About a quarter of the thermal energy is lost in the area of \u200b\u200bmovement of the coolant from the boiler room to the heated room. In other words, heat is wasted in an empty, heating street.

To solve this problem, various heat-insulating materials are used, which differ among themselves by the method of application to the pipe, the level of thermal conductivity, cost and period of operation. Let's try to figure it out and find the best option for warming heating pipes.

Content

1. The need and feasibility of thermal insulation of heating pipes
2. Requirements for Thermal Insulation Materials  video
3. Heating pipe insulation options
   • mineral wool method proven over the years
   • polyurethane foam insulation: polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam shell  video
   • penofol two-layer thermal insulation  video
   • liquid heaters aesthetics of thermal insulation and corrosion protection  video
   • alternative methods of thermal insulation
4. Do-it-yourself heat insulation of heating pipes
   • mineral wool insulation
   • polyurethane foam shell insulation  video

The need and feasibility of thermal insulation of heating pipes

If during the thermal insulation of sewer and water pipes the main task is to eliminate the likelihood of freezing of sewage and water, then the thermal insulation for heating pipes performs other functions.

First of all, thermal insulation provides a reduction in heat loss during the passage of hot water from a separate boiler house to the consumer. The temperature of the batteries and their performance will depend on the quality of the insulation used for pipes that are located in the basement of an apartment building. It doesn’t matter which radiators are used in the room: aluminum, bimetal or cast iron.

Of course, freezing the heating system is rare, but there are situations when plugs form at a rather low temperature. The solution to this problem will be especially difficult if the pipe is walled up in the wall. Timely thermal insulation almost completely eliminates the appearance of frozen sections in the pipe.

Thus, the insulation of heating pipes provides:

• temperature increase in a heated room;
• saving money on the purchase of energy;
• elimination of possible freezing of pipes;
• protection of the surface of the pipeline from the negative effects of the external environment.

Requirements for Thermal Insulation Materials

Going to a hardware store to buy material for pipe insulation, one must take into account the main selection criteria:

• the location of the heating pipes (basement, street);
• the average temperature of the coolant passing through the pipeline;
• technical characteristics of the heating system as a whole.

High-quality thermal insulation material should have the following properties:

• low thermal conductivity (the main parameter to assess the effectiveness of the insulation);
• moisture resistance of the material reduces thermal conductivity and prevents the development of pipe corrosion;
• fireproof non-combustible thermal insulation for pipes ensures fire safety of the heating system and premises (heat-insulating materials made of foam glass and basalt fibers have a high level of fireproofness);
• heat resistance (the maximum allowable temperature of the coolant in residential buildings is 105 degrees, at some enterprises the surface of the pipes can be heated up to 700 degrees Celsius);
• insulation material must have high electrical resistance, this will help to avoid the appearance of electrical corrosion in the event that the wires are located next to the heating pipe;
• thermal insulation for heating pipes should be made of a material that is not susceptible to decay and is resistant to chemicals;
• the optimal insulation should be easy to install and be reusable.

Requirements for the technical characteristics of high-quality heat-insulating material:

• the conductivity coefficient should be no more than 0.037 W m * K;
• average insulation density up to 400 kg / cubic meter;
• a pipeline of more than 5 meters located in the room must be insulated with non-combustible material.

To comply with the installation technology of thermal insulation, it is desirable that the insulation process is carried out by professionals.

Heating pipe insulation options

To reduce heat loss during transportation of the coolant through the pipeline, various materials are used, the choice of which depends on the operating conditions, pipe diameter and efficiency requirements. Consider the most popular heating pipe insulation options.

Mineral wool proven over the years

Mineral wool insulation is perhaps the most common way of pipe insulation. It can be used under different operating conditions and at the same time, has high efficiency. Mineral wool can withstand temperatures up to 650 degrees, which makes it possible to use it in boiler rooms.

Minvata has the following advantages:

• operational safety incombustibility and non-toxicity of the material;
• a low level of water absorption is a significant plus, since moistening the insulation dramatically reduces its effectiveness;
• resistance to chemical influences from oils, acids, alkalis and organic solvents;
• affordable price.

Mineral wool needs waterproofing with tin or roofing material, this will protect the heater from getting wet during rains, increase its operational characteristics and extend its service life.

Mineral wool is more often used for insulation of external heating systems, thermal insulation of chimneys and pipelines in the basements of multi-storey buildings.

In addition, derivatives of mineral wool are used:

1. Glass wool   It is made of cullet or quartz sand. It is used exclusively for insulation of external pipes, as the material is vulnerable to high temperatures.
2. Basalt wool   Basalt-containing rocks are the basis for production. It has a long service life and a lower degree of thermal conductivity.
   

Polyurethane foam insulation: polyurethane foam and polyurethane foam shell

Thermal insulation of heating pipes with polyurethane foam materials has its advantages:

• high density and mechanical strength;
• low coefficient of thermal conductivity;
• fire safety;
• water repellent properties;
• resistance to atmospheric action;
• electroneutrality;
• the material is not susceptible to decay and destruction when in contact with many chemicals;
• long life for 25-30 years, polyurethane foam retains its thermal insulation properties.

Polyurethane foam can be applied to the pipe in two main ways:

1. Polyurethane foam   polyurethane foam from the cylinder is applied to the pipeline. When hardening, the material adheres tightly to the surface of the pipe, creating a tight and integral coating. It is advisable to use foam for insulation of small sections of the heat pipe, since the material is quite expensive.
2. PPU shell   It is used for external (on the street) and internal (in the building, underground) thermal insulation. The shell for pipes has a semi-central shape and is mounted on the pipeline with clamps or special glue. It is characterized by ease of installation, high strength and excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

Penofol two-layer thermal insulation

Penofol belongs to the new generation of heaters, which are reflective thermal insulation. The material consists of foamed polyethylene and aluminum foil.

The combination of two layers provides the heater with high thermal resistance. This is the main factor in its use as thermal insulation for pipes. Foiled insulation has a number of additional advantages:

• environmentally friendly and does not emit harmful gases;
• easy to install and does not require the use of protective clothing;
• long term of operation;
• wide scope (insulation of pipes and rooms both outside and inside).

Folgoizol (penofol) is available in rolls and may have a different density of the base layer (polyethylene), the choice of which will depend on the application and operating conditions of the insulation. Due to the two-layer heat insulator, a thermos effect is achieved when the released heat is kept in a confined space.

Liquid heaters aesthetics of thermal insulation and corrosion protection

A worthy alternative to the above methods of thermal insulation is the use of special paints of liquid insulation. The paint is characterized by a high level of heat transfer resistance.

Heat-insulating paint can be applied with a spray, roller or ordinary brush. As a result, a strong, barely noticeable film is formed, which does not create a burden on the heating system, is safe in terms of environmental friendliness and fire, and also reduces heat loss. One layer is enough to provide effective thermal insulation.

0.5 mm of liquid thermal insulation is equivalent to 50 mm of mineral wool insulation

The installation of most insulation materials is often fraught with difficulties in coating complex pipe shapes. Liquid heaters can be applied without problems and hermetically cover any surface.

After applying the paintwork layer, the heating pipes look very aesthetically and reliably protected from corrosion. The paint is not affected by temperature fluctuations, so even after 10 years of using the pipeline, it does not crack and performs its functions.

Alternative insulation methods

There are additional ways of warming heating systems, which include:

• foam rubber;
• polystyrene foam (polystyrene);
• foamed polyethylene.

Foam rubber  possesses high elasticity (it is easily mounted on pipes of various configurations), it is steady against high temperatures. Ideal for use in rooms where there is a risk of contact of the insulation with a spark or open flame, since fire retardant has the property of self-extinguishing.

Construction of foam board  avoids the appearance of cold bridges. The material is sufficiently rigid, which makes it difficult to mount it on curved pipes. The term of operation is up to 50 years.

Polyethylene foam  Great for insulating heating pipes inside the house. It is made in the form of notched tubes. The range of insulation is very wide, and you can choose a polyethylene tube of the desired diameter. Very easy to install.

Do-it-yourself heat insulation of heating pipes

Mineral wool insulation

Do-it-yourself mineral wool pipe insulation work must be carried out with protective gloves.

Let's consider the process of warming in stages:

1. Cut the insulation of the required size.
2. Start wrapping the pipe without overtightening the insulation.
3. From time to time it is necessary to stop to fix the insulation. You can use a strong rope or electrical tape.
4. After the pipe is completely covered with a layer of mineral wool, it is necessary to prepare a protective case from corrugated foil or roofing material, cutting them into pieces.
5. Wrap a pipe with roofing material or foil and secure the layer with rope, twine or plastic ties.

Insulation with polyurethane foam shell

If the pipe diameter is not too large, then the PUF shell of a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical shape is suitable.

The pipe is crimped with a heater, after which the joints are fastened with glue, tape or foil tape. You can use ordinary knitting wire.

If the pipe is large, then it is necessary to select the PPU shell, consisting of three to four segments. Fastening takes place by a lock in the form of a groove-spike (included in the design of the insulation).

For pipe insulation in a private house, it is better to use a cylindrical shell for its installation, one person is enough

Effective heat insulation of heating pipes ensures that money is spent on heating the house, not the street or basement. Therefore, pipe insulation should not be neglected, but one should carefully consider the choice of a thermal insulation material, comparing all the advantages and disadvantages of its use.

Author: Sergey and Svetlana Khuentsov

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