
Double-insulated pipe and fittings
Double insulated pipe is a pipe that can withstand high temperatures (higher than 140°C) and is designed according to the field of use. According to the design temperature, it is important to be economical. It consists of two layers. As the first layer, inorganic materials such as rock wool or pyrogel are used.
Rock Wool
Rock wool is a material formed by turning basalt stone into a fiber and cooking it with an organic binder. It is resistant to heat and can withstand high temperatures. Its thermal conductivity is low and it is thicker than other insulation materials. The compressive strength varies Decently and is usually between 0.5-500 kPa at 10% strain.
Pyrogel
Pyrogel is a material consisting of silica aerogel reinforced with glass fiber. It has a low volume and high density and takes up less space compared to other insulation materials. It has low thermal conductivity and does not retain moisture and water while passing water vapor. Thanks to its hydrophobicity, it prevents corrosion and increases the life of metal pipes and fittings that may remain under insulation. Compression strength is 102 kPa at 10% strain.
These insulating materials are often used in the design of double-insulated pipes. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Another insulation material is Pyrogel. Pyrogel is a material consisting of silica aerogel supported by glass fiber. Its temperature resistance is 650 °C and it has a thermal conductivity of 0.028 W/mK at 200°C. Its density is 180 kg/m3, and its compressive strength is 102 kPa at 10% stress. Pyrogel passes water vapor, does not retain moisture and water, and prevents corrosion under insulation thanks to its hydrophobic nature. It has low volume and high density compared to other insulation materials. It provides the same thermal resistance with a lower thickness compared to the thickness ratio of other insulation materials.
Double insulated pipes are more effective than standard type pre-insulated pipes, especially when used at high temperatures. The design of the pipes is based on factors such as the area to be used and temperature resistance. Insulation materials such as rock wool or pyrogel are used in the first layer and the thickness of the second layer is determined according to project information. Rock wool is a material formed by turning volcanic basalt stone into fibers and baking it with an organic binder. It can withstand temperatures up to 750°C and has a thermal conductivity of 0.074 W/mK. Its density varies between 20-200 kg/m3 and its compressive strength is between 0.5-500 kPa at 10% stress.
Double insulated pipes are commonly used in industrial plants such as petrochemical, chemical, gas, oil and power plants. In addition, many applications where these pipes are used include boiler feed water lines, steam pipelines, heating systems, cooling water lines and gas distribution lines.
Double insulated pipes are a suitable option not only for high temperatures but also for corrosive fluids. The outer layer of the pipes can be protected by coating them with various protective coatings, covering them with stainless steel, aluminum and other materials. This ensures a longer life of the pipes and benefits the user with low maintenance costs.
As a result, double insulated pipes are a safe and efficient option for transporting high temperature, pressure and corrosive fluids. The two-layer insulation saves energy and improves the quality of the insulation. Furthermore, by using different insulation materials, it is possible to tailor the pipes to the specific area of use.
Advantages of Double Insulated Pipes and Fittings
The advantages of double insulated pipes and fittings are as follows:
- Allows use at high temperatures (140°C and above).
- It offers better thermal insulation.
- It is more cost-effective and longer lasting.
- It is environmentally friendly and has low energy consumption.
- It provides higher efficiency with less energy loss.
- It is fire resistant and has high chemical resistance.
- Thanks to its double-layer structure, it provides higher mechanical durability.