Pipe insulation is a type of thermal and acoustic insulation that regulates noise and limits moisture accumulation. There are several types of pipe insulation to choose from: acoustic, rubber, or fiberglass. All are a good choice for pipe insulation, but each has its advantages and disadvantages. Listed below are the pros and cons of each type. For more information, contact your local building supply store. Here’s a quick primer on pipe insulation.
Acoustic pipe insulation regulates noise levels
Sound pressure levels in buildings are often regulated by acoustic pipe insulation. Glass wool and gypsum board enclosures can reduce sound pressure levels by 30 dB (A) or more. While pipe systems can achieve the acoustic levels needed by most buildings, other materials require significant insulation to meet requirements. Sound transmission class (STC) is a key parameter to look for in pipe noise reduction.
The industry standard for evaluating acoustic performance for pipe insulation is ISO 15665. But applying this standard to a design can be very expensive, which has limited the number of tested acoustic assemblies. To address this issue, researchers from Owens Corning developed a mathematical model that estimates pipe insulation performance. The results of the testing are used to inform the selection of acoustic pipe insulation.
While pipe insulation can reduce airborne sound, it cannot prevent structure-borne sound from passing through the insulated pipe. In order to prevent this, pipes must be isolated from the cladding. If the pipe vibrates, it transfers the vibration to the cladding, which then re-radiates the sound as secondary airborne acoustic emissions. Hence, pipe insulation must be well insulated in order to minimize these noise levels.
Pipes are a significant source of noise in the building. The piping system can represent up to 50 percent of the total noise level in an industrial site. As such, acoustic pipe insulation should be used in multi-unit buildings. It is an effective way to reduce the noise of pipes. So, when it comes to soundproofing pipes, it is essential to choose the right material to avoid acoustic leakage, which can be harmful to your health.
Moreover, noise pollution can be caused by a variety of sources. In general, plant managers are likely to look for obvious sources of noise. In a warehouse, for example, fans, machinery, pipes, ductwork, and even a single-story office building can contribute to the noise level. To combat these, acoustic pipe lagging helps reduce noise levels in the warehouse. It’s also important to note that acoustic pipe lagging is not the only solution.
Polyurethane foam pipe insulation limits moisture accumulation
The modulus ratio of polyurethane foam pipe insulation is a useful measure of its effectiveness in limiting the accumulation of moisture. The modulus ratio is dependent on pipe type and is plotted against shape anisotropy R. In Figure 4 you can see the cell area and its average value. In this study we are assuming that Ph = 0.8 and that the pipe is a B-DN100.
For the purpose of testing pipe insulation, we use two different temperature and humidity conditions. The temperature and humidity is 91 degrees Fahrenheit and 92 percent relative humidity. The operating temperature of the pipe is 34 oF (1.1 degC). The local air velocity is 0 miles per hour. The test pipe is assembled in a reproducible facility on a copper tubing of 1 inch ID, which is widely used in below ambient systems. This provides a sample with a large enough area to absorb moisture and excellent thermal conductance to a cooling source.
Organic foams have a high thermal expansion coefficient and may cause warping and buckling. These changes in dimension can negatively affect the thermal performance of the pipe insulation. The in-cell gases of low density polyurethane can cause significant stress to the external vapor barrier. Cellular glass insulation can resist dimensional change and is more stable at high temperatures than phenolic foam. Using the latter type of pipe insulation limits moisture accumulation while maintaining the same thermal performance will ensure that the pipe insulation is able to resist heat.
Historically, pipes have been manufactured using a batch process with a steel medium pipe and a rigid PU foam inside. The PU foam is then injected between the service pipe and outer casing in a one-step process. In this process, the service pipe is produced first and the outer casing is bonded to it. The method used for manufacturing traditional bonded pipes is also largely the same as that of the flexible series.
The differences between FC-DN40 pipes are relatively small, but still present a significant difference in E modulus. However, this difference is due to differences in the formulation, not the composition of the PU foam. In general, the two pipe types exhibit similar mechanical anisotropy in the E-modulus and s10 under compression. The FC-DN40 has similar s10 values.
Rubber pipe insulation is flexible and mold-resistant
In addition to being flexible and mold-resistant, rubber pipe insulation is also mold-resistant. Rubber pipe insulation is also known as hydronic pipe insulation or Rubatex. It is black in color and is made of rubber. The smooth side forms the exposed insulation surface. It is an effective insulation choice because it helps to prevent moisture infiltration. Depending on the pipe size, rubber pipe insulation can be installed with little to no waste.
This type of pipe insulation is fiber-free, mold-resistant, and low-VOC. Manufacturers in the United States typically add biocides to both PVC and NBR pipe insulation during manufacturing. For example, EPDM pipe insulation from manufacturers like Aerocel is naturally mold-resistant, and most U.S.-made versions are GREENGUARD certified. While these benefits can be limited to specific products, they make it easy to find the best option for your building.
Compared to fiberglass pipe insulation, rubber pipe insulation is cheaper and easier to install. It can be used to cover both hot and cold pipes. However, it performs best with low-temperature pipes. Unlike fiberglass, rubber is compatible with copper, PVC, and iron pipes. Rubber pipe insulation is flexible, mold-resistant, and can fit in tight spaces. It is also slightly cheaper than fiberglass. The pros and cons of rubber pipe insulation are listed below.
Whether it’s for your HVAC, chiller, or refrigeration system, the right insulation will help to prevent mold from growing and spreading. For these reasons, closed-cell elastomeric foams are ideal for use in HVAC, refrigeration, and chilled water systems. Its non-absorbent properties and easy-to-clean properties will provide years of peace of mind for the owner. These qualities are ideal for mold-resistant insulation.
It has a high resistance to heat and cold. When properly installed, it will prevent your pipes from freezing. It’s also easy to install and mold-resistant. It will also protect your pipes from freezing in below-freezing temperatures. Rubber pipe insulation is flexible and mold-resistant, and is ideal for a wide range of applications. For mold-resistant insulation, use K-FLEX LS SHEET.
Fiberglass is expensive
You may wonder if fiberglass pipe insulation is worth the money. After all, it will prevent pipe noise, keep them warm during freezing temperatures, and prevent cracking and rusting. While fiberglass is expensive, it works just as well as other insulation materials. Let’s take a closer look. Here are some benefits of fiberglass pipe insulation. Listed below are some of its benefits. Despite its high price, it is definitely worth the investment.
Fiberglass pipe insulation offers the greatest range of applications, and is generally the most cost-effective option. It can be used for hot and cold piping, concealed piping, dual-temperature piping, condensate lines, and high-temperature pipes. Its high-R-value of 5 per inch makes it the perfect choice for industrial and commercial applications. In addition, fiberglass pipe insulation is durable and can withstand elevated temperatures up to 1200F.
This type of pipe insulation can be used in pipe terminations, such as near a water heater or furnace. This type of pipe insulation is self-sealing, and pre-slit for easy installation. It is also resistant to fire and moisture, and it has excellent acoustic and thermal performance. Additionally, it has a variety of safety features and can be expensive. The downside to fiberglass pipe insulation is its price, so it’s wise to shop around to compare prices and find the best product.
While fiberglass tubular pipe insulation is expensive, it is worth the cost. It is a good choice for hot water pipes. However, it is a bit of an irritant, as its tiny fibers tend to scatter everywhere. This material can also be unpractical for tight quarters. Although it is a good choice for hot and cold water pipes, its price is still comparable to other materials. So, if you want to use fiberglass pipe insulation for your home, make sure you get the right fit for your pipes.
When buying fiberglass pipe insulation, be sure to pay attention to the R-value. The R-value of the insulation will have a direct impact on the price. The higher the R-value, the more expensive the material. You should consider the thickness of insulation if you live in an area that experiences freezing temperatures. If your pipes are susceptible to freezing during the winter months, make sure you buy a high R-value product to prevent bursts.