains is to install them into a common pipeline, and then insulate the joints.

• Of course, the availability of material always remains an important criterion - both in terms of supply in stores and in terms of cost. But here it should be immediately noted that high-quality modern pre-insulated pipes a priori cannot be cheap.

Now let's see what materials are used to insulate water pipes.

Insulation materials for thermal insulation of water pipes.

Mineral wool of various types, polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and polyethylene foam are widely used for insulating water pipes. IN Lately increasingly began to be used relatively new insulation- foam rubber.

Mineral wool

This is perhaps the most affordable thermal insulation material for such purposes. But it’s also far from the most convenient.

Of the three existing types Only two types of mineral wool are actually used for insulation of pipelines - glass wool and stone (basalt). The so-called slag wool, made from metallurgical waste, is poorly suited for such purposes. It loses in thermal insulation qualities, quickly becomes saturated with water, and not everything is in order with its chemical composition, which under certain conditions can become a catalyst for active corrosion of metal pipes.

What are dignity mineral wool insulation:

• Low thermal conductivity coefficient.
• One of the important advantages over many other insulation materials is plasticity. Mineral wool can be used to insulate curved or flat surfaces, tees, bends, valves and other fittings without any problems and without the need to purchase additional products.
• Chemical inertness to most acidic or alkaline compounds that may occur in soil moisture.
• A variety of release forms, any of which, in principle, can be used for pipe insulation. Thus, mineral wool is also produced in mats, including pierced ones, in separate slabs (blocks) of various thicknesses. This allows, by the way, to independently vary the thickness of the created insulating layer, depending on the initial conditions.

Special products for thermal insulation of pipes are also made from mineral wool - semi-cylinders (“shells” in common parlance) of various internal and external diameters, with or without an external coating. Very convenient for quick installation on straight sections of water supply.

• Mineral wool is a practically non-flammable material. For underground sections of the water supply system, this quality may not be so important, but for open sections it will be useful.

Now let's go through shortcomings this material:

• First of all, it should be noted that many types of mineral wool are hygroscopic. This applies to a greater extent to fiberglass materials. They can quite actively absorb moisture, losing their insulating characteristics. And when wet mineral wool freezes, it undergoes destructuring and severe shrinkage.

Basalt types of mineral wool usually undergo special hydrophobic treatment, and are more resistant to contact with water.

But in any case, such insulation must be protected from direct contact with wet soil. This is achieved by creating a surface protective layer from aluminum foil, roofing felt or even just dense polyethylene film. The task is not particularly difficult: such an outer covering is simply wound on top with a certain overlap (overlapping) of turns, and then fixed with wire or other clamps. But at the same time, such additional operations complicate the installation of thermal insulation.

As we saw above, some types of mineral wool pipe insulation are already equipped with an applied external coating. This greatly simplifies thermal insulation work, but such materials are also more expensive.

• Working with mineral wool requires certain precautions and the use of skin, eye, and respiratory protection. The fibers are brittle (again, glass wool suffers more from this; basalt fibers have much better elasticity), and sharp microscopic fragments often cause serious irritation of the skin and mucous membranes.

• Another disadvantage is the tendency of mineral wool to gradually cake and lose volume (the thickness of the insulation layer). The reason for this is the same fragility of the fibers, which can increase under unfavorable conditions (waterlogging + negative temperatures) or due to vibration.

The shrinkage of mineral wool insulation should be taken into account when planning the thermal insulation of pipes. How this is taken into account will be discussed below.

Insulation made from expanded polystyrene (PPR)

Expanded polystyrene (or, as it is often called, polystyrene foam) is very widely used specifically for the purpose of thermal insulation of various areas of the building. Plumbing is no exception.

By the way, this material is rightly criticized for whole line very negative qualities that limit its use in residential premises. First of all, these include problems from an environmental point of view, flammability and extremely toxic combustion products. But in terms of use for thermal insulation of underground sections of water supply, these qualities are completely unimportant. So the use of PPR should not cause any special concern.

The advantages of expanded polystyrene include:

• Excellent thermal insulation properties.
• Low density - the material is lightweight, very easy to process and install.
• High-quality PPR is not afraid of moisture - it practically does not penetrate its structure.
• The cost of products made from PPR is low - the cost of insulation will be small.
• The material is durable if it is protected from external mechanical damage and from contact with organic solvents.

The most convenient way, of course, to insulate pipes is to use a “shell” - half-cylinders with the required internal and external diameters. High-quality products of this type are also equipped with a tongue-and-groove lock, which prevents the appearance of cold bridges at the border of the two halves.

Such half-cylinders are put on both sides of the pipe, connected in locks, and then tied with tape or even just wire clamps. On straight sections of the water supply route, thermal insulation will not take much time.

Disadvantages In addition to those already listed above, the following can be considered:

• The material is quite fragile, and the “shell” is easy to break if handled carelessly.
• Complete absence of any plasticity. That is, even at a slight bend in the route, this section will have to be isolated separately, and then again switched to half-cylinders.

True, many companies engaged in the production of such “shells” also offer in their assortment special shaped parts for turns, tees and some other components. But, traditionally, the cost of such fittings is significantly higher than the price of “linear” elements. Therefore many experienced craftsmen They try to independently cut out the required parts for bends, tees, etc. from half-cylinders. Or these areas are insulated with mineral wool and then covered with a waterproof casing.

Used to insulate water pipes and polystyrene foam boards. For example, they are laid on top of the pipe before backfilling the trench - this creates a kind of screen that prevents vertical penetration of cold into the depths.

Another option is to build a box from expanded polystyrene slabs at the bottom of the trench into which the pipes are laid. After installing the water supply, the box is closed with a lid made of the same plate, and then backfilling soil.

Given the affordable cost of white foam boards, this insulation option will probably be the least expensive.

• Expanded polystyrene cannot be classified as a chemically resistant polymer. Even ordinary fuels and lubricants can cause its destructuring.

Therefore, such insulation should be used with caution if the soil is saturated with petroleum products (which often happens, for example, near a car park). Or, what would be more correct, provide external protection for the “shell”, for example, from a thick polyethylene film.

Polyurethane foam insulation for pipes

With a certain external similarity to polystyrene foam (more precisely, with its extruded variety), polyurethane foam is significantly superior to it in almost all respects.

As a rule, polyurethane foam insulation for pipes is not produced in its “pure form”. But manufacturers offer a wide range of pre-insulated pipes. On such products, ready for installation, the pipe is already protected by a layer of high-quality PPU insulation and an external coating that is resistant to mechanical stress, moisture, and chemical attack. By the way, polyurethane foam itself is already much more resistant to various aggressive compounds. Moreover, sprayed onto the outer walls of the pipe, it also becomes an excellent anti-corrosion protection.

Consumers are offered a wide range of metal pipes in finished polyurethane foam thermal insulation. But their diameter usually starts from 57 mm and above. As a rule, during installation autonomous system plumbing has to use smaller pipes.

Therefore some well-known companies launched the production of plastic or metal plastic pipes small diameter, also having PPU thermal insulation and external polymer coating. Such ready-made solutions extremely simplify the entire process of installing water pipes, laid both in the ground and in open areas - in basements, ground floors, unheated rooms.

On both sides of these pipes, a small “bare” section protrudes from the thermal insulation, which is sufficient for connection by welding or fitting. After this, a heat-shrinkable sleeve, previously placed on the pipe, is placed over this connecting node. All that remains is to fill the cavity of the coupling with polyurethane foam (which itself is also polyurethane foam), so that after the foam hardens, you get a perfectly insulated, hermetically sealed connection.

As can be seen in the figure above, customers are also offered ready-made parts for the installation of individual sections of the water supply system - bends with different angles turns, tees, transitions, etc. That is, the installation of the system turns into a kind of “constructor assembly”.

By the way, despite the fact that polyurethane foam cannot be called too plastic a material, some polymer pipes in such thermal insulation with an external coating, they still have a certain flexibility, which makes it possible to lay curved sections without the use of additional bends.

An example of this is the products of the Russian company Polimerteplo Group, Isoproflex pipes. The pipe itself is made of cross-linked polyethylene PEX-A, reinforced with high-strength fiber, has a protective anti-diffusion layer, insulation base made of semi-rigid polyurethane foam, and externally protective covering made of durable polyethylene.

Such pipes are sold in coils, which in itself indicates their flexibility. The installation task becomes even simpler - if there are no sharp turns, then one hose, already insulated and protected from the outside in advance, can be laid from the water intake to the entrance to the house, without making a single extra joint.

Polyethylene foam insulation

Another material widely used for insulation of pipelines. In its closed cellular structure filled with air, it is very similar to polyurethane foam. Quite a glare and their thermal conductivity indicators - both are excellent thermal insulators. But unlike polyurethane foam, foamed polyethylene also has high flexibility and ductility. Not at the expense of strength qualities.

The material is very light - usually its density does not exceed 30÷35 kg/m³, that is, no special physical effort will be required when installing thermal insulation. The closed cellular structure becomes an insurmountable barrier to water; the material itself practically does not absorb moisture - no more than 1.5% of the volume even when completely immersed.

Chemical inertness is also a clear advantage - it is difficult to imagine which of the compounds that got into the soil could cause destructuring of polyethylene foam. The operating temperature range is also impressive - from minus 55 to plus 85 ℃, which is more than enough for plumbing.

Various forms of such insulation are produced. These can be simply rolls, usually with one foil side - many craftsmen prefer this kind of material. But nowadays, ready-made sleeves for pipes of different diameters and with different thicknesses of the insulating layer, usually 2 meters long, are more popular.

Installation of such sleeves is not difficult - along the entire length on the side they have a seam along which they can be opened. The insulation is put on the pipe, and then this seam is glued together almost without a trace due to the applied self-adhesive layer.

But, again, most convenient solution is the use of ready-made plastic pipes, already “clad” in insulation and an outer protective sheath. Several leading manufacturers offer a wide range of such products.

For example, the FLEXALEN company offers products with a pressure pipe made of polybutene, with multilayer insulation made of polyethylene foam and an external protective casing made of polyethylene low pressure(PND).

Traditionally, the products of the companies “Uponor” (the old name “Ecoflex” may appear) and “Watts” are in high demand. Microflex". The pressure part of the pipes is made of cross-linked polyethylene, the insulation is several layers of foamed polyethylene, and the outer shell is HDPE.

Please note that the model range of all these companies includes samples with two or more pressure pipes in a general layer of thermal insulation and a protective casing. This can also be very convenient if, for example, water is sent to two different places, or in heating systems - for supply and return pipes, or for the thermal satellite already mentioned above.

Find out how to insulate a water supply using a heating cable from our new article -

Concluding the review of insulation materials, we should also mention thermal insulation made of foam rubber. In terms of thermal conductivity, this material outperforms polyethylene foam and competes almost equally with polyurethane foam. And at the same time, it is distinguished by excellent ductility and all other properties necessary for a high-quality insulating material.

The traditional form of release of such insulation is similar - in the form of insulating sleeves (cylinders). How insulation is carried out, including complex sections of the water supply system, is clearly shown in the video below:

Video: Thermal insulation of water pipes with Kaiflex foam rubber sleeves

It would be logical to finish the review of materials with a comparative table with the main parameters of the insulation materials mentioned above.

Comparative table of key parameters of popular pipe insulation materials

Material, product	Average density as part of the insulation structure, kg/m3	Thermal conductivity of insulation (W/(m×K)) for surfaces with temperature (°C)		Operating temperature range, °C	Flammability group
		20 and above	19 and below
Mineral wool slabs pierced	120	0.045	0,044-0,035	From -180 to +450 for mats, on fabric, mesh, fiberglass canvas; up to 700 - on a metal mesh	Non-flammable
	150	0.049	0,048-0,037
Thermal insulation slabs made of mineral wool with a synthetic binder	65	0.04	0,039-0,03	-60 to +400	Non-flammable
	95	0.043	0,042-0,031
Half-cylinders and mineral wool cylinders	50	0,04	0,039-0,029	-180 to +400	Non-flammable
	80	0,044	0,043-0,032
	100	0,049	0,048-0,036
	150	0,05	0,049-0,035
	200	0,053	0,052-0,038
Glass staple fiber mats with synthetic binder	50	0,04	0,039-0,029	-60 to +180	Non-flammable
	70	0,042	0,041-0,03
Mats and wadding made of superfine glass fiber without binder	70	0,033	0,032-0,024	-180 to +400	Non-flammable
Mats and wool made of superfine basalt fiber without binder	80	0,032	0,031-0,24	-180 to +600	Non-flammable
Thermal insulation products made of polystyrene foam	30	0,033	0,032-0,024	-180 to +70	Flammable
	50	0,036	0,035-0,026
	100	0,041	0,04-0,03
Thermal insulation products made of polyurethane foam	40	0,030	0,029-0,024	-180 to +130	Flammable
	50	0,032	0,031-0,025
	70	0,037	0,036-0,027
Thermal insulation products made of polyethylene foam	50	0,035	0.033	-70 to +70	Flammable
Thermal insulation products made of foamed ethylene-polypropylene rubber "Aeroflex"	60	0,034	0.033	-57 to +125	Low flammable

What thickness of insulation is required?

Surely, an interested reader will have a question - what should be the thickness of the insulating layer in order to be guaranteed to protect the water pipe from freezing.

The answer to this is not so simple. There is a calculation algorithm that takes into account the mass of initial quantities and includes several formulas that are difficult even for visual perception. This technique is set out in the Code of Rules SP 41-103-2000. If anyone wants to find this document and try to carry out an independent calculation, you are welcome.

But there is an easier way. The fact is that experts have already taken on the brunt of the calculations - in the same document (SP 41-103-2000), which is easy to find with any search engine, the appendix contains many tables with ready-made insulation thickness values. The only problem is that it is physically impossible to present these tables here in our publication. They are compiled separately for each type of insulation, and are also graded by location - ground, open air or room. In addition, the type of pipeline and the temperature of the pumped liquid are taken into account.

But if you spend 10–15 minutes studying the tables, then you will probably find an option in them that is as close as possible to the conditions that interest the reader.

It would seem that that’s all, but we need to dwell on one more important nuance. It only applies to cases of water pipe insulation with mineral wool.

When it came to this thermal insulation material, a series of mineral wool disadvantages included its tendency to gradual caking and shrinkage. This means that if you initially set only the calculated thickness of the insulation, then after some time the thickness of the insulation layer may become insufficient for complete thermal insulation of the pipe.

Therefore, when performing insulation, it is advisable to lay out a certain reserve of thickness in advance. The question is - which one?

This is easy to calculate. There is a formula that, I think, makes no sense to demonstrate here, since the online calculator we offer is based on it.

The two initial values ​​for the calculation are the outer diameter of the insulated pipe and the recommended value of the thermal insulation thickness found from the tables.

One more parameter remains unclear - the so-called “compaction coefficient”. We take it from the table below, focusing on the selected thermal insulation material and the diameter of the pipe to be insulated.

Mineral wool insulation, diameter of insulated pipe	Compaction coefficient Kc.
Stitched mineral wool mats	1.2
Thermal insulating mats "TEKHMAT"	1.35 ÷ 1.2
Mats and sheets made of super-thin basalt fiber (depending on nominal diameter pipes, mm):
→ Du	3
	1,5
→ DN ≥ 800, with an average density of 23 kg/m³	2
̶ the same, with an average density of 50-60 kg/m³	1,5
Mats made of glass staple fiber with a synthetic binder, brand:
→ M-45, 35, 25	1.6
→ M-15	2.6
Glass spatula fiber mats “URSA”, brand:
→ M-11:
̶ for pipes with DN up to 40 mm	4,0
̶ for pipes with DN 50 mm and above	3,6
→ M-15, M-17	2.6
→ M-25:
̶ for pipes with DN up to 100 mm	1,8
̶ for pipes with DN from 100 to 250 mm	1,6
̶ for pipes with a diameter of more than 250 mm	1,5
Mineral wool slabs with synthetic binder brand:
→ 35, 50	1.5
→ 75	1.2
→ 100	1.1
→ 125	1.05
Glass staple fiber slabs brand:
→ P-30	1.1
→ P-15, P-17 and P-20	1.2

Now, armed with all the initial values, you can use the calculator.

Thermal insulation of pipelines is a method actively used to reduce heat losses certain systems, to reduce the temperature of communications, aimed at safe daily use. Without the use of this technology, it is quite problematic to guarantee uninterrupted operation of networks in winter, since the risk of freezing and, as a consequence, failure of pipes is extremely high.

Thermal insulation of pipes provides for a number of technical regulatory documents, compliance with which is mandatory when designing, installing and operating engineering systems of residential and public buildings, and other objects for various purposes.

More detailed information is provided on the website:

It should be noted that industrial thermal insulation refers to the thermal insulation of pipelines, containers, as well as equipment and tanks.

Thermal insulation is carried out to prevent cooling of the liquid present in the pipes or to avoid the formation of condensation on the equipment. If heat loss is not so important, then this technological process is necessary to comply with safety regulations.

Various versions of insulators are being considered for insulating pipes used for gas transportation.

Thermal insulation of the gas pipeline is carried out using a special varnish or paint, but usually they resort to modern protective materials that meet all the requirements for this, namely:

• the insulator for the gas pipeline must be endowed with the potential of a monolithic, uniform installation on the pipe;
• the material for thermal insulation of the pipeline must be characterized low coefficient water absorption and have high waterproofing qualities;
• protect the structure from destructive ultra-radiation.

Insulation of underground networks

Thermal insulation is a prerequisite for laying both water supply and sewerage systems. Insulating pipelines will help avoid freezing in winter and eliminate heat loss.

All insulation work must be carried out in accordance with the requirements clearly formulated and prescribed in SNiP.

Thermal insulation requirements

Regulatory documents contain detailed information about materials and methods of work. The applicable standards for thermal insulation contours are also indicated here, and certain recommendations are presented.

Types of thermal insulation materials

Thermal insulation is divided into types with certain properties and is produced in the following forms:

• sentiments;
• cylinders;
• mats;
• half cylinders;
• rolls.

Types of thermal insulation:

The list outlined above is not exhaustive; the market is regularly updated with new options in this area.

Thermal insulation with mineral wool

Of all the types of insulation available today, mineral wool is characterized by the lowest cost; the advantage is the ease of installation of insulation. Thermal insulation of pipelines with mineral wool - process:

• a roll of wool is cut into strips 200 mm thick (across) and they are then wrapped around the pipes, first with a layer of mineral wool (100 mm thick), on top with a tightly layer of fiberglass;
• Mineral wool should be laid evenly and should not wrinkle.

Mineral wool is considered as thermal insulation for pipelines of significant diameter; it is applicable for heating routes of urban networks and for sewer systems, for sewer systems of small diameter and for water supply pipes - not practiced.

Thermal insulation of external pipelines

The choice of thermal insulation materials for external laying of heating pipes is quite large and are offered in the form of roll-type mats.

The pliability of the material allows them to be given a shaped shape for ease of installation; insulation materials are offered that are applied in liquid form, their further qualities appear after hardening.

Removable thermal insulation in a galvanized casing is widely used in linear sections of pipelines.

Foam rubber in the form of tubes or rolls, depending on the diameter of the pipes, is used as thermal insulation of pipes and parts of process pipelines; it is installed in several layers, depending on the required thickness of thermal insulation.

An interesting method for thermal insulation is a cover layer, the types of which can be found on the website:

Thermal insulation materials used on pipelines laid in the open air and directly on the surface of the earth will allow hot water not to cool down on the way to the consumer, and all types of pipes are insulated:

• plastic;
• metal;
• polymer;
• metal-plastic;
• composite.

Moreover, when independently thermally insulating communications in a private house, it is easier to work with pre-insulated pipes and self-adhesive insulation, and it is recommended to use additional winding, for example, aluminum tape, as an assistant to eliminate shortcomings.

Calculation of heat loss. The methodology for calculating possible heat losses by a pipeline, taking into account the actual temperatures of the coolant and air surrounding the system, the properties and thickness of thermal insulation, can be found here:

Thermal insulation materials for pipelines, including polyurethane foam and glass wool, are highly effective insulating materials in all their qualities.

Polyurethane foam as pipeline insulation is environmentally friendly and effective insulation. It is characterized by a neutral odor, is not susceptible to fungus, is endowed with increased resistance to harmful environments, does not collapse, and is completely harmless to humans and the environment.

The spraying method is used directly for large-diameter pipes, as a result of which seamless continuous insulation is formed and a peak reduction in heat loss is guaranteed. Spraying is carried out at the work site, using special equipment for thermal insulation of pipelines; the simplicity and speed of the procedure is a clear advantage. For work on pipes of small diameter, shells based on polyurethane foam are considered, providing a high level of thermal insulation; this method is affordable.

Thermal insulation using glass wool meets all the requirements for thermal insulation materials.
The material is offered in the form of rolls, mats, slabs of different thicknesses, sizes and densities. Glass wool is somewhat inconvenient during installation and requires additional insulation and sealing, which increases the cost of the work and its duration.

Drawing up an estimate for pipeline insulation

Work on thermal insulation of pipelines is impossible without drawing up a preliminary estimate, which spells out “step by step” the entire sequence of work performed, on the basis of which the cost of the work is formed.

You can familiarize yourself with the rules for drawing up estimates on the website:

How pipeline insulation work is carried out

Thermal insulation must be carried out in accordance with current standards and regulations, which guarantees effective energy saving and increased useful life

.

Installation of thermal insulation of pipelines, based on the article, can actually be done using various materials, but taking into account certain factors and, above all, the direct purpose of the future installed system.

For example, the thermal insulation of pipelines with a high temperature of the medium transported through it is best done using cylinder insulation (PUF shell), additionally laminated with foil cardboard or foil.

Brief device for thermal insulation of pipelines

Preliminary stage:

• complete completion of installation work (metalwork, welding);
• cleaning with steel shields (manually) or using sandblasting machines the surfaces and joints of the pipeline, degreasing;
• testing the strength and tightness of welds (visual inspection, pressure testing, control (if necessary) using special equipment));
• application of special compounds - epoxy primers (as an example).

It is interesting to visually familiarize yourself with the installation process:

Modern people want to live in complete comfort both in the city and in the countryside. And this requires heat, cold, hot water and a sewage system. In most regions of our country, such communications require mandatory insulation. Today, the building materials market offers a wide range of different insulation materials, including special products mounted on pipes.

Materials suitable for pipe insulation

Is thermal insulation always required for pipes?

When is pipe insulation needed?

In regions where the ground freezes in winter, pipe insulation must be used without fail. Otherwise, pipeline rupture is guaranteed. And to correct such a mistake when on the street subzero temperature– it’s not an easy matter, and it’s not quick. In addition, effective thermal insulation of heating or hot water supply pipes reduces heat loss. The heat will not be spent on heating the ground, and the temperature of the water will not decrease when entering the house.

It happens that hot water supply or heating systems in country houses pass through unheated rooms, attics, basements, if the autonomous boiler room is located outside the house. In this case effective insulation pipelines will reduce heat loss, you will not have to turn on additional heaters and pay for extra kilowatts, and the heating unit will last longer without being used to the maximum.

Sewage systems also require insulation, even though in such structures, as a rule, liquid does not stagnate if the correct slope is made when installing the pipes. But it happens that various deposits accumulate inside the pipes, which can cause blockages, and then the sewage drains at low temperatures can freeze, which will lead to pipe rupture. Also, untimely pumping of a septic tank in an autonomous sewer system can lead to a similar nuisance.

Insulation is carried out not only to maintain the temperature of the coolant and as protection against freezing during the cold season. Sometimes it is necessary to protect pipes from exposure to high ambient temperatures. For example, in refrigeration devices, various industrial systems through which chemical liquids and gases are pumped.

What properties should an insulating material have?

Insulation for pipes, depending on the scope of application (laying underground or external communications), must meet the following requirements:

• Low level of thermal conductivity, which will help maintain the temperature of the coolant in heating and hot water supply pipelines, as well as prevent warm ambient air from heating the pipeline in cooling devices and appliances.
• Materials used for insulation must meet sanitary and fire safety standards and have self-extinguishing properties.
• Insulation cannot be overly hygroscopic, since the amount of air in the structure of a wet material decreases, the amount of which determines its thermal insulation properties.
• Thermal insulation should be easily installed on pipes of any diameter and configuration, with the formation of a minimum number of joints, which eliminates the presence of cold bridges.
• The material must be durable and maintainable, as well as the possibility of its repeated use.
• Possess high resistance to aggressive environments, mechanical strength, and withstand sudden temperature changes.
• Material available at an affordable price.

But you shouldn’t buy cheap insulation, as this can lead to even greater costs if the pipe freezes in winter.

Types of thermal insulation for pipelines

The above requirements may have the following types insulation:

• types of mineral wool - glass wool, basalt and others;
• Styrofoam;
• expanded polystyrene;
• foamed polyethylene, plain and foil-coated;
• polyurethane foam;
• expanded clay

Mineral wool

Mineral wool cylinders

All types of insulation material based on fiberglass or natural stone rocks are characterized by a high degree of thermal insulation and optimal cost. True, glass wool in its properties of retaining heat is an order of magnitude lower than such a material as. The advantages of this type of insulation include:

• resistance to high temperature when the material can withstand up to 700 degrees;
• sufficient mechanical strength, when after deformation it almost completely restores its shape;
• resistance to aggressive influences chemical substances– alkaline, acidic solutions, oils, etc.;
• environmental safety, as a derivative from natural raw materials.
• affordable price.

The disadvantages of mineral wool include their sensitivity to moisture. Therefore, an additional waterproofing layer is required. In addition, waterproofing will not only help protect the insulation from exposure to water, but will also prevent the smallest fibers of stone or glass from clogging the air in the room. Such work increases the cost of construction and extends its duration.

Mineral wool is produced in rolls, mats, slabs and shells with foil glued on top. These are the products that are most convenient for production. thermal insulation works on pipelines, when protecting wooden roof structures from fire at the passage of chimneys of stoves and fireplaces.

Polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam

Foam shells for pipe insulation

This material, which contains more than half air, is one of the most effective heat insulators. Non-pressed foam is bad only because it has low mechanical strength. To insulate pipes, the industry produces foam half-cylinders called shells. These products have many advantages:

• simple and quick installation;
• long-term operation;
• absence of cold bridges, since the connection of individual segments is carried out according to the tongue-and-groove principle;
• products can be operated in temperatures from +80 to -110 degrees Celsius. At a higher temperature of the pipeline, an additional layer of natural cork or basalt fiber is laid;
• the ability to lay the heating cable in specially designed grooves along the entire length of the products;
• fireproof, do not support open fire;
• foam shells can be used repeatedly.

The shells can be covered with a layer of foil, which acts as a deflector for the ceilings of air - hot or cold.

Extruded polystyrene insulation

Exactly the same half-cylinders are made from pressed (extruded) foam, which is already called. It has similar technical characteristics, but with the same degree of thermal conductivity as foam, it has a smaller thickness, which is convenient when insulating pipes running next to walls or other structures. Penoplex has a more rigid structure and greater ductility than polystyrene foam, so it can be bent to a certain limit.

Polyethylene foam insulation materials

Insulation with foamed polyethylene with a protective foil coating

Compared to other types of insulation, foamed polyethylene has the best properties:

• The material is more durable, withstands a tensile load of 0.3 MPa, after exposure to pressure, it is somewhat deformed, but quickly returns to its original shape.
• Practically does not absorb water. Can be used in humid environments without causing corrosion on pipes.
• Resistant to exposure to materials such as cement and lime, concrete and other contacts.
• Withstands temperature changes from +90 to -60 degrees. At higher temperatures, products lose their shape.
• The material is quite fireproof. Foamed polyethylene can only ignite at an open fire temperature of 300 degrees. Moreover, during combustion the material does not release harmful toxic substances into the environment.
• Easy to install, it can serve as thermal insulation for pipes of any configuration, with a diameter of up to 150-200 mm.
• Low cost compared to polystyrene foam or polyurethane products.

It is produced in hollow cylinders up to two meters long with a wall thickness of 6 to 20 mm or in rolls.

This is how foamed polyethylene is mounted on pipes

A product made of foamed polyethylene is cut to length and placed on the pipe, the cut site is secured with a special bandage or regular tape. Some brands of polyethylene foam insulation have a protective coating of aluminum foil that acts as a reflector. If rolled material is used, it is cut into strips that are used to wrap the pipes. This method is best suited if the pipeline has many bends and different diameters in individual sections.

Polyurethane foam

Spraying polyurethane foam on pipes

This material is gaining increasing popularity in construction due to its high technical characteristics. He:

• does not rot or rust;
• can be mounted on pipes lying in the ground without any trays or channels;
• creates an absolutely hermetic shell on insulated structures;
• has low specific gravity and low thermal conductivity; service life is estimated at fifty or more years;
• resistant to weak solutions of acids and alkalis;
• has excellent adhesion to almost all materials.

Thermal insulation with polyurethane foam can be applied to pipes various methods– spraying of liquid material and rigid shell-type products. Spraying is carried out using special equipment and requires certain skills and knowledge. The shell, which has the form of two hollow half-cylinders, is mounted on pipes simply, due to the existing tongue-and-groove connecting structure, and those products that have a smooth end are secured to the pipeline with special clamps, bandages, or ordinary binding wire.

Factory applied polyurethane coating

But besides this, today ready-made pipes, which are factory-applied with thermal insulation coating made of polyurethane foam and a protective layer. When using such products outdoors, the protective shell is made of galvanized steel; when laying underground communications, the protection is made of polyethylene. The advantages of such pre-insulated pipes are obvious: a reduction in the construction time for communications, since the laying of utility networks no longer requires insulation work, and the quality of the insulation is checked by the factory quality control department.

Expanded clay

Another traditional representative of insulation for pipelines is expanded clay gravel. It is used primarily for insulating external water supply and sewerage networks. Since the material is free-flowing, its installation requires the construction of trays from wooden boards or the use of special concrete structures.

In addition to all of the above types of insulation, a new material for pipe insulation has recently appeared - thermal paint, which is applied in the usual way - with a brush, roller or spray. With a minimum thickness of the insulating layer, the quality of thermal insulation is quite high. But the cost of this material is also not small.

Installation of thermal insulation

The most popular material for pipe insulation is products in the form of hollow cylinders. They are installed quite easily and do not require special knowledge or high qualifications of the worker.

First of all, the condition of the pipe is checked. It should not have leaks, be cleaned of rust and dirt and treated with an anti-corrosion agent.

If the insulating products are not equipped with tabs and grooves, they should be secured with double-sided tape.

Displacement of individual shell elements along the length

In this case, the individual elements of the hollow cylinder are shifted along the length by 10-20 cm, so that the connecting seams do not converge in one place. The foam shell, after it is fixed to the pipeline, must be protected from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The material for such protection can be roofing felt, glassine, roofing felt, foil insulation and other opaque panels. To insulate complex sections of the pipeline, you can use ready-made shaped products or use rolled thermal insulation materials.

Cylinders made of polyethylene foam and having a foil layer do not need such protection.

The main point of the article

When insulating pipes, any available material, meeting the thermal insulation requirements regulated by building codes. And correct installation of the selected insulation will extend the service life of utility networks and reduce, and perhaps completely eliminate, the number of repairs associated with pipe ruptures due to freezing temperatures.

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Content

Pipes located in unheated areas need protection from freezing. Whatever material they are made of, their thermal conductivity is high, so freezing occurs quickly. To avoid unnecessary problems, use pipe insulation, which will create reliable insulation for the pipeline from frost and even insulation from noise due to its sound-absorbing qualities.

There are many companies on the Russian market that produce structural elements to reduce heat transfer. You can choose products made from different materials, choose right size and characteristics suitable for your communications. Thermal insulation of pipes can be carried out from several types of protection, such as polyethylene or foam plastic.

Insulation for pipes made of foamed polyethylene

Insulation for polyethylene pipes has one of the best price-quality ratios. It is a material consisting of tiny cells that waterproof the system well. This protects against metal corrosion. The material itself practically does not absorb water and can withstand temperatures from –60 to +90 degrees. The covering is easy to install.

In heating systems, the following material reduces heat loss by up to 80%. It is produced in 2 meter sleeves of different thicknesses:

• model name: Porilex NPE T 60x9x1000 mm;
• price: 45 rub;
• characteristics: gray color, gross weight 0.06 kg;
• pros: flexible material, moisture resistant, has low thermal conductivity;
• cons: not found.

The following product copes well with insulating cold and hot communications. Due to color separation, it allows you to distinguish between hot and cold water pipes:

• model name: Thermal insulation super protect 28;
• price: 21 rubles;
• characteristics: supplied in coils, color red, length 10 meters;
• pros: the outside is covered with a polymer film, which increases the strength of communications and their service life by 50%;
• cons: not found.

Another universal material that can be used to protect heating systems, sewerage systems, etc. It is resistant to materials such as concrete, gypsum, lime:

• model name: Energoflex Super 2 m;
• price: 69 rub./linear meter;
• characteristics: hollow, low thermal conductivity, gray color;
• pros: low-flammability;
• cons: high cost.

Foil insulation for pipes

Foil is a heat insulator that is often used in construction. Its functions are in many ways superior to other types of materials, such as polystyrene foam or mineral wool. When there is a need for a material capable of reflecting heat waves, foil pipe insulation is used. It is a basic thermal insulation material covered with foil.

Thermal insulation for pipes of this type is used in various branches of construction. It is suitable for pipes of any size due to the fact that you cut out the necessary pieces of material yourself:

• model name: Penofol - 2000 A;
• price: 65.00 rub./m2;
• characteristics: polyethylene foam, aluminum foil on one side;
• pros: universal material;

If you need an excellent insulator that will provide double heat protection effect, choose the following product. With it, heat loss will be minimized:

• model name: Mosfol;
• price: 900 rub./roll;
• characteristics: base – polyethylene foam, foil located on both sides;
• pros: high reflective effect - 97%;
• Cons: Available only in rolls.

This insulator is suitable as protection against steam, heat loss, and noise reduction. It reflects about 55% of energy and tolerates humid environments very well:

• model name: Penoflex L (Lavsan)
• price: 799 RUR/roll;
• characteristics: polyethylene with one-sided lamination, elastic, flexible;
• advantages: quick installation anywhere;
• Cons: Available only in rolls.

Insulation for polystyrene foam pipes

Foam plastic is one of the most common materials. Its second name is expanded polystyrene. It combines advantageous characteristics: cheap and easy to use. Expanded polystyrene for pipes received a second name - “pipe shell” due to its corresponding appearance. It may have 1 or two cuts with grooves at the joints that securely fasten the edges.

The company "Polymerizolatsiya" produces such products as foam insulation for heating pipes. They are durable, lightweight and safe:

• model name: PPU shell 720/50;
• price: 1,750 rub./linear meter;
• characteristics: material polyurethane foam (a type of polystyrene foam), consists of 2 cylinders;
• advantages: high heat saving;
• disadvantages: fragility, flammability.

Another type of foam product for quick and easy installation, which will effectively protect any external heating pipe:

• Model name: Insulation shell 325/50;
• price: 916 rub./linear m;
• characteristics: hollow pipe made of polyurethane foam;
• advantages: ease of installation;
• disadvantages: fragility, flammability.

In cases where it is necessary to insulate plastic communications in sewers or pipelines, you can use these products. It is suitable for reusable use and will provide you with quick access to problem areas if the need arises:

• model name: PPU shell for insulation 89/40;
• price: 306 rub./linear m;
• characteristics: length 1 m, coolant parameters up to +150°C;
• advantages: ease of installation;
• disadvantages: fragility, flammability.

Basalt insulation for pipes

Cylinders made from basalt fiber are available in any diameter and size. They have the highest temperature resistance (from –200 to +300°C), can withstand temperatures above 1000 degrees without melting, and are great for reducing heating costs. The level of heat loss where basalt insulation is used is 8%, which leads to savings of up to 20% of funds.

Excellent thermal and sound insulation can be achieved using these products. Manufacturers produce it to order according to the individual requirements of customers:

• model name: Izolin RW;
• price: from 75 rubles/linear meter;
• characteristics: mineral wool cylinder;
• pros: special lock that reduces heat loss;
• cons: not found.

There is another variety of the same material, which has increased thermal insulation properties. These products are available with different coatings:

• model name: Izolin RW ALU;
• price: from 95 rubles/linear meter;
• characteristics: aluminum foil coating;
• pluses: longitudinal strip with a self-adhesive layer;
• cons: not found.

The following protection product is available in various coatings. It performs not only a protective, but also a decorative function in those places where pipes are located in the room:

• model name: XotPipe;
• price: 277 rub./p.m.;
• characteristics: mineral wool based on basalt rock, length 1 m;
• pros: highest temperature area of ​​application;
• cons: high cost.

Liquid insulation for pipes

Thermal insulation of pipelines can be carried out using a special paint, which creates an energy-saving barrier 1 mm thick. Application method: brush, roller or spray. After drying, liquid pipe insulation forms a matte surface that serves as a thermal mirror, keeping cold in and heat out.

Thermal insulation for water supply pipes from Korund is worthy of attention. It protects well from freezing and prevents the formation of moisture on the surface:

• model name: Corundum Classic;
• price: 330 rub./l.;
• characteristics: 1 mm of material = 5-7 layers of cotton wool;
• pros: ultra-thin;
• cons: high cost.

Another type of liquid insulation that can withstand temperatures from –60 to +600 degrees is Teplomet products. The paint will serve you for about 30 years and will help you save significantly on heating:

• model name: Teplomet Standard;
• price: 310 rub./l;
• characteristics: consists of vacuum microspheres, 1 mm layer replaces 50 mm of mineral wool;
• advantages: applied to surfaces of any shape;
• cons: high cost.

A basic composition that is suitable for a wide range of applications. After application, it tightly and reliably envelops the surface:

• model name: Astratek;
• price: 410 rub./l;
• characteristics: resistance to high temperatures;
• pros: seamless surface that retains heat;
• cons: high cost.

How to choose pipe insulation

To choose the right insulation for water supply pipes and protect yourself from problems, you need to pay attention to three main factors: location (apartment, attic, in the ground, in the sewer, outdoors), ease of installation, and price. All types of products are easy to install independently, but polyethylene is universal in all characteristics.

When it is important to reduce heat absorption, choose foil insulation for pipes. Expanded polystyrene is fragile, but suitable for work anywhere. Basalt material easy to install, has good characteristics, but is expensive. If you want to quickly thermally insulate a system, but other methods are not suitable, choose thermal paint that is easy to apply, looks beautiful and protects well.

Thermal insulation of pipelines of various types is one of priority areas modern energy saving. Through the use of high-quality materials with unique characteristics and the best technologies, it is possible to significantly reduce heat loss, as well as protect the pipes themselves and, accordingly, transported substances from negative impact significant temperature changes.

The structure of the substance that is part of the insulation

Thermal insulation of pipes: an important necessity

High-quality and inexpensive insulation of pipeline systems is essential everywhere, from small country houses and ending with large industrial enterprises, shopping complexes, etc.

If you include thermal insulation in the project initially and carry it out in the first stages of construction, you can save significant money on the repair and operation of trunk networks.

If we talk about the requirements for insulating materials for pipes, they depend on specific types of pipelines, as well as their operating conditions. In general, the main task of thermal insulation is to protect the insulated surfaces for the longest possible time.

Often, thermal insulation materials made from mineral fibers meet all these requirements - their characteristics are simply ideal for various types of pipelines.

Insulation of pipelines indoors

It should be noted that in the case of using mineral wool insulation for water supply, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment it is possible to effectively protect structures from freezing, corrosion, and condensation.

In addition, high-quality materials will help reduce heat loss in the lines and significantly extend the life of trouble-free operation.

Main characteristics and features

Modern mineral wool thermal insulation – fibrous material, which is obtained by melting mountain silicates, slags, and their mixtures. Depending on the type of raw material used, insulating mineral wool can be either stone or slag.

In the first case, rocks such as basalt, limestone and diabase are used, while in the second, slag and waste from metal production are used.

Heat insulators made in the form of cylinders

By processing raw materials under high pressure and with a special temperature regime, it is possible to give mineral wool unique characteristics, in particular, in terms of its level of heat and sound insulation, as well as resistance to the negative effects of many factors, the material simply has no equal.

And in terms of cost, mineral wool is in a fairly affordable range - its price is much lower than that of its polymer analogues.

Mineral wool cylinders – convenient and practical thermal insulation

High-quality and modern thermal insulation pierced mineral wool mats are actively used for pipe insulation various diameters and length. But at the same time, it should be noted that special cylinders made from mineral wool are more actively used.

These are products cylindrical, often made of basalt using a special wound technology.

An example of using basalt fiber insulation to insulate external pipelines

Due to the use of cylinders and half-cylinders, the technology of thermal insulation of pipelines with mineral wool becomes extremely simple and comes down to performing just a few basic steps.

Due to large selection, which the domestic insulation market offers today, you can choose the best option for each type of pipe, providing them with the best conditions for operation for a long time.

Advice. Cylindrical mineral wool insulation should be chosen directly to the outer diameter of the pipe. In this case, it will be possible to achieve maximum insulation performance and prevent the formation of condensation and corrosion under the wool layer.

As a rule, in most cases, all mineral wool mats and cylinders are additionally covered with a layer of aluminum foil, fiberglass, and fiberglass mesh - this helps protect them from damage, fire and other negative factors.

Due to the special packaging in which the products are sold, storing and transporting them is very convenient.

Photo of material with additional coating of aluminum foil

Advantages of using mineral wool cylinders

A thermal insulation cord made of mineral wool or a full-fledged cylinder made of a unique material is the best option for insulating pipelines of various types.

Using this particular form of heat insulator has a lot of advantages and disadvantages, among which are:

• Low level of thermal conductivity. Inside the layer of the mineral wool cylinder there is a large volume of air, which (thanks to the thin and flexible fibers of the material) remains motionless and does not allow heat to pass through;
• Resistant to fire and high temperatures. The instructions for mineral wool cylinders indicate that they are non-flammable, do not melt and do not lose their shape even when exposed to extremely high temperatures (from -150C to +750C);
• Long term trouble-free operation. The use of basalt rocks and slag as raw materials extends the service life of mineral wool-based insulation by almost decades. On average, even the most inexpensive heat insulator can last 50-60 years without losing its performance qualities;

Variety of shapes and sizes of insulation materials

• Durability and reliability. Mineral wool easily withstands even the highest loads and pressure. Cotton wool has closely interwoven fibers, and therefore its density and strength are significantly increased;
• Hydrophobicity. The insulation has increased resistance to moisture thanks to protective layers of foil and fiberglass, due to this it is not afraid of direct contact with water. If necessary, the materials can be additionally treated with special water-repellent compounds;

Advice. If the pipeline is to be used in conditions of high humidity, then it is best to subject the mineral wool to additional processing. Thus, it will be possible to extend the life of the highway and significantly reduce the cost of maintenance and repairs.

• Availability. The price of mineral wool heat insulators is in an affordable range, which allows them to be used for insulation of even long pipelines;
• Ease of use. Anyone can insulate even large volumes of pipelines with their own hands. The thermal insulation process is quite simple, requiring the use of only available materials;

Half-cylinders made of mineral wool

• Environmentally friendly. Cylinders and semi-cylinders made from natural raw materials are absolutely safe for human health and the environment. As a result, mineral wool materials can be used to insulate any pipes.

Efficiency and benefits of using mineral wool insulation for pipes

Thermal insulation materials made of mineral wool, made in the form of cylinders, make it possible to achieve high efficiency and provide the best operating conditions for highways:

• Heat losses in straight sections of pipelines when using mineral wool will be reduced by almost 3.6 times. Unlike other materials, it loses only 8% of heat, which is very important, especially for hot water supply systems;
• Reducing the time spent on thermal insulation. There is no longer any need to wrap pipes with fiberglass and mineral wool mats - the cylinders have an internal diameter similar to the dimensions of the main line;

Simple cutting of material with a knife during installation

• Protective coatings will help prevent damage to the cylinders from the insulation and maintain the level of thermal insulation for a long time. At the same time, the thickness of the insulating layer is not lost throughout the entire service life.

Advice. To simplify the process of covering pipes with mineral wool insulation in the form of cylinders and half-cylinders, the use of a construction knife will help. Cutting materials with such a tool is much easier, and dimensional accuracy can be maintained.

Thermal insulation materials made on the basis of mineral wool in the shape of cylinders are an excellent option for pipes of any type, size and length.

It should be noted that the domestic market is filled with offers from various manufacturers; you can choose the right type of insulation specifically for a specific pipeline with a certain diameter, length and types of transported material.

Application of special coatings for additional protection thermal insulation materials from the negative impact of mechanical damage and other factors

Mineral wool is an insulation with unique characteristics, the best option if it is necessary to protect pipelines of various categories from the negative effects of temperature changes, the negative effects of various factors, ranging from chemicals to mechanical damage.

Due to their convenient form and affordable cost, you can choose the most optimal heat insulators for each specific case, ensuring a wide range of work is completed without wasting time and money.

In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic. The process itself is very simple, accessible to every person, even those not prepared for construction work.

Source: pro-uteplenie.ru

Insulation of pipelines with mineral wool

Various materials are used to insulate heating pipes and other communications. One of the common ones is covers made of foamed polyethylene (usually gray). But they can only be used for communications with a small diameter, for example, for polypropylene pipes. If we are talking about central networks, then thermal insulation of pipelines with mineral wool has no alternatives.

For which pipelines is mineral wool used?

Mineral wool can be used in combination with other insulation materials.

Thermal insulation of pipelines with mineral wool is a set of measures aimed at reducing heat transfer in the following communication systems:

• heating;
• hot water supply;
• water pipes;
• sewerage;
• conditioning.

Mineral wool for insulating pipelines works on the principle of a thermos, when hot remains hot and cold remains cold. In addition to preventing heat transfer, the insulating material transfers the dew point, so condensation does not form on the pipes. Also, all types of mineral wool have high sound-proofing and vibration-absorbing characteristics. This aspect is extremely important when insulating air ducts of air conditioning systems and air heating of houses.

Mineral wool insulation for pipes is used inside unheated rooms, underground and overhead installation communications. In the last two cases, especially careful insulation is required, since heat loss due to wind, snow, and moisture in the ground increases greatly, especially in cold climate zones.

Probably the smallest heaters for the home are fan heaters with ceramic heating elements.

Read more about modern heaters for summer cottages in this article.

What materials are used for pipe insulation?

Shells with foil for pipe insulation.

Mineral wool is the general name for all fibrous thermal insulation materials, for the production of which various types of minerals are used. In civil engineering, only two types of mineral wool are used for pipes:

Glass wool is made from quartz or its derivative (glass). The fibers of this material are long and soft, they do not break, so a material of any configuration is suitable for insulating pipes with fiberglass mineral wool. Glass wool is produced in slabs, mats, rolls and cylinders. If you do not take into account the cylinders (shells), then the differences lie only in the length of the material. The slabs are the shortest, the mats are twice as long, and the rolls are the longest. The size depends on the manufacturer, there is no general standard. Thickness from 50 to 150 mm. Each of the products can be laminated with foil.

There is a pattern: as the density of a thermal insulation material increases, its thermal conductivity also increases, that is, it works worse as an insulation material.

Mineral wool for insulating pipes in cylinders consists of two parts - this is a sleeve, the internal cross-section of which is equal to the outer diameter of the communications. The nominal diameter of the shells varies from 18 to 1024 mm. Insulation thickness from 20 to 80 mm, standard length 1 m. They can also be covered with outside foil. General characteristics for all fiberglass insulation:

• thermal conductivity lambda 0.036-0.042 W/m*k;
• high hygroscopicity;
• flammability class NG.

Glass fiber mineral wool for piping is much lighter basalt insulation, accordingly, its density is also lower. Basalt wool for pipes is produced only in shells and lamella rolls - these are many narrow rectangles (lamellas) glued to a base. Basalt is a volcanic rock, essentially a stone, hence the name of the material. Stone wool is very dense, its fibers are short and inelastic. They break and this creates dust. A priori, it will not be possible to wrap communications with a regular basalt slab; it will simply break.

Keep in mind that a home air heater can burn oxygen. Pay attention to the configuration of the heating element.

Here we describe the principle of operation of a fireplace with a water circuit, which is capable of heating a medium-sized house.

Pipeline insulation method

This state of affairs leads to colossal heat losses.

Thermal insulation of pipes with mineral wool is carried out taking into account the high hygroscopicity of the material, that is, the ability of the insulation to absorb and retain moisture. At the same time, when the insulator gets wet, it loses its qualities, and instead of insulation, on the contrary, it accelerates heat loss. Therefore, you need to use waterproofing. Roofing felt or foil is often used for this purpose.

The foil on the thermal insulation itself also saves the material from moisture, but the ends remain unprotected, through which water can easily penetrate inside. The installation method for roll insulation is extremely simple:

• communications are wrapped in mineral wool for pipelines so that each subsequent turn overlaps the previous one by 5 cm;
• the insulation is fixed with wire;
• Using the same principle, the waterproofing is screwed on and clamped with stainless wire.

If the insulation of pipelines with mineral wool is carried out with foil materials, then the reflective surface is placed outside. Installing the cylinders is even easier. You just need to put the shell on the pipe like a cover. A special glue is applied to the longitudinal section of the heat-insulating cylinder, which is protected paper tape. The tape is removed during installation.

At underground laying of communications any thermal insulation must be protected from mechanical influences, because the weight of the earth is considerable. Therefore, the pipes along with thermal insulation are placed in plastic sleeves. Suitable sewer PVC large diameter pipes. There are also special insulated pipes on sale, covered with a polymer layer.

Mineral wool for pipeline insulation comes in two types: glass wool and stone (basalt) wool. Any glass wool can be used (plates, mats, rolls, with or without foil). It is soft and elastic, you can wrap it around communications without any problems. Stone wool is inelastic, so only lamella mats can be used. There are also thermal insulation cylinders made of mineral wool - these are sleeves, the nominal diameter of which must be equal to the outer diameter of the pipe. Cylinders come in different diameters, thicknesses, with or without foil.

Source: utepleniedoma.com

Pipeline for technological and network purposes

Designs for thermal insulation of pipelines for technological purposes, heating networks, as well as gas ducts and equipment indoors with application temperatures from -180 °C to +650 °C.

• Energy efficiency – reduction of heat losses through insulation during the estimated service life;
• Operational reliability and durability - withstand operational temperature, mechanical, chemical and other influences during the design service life without reducing the heat-shielding properties and destruction;
• Safety for the environment and operating personnel during operation and disposal (meet the requirements of technical regulations on fire safety in accordance with Federal Law-123).

To solve this problem, the following products are used:

• Winding cylinders ROCKWOOL 150;
• WIRED MAT mats;
• TEX MAT mats.

Winding cylinders ROCKWOOL 150

ROCKWOOL 150 winding cylinders, hydrophobized with a synthetic binder, are hollow products that are made from stone wool based on basalt rocks.

WIRED MAT mats

It is possible to perform thermal insulation using WIRED MAT mats, which can be used for thermal insulation of pipelines with an outer diameter of 45 mm or more.

For pipelines with an outer diameter from 45 to 216 mm inclusive, a heat-insulating layer is provided:

• Bandages made of 0.7 x 20 mm tape when laying mats in one layer with an insulation thickness of 40–100 mm. It is recommended to install at least three bandages per 1 meter of pipeline length (per mat width);
• Rings of wire with a diameter of 2 mm for the inner layers of two- and three-layer structures with a thickness of 120 mm or more. The installation of three wire rings per 1 meter of pipeline length is provided. Bandages made from 0.7 x 20 tape are installed on the outer layer in the same way as in a single-layer structure.

For pipelines with an outer diameter of 219 or more, a heat-insulating layer is provided:

• Bandages made of tape 0.7 x 20 mm and hangers made of wire 1.2 mm for laying mats in one layer with an insulation thickness of 40–100 mm. It is recommended to install at least three bandages per 1 meter of pipeline length (per mat width);
• Rings made of wire with a diameter of 2 mm for the inner layers of two- and three-layer structures with a thickness of 120 mm or more and pendants. The pendants of the second and third layers are attached to the pendant of the first layer from below. Bandages made from 0.7 x 20 tape are installed on the outer layer in the same way as in a single-layer structure.

Hangers are not installed on vertical pipelines. The heat-insulating layer is fastened with bandages and wire rings up to a diameter of 476 mm incl. To prevent the slipping of rings and bandages, wire strings with a diameter of 2 mm are used. Unloading devices are installed on vertical pipelines in increments of 3–4 meters in height.

Mats TECH MAT

It is also possible to use TEX MAT stone wool mats; installation is carried out similarly to WIRED MAT mats.

The thermal insulation layer of TEX MAT mats is laid with compaction along the thickness:

• Up to 1.35 – with an outer diameter up to 108 mm inclusive;
• 1.2 – with an outer diameter of 133 mm or more, including flat surfaces.

Source: www.rockwool.ru

Insulation of pipes with mineral wool

1. Features of thermal insulation
2. Advantages and disadvantages
3. Insulation technology
   • Selection of mineral wool
   • Installation of cylindrical insulation
   • Installation of soft mineral wool

Insulating pipes with mineral wool is an excellent option for thermal insulation of elements plumbing systems any types, sizes and lengths. The material protects communications for various purposes from temperature changes, mechanical damage and exposure to chemicals. Convenient shape and low cost allow you to choose an insulator to perform a wide range of jobs. We will talk about the technology of insulating pipelines with this fibrous product in our article.

Features of thermal insulation of pipes with mineral wool

Uninsulated heating systems emit up to 50 W at a coolant temperature of 60 degrees, and they can be considered as radiators. According to European standards, the permissible loss should not exceed 6 W of heat per hour. Such requirements can be provided by insulation based on mineral fibers - basalt wool and glass wool, less often - slag wool. These are fibrous products made from rocks. All free space between the threads is filled with air or neutral gas, which remains motionless and provides good thermal insulation.

Mineral wool for pipes allows you to insulate heating, hot water supply, water supply, sewerage, and air conditioning systems. The products are used on communications in unheated rooms, with underground and above-ground arrangement of elements. The advantages of mineral wool are especially noticeable in the last two cases, when the pipes are exposed to strong wind, snow, and moisture in the ground. The insulator functions on the principle of a thermos: hot remains hot, cold remains cold.

Pipes must be insulated in the following cases:

The tilt angle of the system is small.

The samples were buried less than 0.5 m into the ground.

If the system has areas with sharp turns and often clogged areas.

There is a misconception that only elements located outside the building are insulated. Communications without protection radiate some of the heat into the wall or soil under the floor, so protection hidden pipelines indoors is also necessary.

There are two methods of installing mineral wool. Classic means wrapping plumbing equipment rolls or mats. This option has many disadvantages: the slabs do not hold their shape well, the layer thickness is uneven, and installation takes a long time.

Mineral wool cylinders do not have such disadvantages. Long workpieces made of two or more parts allow the work to be completed quickly, the influence of the human factor is reduced to a minimum. The outer metal coating on the shell will protect the material from adverse external influences. The products are placed in their regular place and fixed in various ways.

Mineral insulation materials, covered with metal foil, fiberglass, and mesh for protection against mechanical loads, fire, moisture and other negative influences, are very easy to use.

Thermal insulators are sold in convenient containers, which facilitate their transportation and storage.

Advantages and disadvantages of insulating pipes with mineral wool

Today, the most popular insulation is mineral wool in the form of mats or cylinders.

It is popular due to the following qualities:

The product has a low level of thermal conductivity.

The samples do not contain impurities harmful to humans, because made from natural material.

Insulating pipes with mineral wool moves the dew point from the surface, which avoids premature corrosion of the metal.

After laying the insulation, noise is reduced and vibration of the structure is reduced. Such qualities are important for air conditioning systems in buildings.

The product prevents freezing of the coolant and subsequent destruction of communications.

This is a durable material with a service life exceeding 50 years. Its performance qualities do not change throughout its operation.

Insulation with mineral wool does not require special knowledge, the work is done quickly.

The pipelines are well protected from mechanical stress. The insulator fibers are closely intertwined, which allows them to withstand heavy loads.

Minvata does not shrink. It can be reused.

It prevents accidental burns from hot heating systems.

The material does not rot and resists mold and mildew well.

Does not collapse under the influence of aggressive environments, such as cement.

The product does not burn and has a low flammability.

The cost of fiber insulation is much lower than other products for similar purposes.

The insulator has disadvantages that affect its applicability:

The material can be harmful to the human body, especially glass wool. The fibers cause a strong burning sensation, so cover your respiratory system, skin and eyes with protective products. personal protection. Work in clothing made of thick fabric, which should be thrown away if it is heavily soiled - a robe contaminated with fiberglass cannot be washed.

Mineral wool consists of fibers, the voids between them are quickly filled with water, which leads to the loss of heat-insulating properties. If the insulation absorbs 2% of water from the total mass of the product, its effectiveness will decrease by 50%. In order not to spoil the protective coating, the finished shell must be carefully waterproofed.

Technology of pipe insulation with mineral wool

The insulation can be installed by one person who has no experience in such work. Special tools for thermal insulation of pipes with mineral wool are not required, just enough sharp knife to trim off excess parts. The correct choice of material is important.

Selection of mineral wool

There are many modifications of mineral wool on sale, each of which is intended for use in certain cases. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following information.

Glass wool is most often used on the exterior of residential buildings. This is due to the fact that it is vulnerable to high temperatures. The material is sold in the form of mats, slabs, rolls and cylinders. It is soft and elastic, suitable for insulating pipes in any form. There is no general standard for the length of blanks; each manufacturer produces samples at its own discretion. Product thickness - 50-150 mm.

Stone wool has a high heat resistance threshold, which makes it possible to insulate pipes in the residential sector and in industrial facilities. It is used to insulate heating systems, plumbing equipment in basements and living rooms. It is used to insulate pipes in boiler rooms and other rooms with extreme operating conditions. It has no restrictions on use outside or inside the building. For this task, buy stone wool in the form of shells or lamella rolls, which look like rectangular elements glued to foil. It will not be possible to wrap a pipe with a single plate - the product has too short a pile, which gives the material rigidity.

Slag wool has poor thermal insulation properties and is purchased only because of its low price. It is prohibited to be used indoors due to its harmful effects on the human body. The material is used in inappropriate places, because it loses its properties in a humid environment and at critical temperatures.

Pipe insulation is made with or without linings. For thermal insulation without cladding, you will need special stitched mats made in accordance with GOST 21880-94. They are sold in rolls, wrapped in special paper, and are of considerable size. Shell-free products are considered budget materials. They do not withstand weathering well, so they are installed in closed spaces, for example, in attics or tunnels. To protect the room from fibers, it is recommended to cover the finished shell with film.

The insulation with lining is made in the form of stitched mats with a protective mesh. Compared to unlined mats, these products have increased strength and flexibility. After wrapping there are no gaps or cracks left. Heat loss after installation is insignificant.

Manufacturers offer rigid samples of a given shape made of basalt fiber in the form of cylinders or half-cylinders for pipe insulation. For ease of installation, they are equipped with grooves. Small segments of mineral wool can also be used for these purposes. This insulation does not lose its shape at high temperatures and protects pipes well from mechanical stress.

Cylindrical products are 3.6 times more efficient than rolled products. The total heat loss during their use reaches 8% throughout the entire service life. Mats and rolls lose their insulating properties every year. In the first year, losses are 10%, in the second - 30%, and in the third they exceed 45%. On average, annual losses when thermal insulation with traditional wool are 28%, which is much higher than when using cylindrical products.

The fiber shell is produced with a density of 80 kg/m 3. It is available with or without metal coating. The choice of samples is influenced by several factors, the main one being the location of the system. Mineral wool with an aluminum shell is intended for use outside buildings. To reduce moisture absorption, it is heavily compacted and carefully waterproofed on top.

Hydrophobic insulating cylinders are also produced, which are used in wet areas or in places where condensation occurs, but they are very expensive.

The mineral wool shell for pipes consists of two parts. The internal diameter varies between 18-1024 mm and is selected according to the diameter of the insulated element. Only in this case the effect will be maximum. The thickness of the insulating layer is 20-80 mm, the standard length is 1 m. Mineral wool shells work well in a wide temperature range - from -40 to +74 degrees.

Insulation materials coated with foil and fiberglass can be used in damp rooms; they are not afraid of direct contact with water. For insurance, the products are additionally impregnated with special hydrophobic substances.

Installation method for cylindrical insulation

Insulation of pipes with mineral wool is carried out only in dry weather. The work is performed in the following sequence:

Inspect the surface of the insulated element, make sure that it is intact and dry. Repair leak if necessary. If condensation remains on the surface, the plumbing product will quickly fail.

Treat the surface with an anti-corrosion coating or primer.

Place the halves of the mineral wool shell on the pipe with an offset of 10-15 mm and secure first temporarily with wire and then with special foil tape. It is sold at any hardware store. If you don't have it, use simple adhesive tape, but in this case the effectiveness will be slightly reduced. Shifting the parts is necessary for overlap.

Insulate complex sections of pipelines (corners, turns, shapes) with special shaped elements. Wrap the tape very tightly, making sure that there are no unclosed gaps.

The larger the diameter of the shell, the more parts it has. A cylinder with a diameter of up to 50 mm has only one cut. To place it in place of the slot, open the product, install it on the pipe and secure it with tape.

If the shell consists of several parts, strengthen them with special clamps, binding wire or metal tape.

Installation technology of soft mineral wool

Outside the building, system elements can be installed above or below the ground. In the first case, the insulation can be negatively affected by precipitation and wind, in the second - groundwater with aggressive elements. Let's consider each case separately.

Insulation of above-ground pipes is carried out in the following sequence:

Inspect the surface of the sample and, if necessary, modify it as in the previous case.

Cover the pipe with foil adhesive tape, placing it in a spiral.

Wrap the insulation tightly, making sure there are no gaps between the joints.

Secure the insulator with plumber's tape. Gaps between turns of tape are not allowed. Water can get into them and damage the system over time.

Waterproof the product with rolled material; usually roofing felt is used for this purpose. It is fixed with wire.

If pipes are planned to be buried in the ground, they must be protected from water in any way. Otherwise, the low-density insulator will begin to deteriorate.

The operating procedure is as follows:

Dig a trench 60 cm wide and 5 cm deeper than calculated.

Place a layer of sand 10-15 cm thick at the bottom of the trench, level it and compact it.

Assemble the pipeline on the surface and insulate it, as in the previous case. Make sure that the mineral wool and tape are not loose. Such treatment will ensure the integrity of the insulator even under the influence of loads during spring and autumn soil movements.

Place the assembled product in the trench and cover it with earth.

For insulation plumbing systems You can apply multi-layer protection using a heating cable. This will prevent you from burying the system deeply.

The work is carried out as follows:

Wind the heating wire around the pipe.

Place rolls of glass wool on top and secure with soft wire.

Connect the wires to the outlet.

Fill the trench with soil.

If the pipe is located under the floor in the house, it is not necessary to waterproof the product.

How to insulate pipes with mineral wool - watch the video: