Installation of thermal insulation of pipelines: the purpose of warming, features of choice and use of materials
A furnished house is a guarantee of a comfortable family life. This is important in winter, when pipes for water supply and heating must be insulated from the cold and protected from cooling of the coolant. Owners of private sector facilities in the cold season have problems with those sections of the pipeline, which are laid in a cold basement and attic, in open areas, adjacent to general communications. Water freezes in a system of any material, if the installation of thermal insulation of pipelines has not been performed in advance.
The method of installation of insulation depends on the type of material and method of laying the pipeline
The main tasks of thermal insulation of pipelines
Based on building codes, when installing any pipeline, the use of insulation is recommended, which is suitable for a certain type of communication. These documents also regulate the thickness of the insulation of heating pipes. Insulating materials are available in finished form, easy to use:
- cylinders, semi-cylinders;
- winding;
- film;
- insulating paint;
- sprayed insulation.
Thermal insulation materials of the latest generation minimize heat loss in the coolant, increase the efficiency of the pipeline. Convenient forms of insulation release facilitate the installation of thermal insulation of pipelines.
It is important to properly lay and insulate all communications during installation, excluding "cold bridges" and unprotected areas. Some parts of the pipeline require double or triple protection with different insulating materials, especially in the joints.
The main mistakes, leading to heat loss or freezing of the pipeline:
- ignorance of installation technology;
- incorrect calculation of the thermal insulation layer of pipelines;
- wrong choice of material for insulation.
When choosing an insulating material should take into account its properties, thickness, as well as the diameter of the pipes, which are planned to be insulated
Each thermal insulation material, has its advantages and disadvantages. One pipe insulation has a longer service life, the other is less protected from moisture, therefore, they are often combined for greater efficiency. The most important tasks, which helps to solve the competent installation of thermal insulation of pipelines:
- mechanical protection of pipes against deformations and corrosion;
- increase of efficiency at transportation of the heat carrier;
- reduction of heat loss;
- increasing the period of uninterrupted operation of pipes, does not need repair;
- minimization of heat exchange with the external environment;
- protection against temperature and humidity changes.
Choosing materials for thermal insulation of pipelines, it is important to consider their parameters:
- resistance to chemicals, mechanical impact;
- thermal conductivity of insulation;
- resistance to high temperature loads;
- moisture resistance, vapor permeability;
- maintaining the integrity of the coating during compression, stretching, increased load;
- refractory properties.
pay attention! If part of the pipeline in the winter will be on the surface, outside the heating room, the thickness of the thermal insulation of heating pipes or the number of layers should be maximum.
Pipes, laid in unheated rooms and on the street, it is necessary to insulate with the thickest material with a moisture-proof layer
In some parts of the pipeline you can use an alternative to the expensive "shell". If there are wide sewer or plastic pipes left, then they can be cut lengthwise, to rotate them metal. Fill the intermediate space with the remains of mine or foam (through enlightened openings). The outer layer should be well secured with construction tape or other reliable winding, better foil.
It is impossible to name any one universal heater, as the construction market offers a variety of insulation materials for pipelines with many advantages. In the Russian market you can find imported and domestic thermal insulation materials of well-known brands:
- Knauf;
- Ursa;
- Isover.
Isolation of these firms is considered the most practical and effective.
Basalt-based insulation (mineral) watts
The main form of production is a cylindrical wrapper for pipes based on mineral raw materials. Durable and reliable insulation, in which insects and mice are not found, which is important for installation in basements and attics. Despite the appearance of mineral wool, thermal insulation of pipelines with its use guarantees long and faultless operation. Finished molded elements are sold for pipes of different diameters, therefore at purchase it is important to know parameters of a water supply system. At probable mechanical influences on an external part of communications rolls of basalt wool should be protected by a layer of light-reflecting foil. There are proposals with a ready-made protective layer, example, of foil or parchment.
Installation: Finished fragments line the pipes, fixed with a scotch tape winding, sometimes use plastic ties or tape.
Fiberglass insulation
The most accessible material, produced on the basis of quartz sand, but the obsolete "glassy" is banned in many countries. This insulation is inexpensive, but over time, this insulation is compacted, its efficiency decreases. An external winding is required, example, fiberglass.
Warning! Microscopic vitreous fibers are dangerous for the skin, therefore, when laying such insulation it is important to take care of the protection of the skin of the hands, face, body.
Installation: Heating pipes are covered with a small layer of glass and covered with non-hygroscopic material. Wrap the outside with foil, roofing material.
Styrofoam shell
This is an improved type of foam, used for pre-insulated pipes or insulation in the form of cylinders and semi-cylinders. Reuse is possible, if you have to open the pipeline to eliminate a leak or dismantle. Available with or without an outer protective layer.
Installation: Laying shells is the easiest thing to do, thanks to a well-thought-out form of release. Styrofoam cylinders are suitable for terrestrial and underground communications (channel) laying of pipes. They are covered by halves of the shell, that fits the width of the pipe and are fixed. Foil tape is applied in a spiral tightly fitting layers.
To provide "overlap" of fragments of a shell at installation of thermal insulation of pipelines, it is better to shift the halves relative to the second part. After wrapping with foil tape insulation can be considered complete.
It is important to know! Like the halves of a polystyrene shell, stack molded half-cylinders from other materials, such as foam rubber or foam. Foamed polyethylene is available as a multi-component base for foil insulation. And without an additional layer is gradually deformed, agglomerates and spreads at the joint.
The factory "shell" from expanded polystyrene is mounted easily, thanks to special grooves on each segment
Sprayed polyurethane foam
Convenient form of release - two-component mix is sprayed from the special device through a nozzle. It is applied on any inclined surface or in hard-to-reach places of warehouses, attic and other ancillary facilities. The use of foamed materials such as sprayed polyurethane foam when laying underground communications is not advisable. The porous material is compacted under soil pressure, therefore it loses its properties and becomes inefficient
Installation: Thermal insulation by spraying in the form of snow foam can be carried out not only on the surface of the pipes, but also on any freezing surface. Dense white foam forms an excellent adhesion to metal (steel) pipes.
Council! You can do this work yourself (if you have basic skills) or entrust the profile company. In the absence of experience there will be a large consumption of foam and an uneven layer when applied. It is desirable to train on several square meters of the area before full-fledged thermal insulation of the pipeline.
Heat-insulating paint
Innovation in the domestic construction market - white or gray paste based on a multicomponent mixture of acrylic and synthetic fillers. Well tolerates temperature jumps, perfectly protects metal from corrosion and condensation.
Installation: Apply a special spray in several layers, to provide better insulation. It is desirable to treat well-cleaned pipes with a primer for painting metal.
With any method of processing pipes, it is important to check the tightness of communications, clean the pipes from rust, it is possible to put a first coat and to process a heater according to all rules of installation. Insulation of the pipeline with high-tech materials guarantees the provision of a private home with an uninterrupted supply of cold water and efficient heating.
