The main benefits of phenolic pipe insulation include its fire and moisture resistance. Due to its closed cell structure, phenolic offers excellent resistance to moisture penetration. It is also suitable for industrial and cryogenic applications requiring moderate levels of heat. Another advantage of phenolic is that it is 100% free from CFCs and HCFCs. Read on to learn about the many advantages of phenolic pipe insulation. Using phenolic pipe insulation in your project will ensure that your pipes are protected from heat, fire, and water.
Closed-cell structure
When phenolic pipe insulation is used in construction, the close-cell structure of the material is crucial to ensure its performance. In addition to its thermal insulation value, closed-cell foams are also recommended due to their ability to retain the blowing agent. A high percentage of closed cells in a high-quality phenolic pipe insulation can produce double or more the R-value of an open-cell foam. Similarly, a low-quality foam insulation may have an inferior cell wall structure, allowing gas to escape.
A rigid phenolic pipe insulation is highly dimensionally stable, allowing for precise cutouts. The rigid phenolic insulation is also recyclable, and waste can be recycled back into the manufacturing process. However, the R-value (thermal resistance) of phenolic pipe insulation varies according to its thickness. Its thermal resistance is calculated by dividing the thickness of the pipe insulation by its thermal conductivity. The R-value is rounded to the nearest 0.05.
The closed-cell structure of elastomeric pipe insulation also helps protect piping from corrosion. Its closed-cell structure and built-in vapor retarder make it an excellent choice for cold-weather mechanical systems. Another benefit of elastomeric pipe insulation is its low water vapor penetrability. Unlike phenolic pipe insulation, elastomeric insulation maintains its thermal efficiency when in contact with water vapors.
Phenolic foams may contain a toughening agent. Depending on its composition, the toughening agent may be present in a low-grade phenolic resin. The purpose of the toughening agent is to increase the closed-cell content of the phenolic resin and minimize its thermal conductivity. A high water content will increase the chance of rupturing cells and reducing the closed-cell content.
When used as pipe insulation, elastomeric and phenolic elastomeric products are ideal. These materials come in factory-made rolls, sheets, and tubes. They have a smooth outer edge and a built-in vapor retarder. Due to their closed-cell structure, they are less susceptible to breakage and cracks. They are also available in a wider variety of sizes, ranging from 3’x4′ to 48″ wide rolls.
Fire resistance
Phenolic pipe insulation is an excellent choice for cold or chilled pipework. Its closed cell structure resists moisture penetration and is non-wicking. As a result, it is ideal for use in process/petrochemical applications. A variety of thicknesses are available, and phenolic foam pipe insulation is available in a wide range of densities. For larger pipe diameters, a higher-density product may be required, such as one-inch-thick foam.
When exposed to high heat, phenolic pipe insulation undergoes a process known as pyrolysis. This endothermic reaction produces hot combustible gases and black char on the material’s surface. This is one of the reasons why fire resistant phenolic pipe insulation is an important part of fire proof systems. In addition to its excellent fire resistance, phenolic pipe insulation also has a low water vapour permeance, meaning that moisture isn’t absorbed into the material.
Another insulating material that has excellent fire resistance is calcium silicate pipe insulation. This material is similar to mineral wool, and is also resistant to fire. It also protects sensitive cables and wires. Mineral wool can be caulked, which makes it a good choice for thermal applications. It is composed of recycled iron and steel or actual mineral rock. The fire resistance rating of phenolic pipe insulation varies, so it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it.
Another fire-resistance feature of phenolic pipe insulation is its intumescent coating. Once exposed to fire, the intumescent coating forms a heat shield on the pipe. This process helps reduce the rate of fire in the pipe, thus reducing the Smoke Developed Index (SDU).
Another fire-resistance property of phenolic pipe insulation is its thermal efficiency. It can be used in lower-than-standard thicknesses compared to mineral fibre. However, it is not recommended for use in places with high fire risks, as it is susceptible to decomposition in fire. This makes it difficult to use it as a substitute for mineral fibre. In these cases, mineral wool insulation is a more suitable choice.
Cost
To get an accurate estimate of the cost to install phenolic pipe insulation, it’s important to consider how complicated the installation will be. While many homewyse estimates include basic work such as removing old insulation and repairing the structure, others are more complex and require more experienced professionals. In addition, the cost of phenolic pipe insulation installation will vary by location and labor type. This article provides a brief overview of some of the costs associated with phenolic pipe insulation installation.
This type of fire-resistant fabricated pipe section is manufactured from a high-density phenolic foam material. It can also contain factory-applied vapor retarders to further enhance the fire resistance and low thermal conductivity. The main manufacturer of phenolic pipe insulation is Fujian Tenlead Advanced Material Co., LTD. The company supplies the material as finished pipe insulation in 36-inch lengths.
While phenolic pipe insulation can be expensive, its excellent performance makes it worth the investment. Its density varies from two to eight pounds per cubic foot, and the material is highly resistant to moisture penetration. Phenolic pipe insulation is also suitable for industrial applications involving moderate heat and cryogenic temperatures. This type of insulation is 100% free of CFCs and HCFCs. The cost of phenolic pipe insulation will depend on how complex the installation is, but it can be very affordable if you choose the right manufacturer and material.
A contractor will charge between $110 and $1100 for removing and replacing old phenolic pipe insulation. This cost includes the labor to remove the old insulation, the disposal of the old insulation, and the purchase of new insulation, including PVDC film vapor retarder and aluminum jacketing. In addition to the material cost, the cost of installing new materials will include the contractor’s overhead. During a project like this, it is important to consider all the factors that will influence the cost of phenolic pipe insulation.
The cost of phenolic pipe insulation is directly related to the R-value. The higher the R-value, the more expensive the product will be. It is essential to install high R-value insulation, especially in areas where winter temperatures are well below freezing. Otherwise, your pipes will freeze and burst. A high-quality phenolic pipe insulation will prevent such an eventuality. So, take some time to determine the exact amount of cost.
Application
Phenolic pipe insulation is a lightweight material used to insulate pipes. Its high thermal efficiency makes it suitable for moderate to high temperature applications, but the price of phenolic pipe insulation may make it an unsuitable substitute for mineral fibre. Here are some benefits of phenolic insulation. They are 100% free of CFCs and HCFCs and can withstand temperatures of -180°C to +120°C.
Phenolic pipe insulation is a closed-cell thermoset foam product with good thermal insulating properties. It is manufactured in large buns and fabricated into curved segments, pipe covers, and tank heads. While it has excellent thermal insulating properties, the product degrades over time when exposed to sunlight. In such cases, the material is protected with jacketing, which is applied to the exterior surface of the pipe.
For a high-quality phenolic foam, a blowing agent with low exotherm is needed to form a continuous film. This curing process is important for phenolic pipe insulation because it allows cross-linking of phenolic resin. Phenolic resins are a preferred thermosetting resin for pipe insulation because they have excellent thermal insulation properties and low smoke emissions. They also resist fire.
The main disadvantage of unperforated aluminum foil facings is that they cannot vent water vapour during processing and curing. Perforated foil facings allow venting of water vapour, preventing unsightly blisters on phenolic pipe insulation products. It also allows air to enter the foam, increasing its thermal conductivity as the product ages. Using a perforated aluminum foil facing prevents blisters on the phenolic pipe insulation.
The manufacturer of phenolic pipe insulation blocks has conducted tests in the UK and Germany for the purpose of CE marking. Once relevant data is published, we’ll update the table. Other factors to consider when specifying pipework insulation blocks include their suitability for the specific environment and abiding by the latest codes of practice. And remember to engage a thermal contractor for a suitable insulation system. These blocks are best used on CHW and LTHW pipework.