Pipe Insulation

The experts are highly recommending and advocating the use of pipe insulation both in homes and industries because of the high demand of energy efficiency and the rising cost of fuel resources. Pipe has a cylindrical or tube like form or shape. Insulation materials of different kinds can be used to form pipes.
Pipe is used for the transportation of liquid or gas. Rigid and tough materials such as metals are used to make pipes. Pipes made up of steel are inexpensive than others. Another advantage of using steel pipes is its durability than other metals. But steel pipes corrode and do not last long comparatively with other metals. Copper has non-corrosive property. Therefore, copper pipes are generally used for plumbing. There are also other pipes made of stainless steel, brass and aluminum. But these pipes are expensive than steel pipes. These pipes are used thus only for a specific type of application due to their high cost.

The pipes made up of ceramics and plastic can not bear high temperature. Their application or use is restricted only to water with a lower temperature.
The insulation of pipes is necessary so that they may not freeze during cold periods or winter season. Pipes should be insulated to absorb moisture or humidity. There is another benefit of pipe insulation. The warmth is not transferred to the households, buildings or spaces from the pipes.

There are different materials which are used for pipe insulation. Fiberglass, polyurethane pipe insulation foam and polysterene are most commonly used for pipe insulation. Some instances of pipe insulations are Armaflex pipe insulation, Thermwell pipe insulation, tubular foam pipe insulation, closed cell foam pipe insulation and Knauf pipe insulation. Steam pipe insulation, water pipe insulation and hot water heating pipe insulation help in checking heat transfer. Mold resistance pipe insulation protects from molds formation. Frost-free pipe insulation protects pipes from freezing.
Polyurethane is a strong material which has been used in pipe insulation for more than 30 years. Its use is preferred in plumbing process, chemical refineries, milk and dairy product factories and industrial plants. It is known for its efficiency in gas and off the shore pipelines. It is commonly used in district heater systems, pipe line insulation in swimming pools and district cooling system.

Polyurethane foam is a substance which is used in insulation due to its properties of durability, breakage resistance flexibility and high adhesive nature. It helps in reducing heat loss. It is the top most choice in places where freezing commonly occurs. Another characteristic of polyurethane foam insulation is its high receptivity to even the worst temperature extremities from 196 degree Celsius to over 150 degree Celsius.
Fiberglass pipe insulation is made of inorganic glass fibers. It has many sizes. It can bear high temperature up to 850 degree Fahrenheit.
Polystyrene pipe insulation is a form of foam insulation. it is used in major copper and iron piping.