Pipe insulation

Moisture is known to contribute towards many different types of corrosion, so preventing the formation of condensation on pipework is usually considered important.

When water freezes it expands and this expansion can cause failure of a pipe system in any one of a number of ways.

Since smaller-bore pipes present a greater risk of freezing, insulation is typically used in combination with alternative methods of freeze prevention (e.g., modulating trace heating cable, or ensuring a consistent flow of water through the pipe).

Thicknesses of thermal pipe insulation used for saving energy vary, but as a general rule, pipes operating at more-extreme temperatures exhibit a greater heat flow and larger thicknesses are applied due to the greater potential savings.

[4] Conversely, such pipework may be insulated to prevent overheating or unnecessary cooling in the rooms through which it passes.

Where pipework is operating at extremely high or low temperatures, the potential exists for injury to occur should any person come into physical contact with the pipe surface.

The threshold for human pain varies, but several international standards set recommended touch temperature limits.

In such circumstances, the breakout of noise from the pipe wall can be achieved by acoustic insulation incorporating a high-density sound barrier.

Mineral wools are capable of operating at high temperatures and exhibit good fire performance ratings when tested.

Flexible elastomeric foams exhibit such a high resistance to the passage of water vapour that they do not generally require additional water-vapour barriers.

Heat flow passing through pipe insulation can be calculated by following the equations set out in either the ASTM C 680[9] or EN ISO 12241[10] standards.