Thermal insulation of polyethylene foam pipes - why do you need this?
Polyethylene is used to protect products made of plastic, copper or steel. The outer diameter of the pipes in this case can vary from 6 to 160 mm. As for the thickness of the insulation layer, it is in the range from 6 to 32 mm. It is also possible to use a material for the protection of very large diameter pipes, especially since it is available in the form of rolls or plates. The insulator density can vary in the range of 33-40 kg / m3.
Foamed polyethylene is, first of all, a polymer. The cost is quite acceptable, so it is used quite often. The insulator can have a foil coating or be without it at all. You can use the material to protect the sewerage, heating, air conditioning, chimneys, water supply inside the house, as well as pipes in refrigeration.
To isolate, that is, to protect against negative influences, pipes are necessary in order for them to work effectively and to be operated for a long time. Thermal protection prevents them from freezing or overheating, and in this way it is possible to reduce the noise of water in the pipes.
Pipe insulation from foamed polyethylene - pros and cons
Foamed polyethylene for pipes has a large lack of - it is a material that not only lights up well, but also supports combustion. However, this minus does not limit the use of the material, especially since it has a large number of pluses .
For example, the material is easy to handle( easily cut and mounted), and resistant to chemicals. It can also withstand a wide range of temperatures( -40 to +70 degrees Celsius) and not break down, which allows it to be used both indoors and to protect sewer pipes in the ground.
Foamed polyethylene is an excellent insulation, easy to install. The fact is that the bulk of the material is air, so it conducts heat poorly, which means it can significantly reduce energy costs for heating the room.
Another advantage of polyethylene is its resistance to moisture, so it is often used for insulation of water pipes. Also it has excellent noise-absorbing properties.
Foamed polyethylene for pipes - installation rules
Thermal insulation of polyethylene foam pipes is not difficult procedure, but it must be carried out in accordance with a certain technology. First of all, it is necessary to prepare the pipes for the procedure. The preparation provides only cleaning of the wrapping object from dust or dirt.
Foamed polyethylene is put on pipes as a stocking, therefore installation does not present special difficulties. You can do this if they are not already installed. It is also possible to mount the material on already installed pipes, but for this it will have to be cut with a knife.
If the polyethylene is cut, then after the installation is completed, it must be sealed with an aluminized( or regular) adhesive tape. When the pipe has a large diameter, the insulating material is wound on it, that is, its roll option is used, after which the joints, like in the case of cutting, are glued with adhesive tape. The main advantage of this insulator is that after installation it does not require additional finishing.