Pipe insulations are a specially formulated flame retarded closed cell foamed polyolefin tube with excellent thermal insulating capabilities. The pipe insulation is economically priced and is available in a wide array of sizes. Foam pipe insulation is widely used to reduce heat loss, control condensation, help maintain cold lines and reduce plumbing noise.

Rigid Polyurethane Foam for Pipe Insulation

Rigid polyurethane foam has been used for the insulation and protection of pipes. Polyurethane foam's popularity is based on its outstanding insulation properties. The foam pipes prevent heat loss or maintain temperatures in cold environments to prevent freezing or cracking. One of the characteristics of foam pipes is the high mechanical strength, adhesion, flexibility and a smooth flow. The foam pipes are durable and efficient and versatile.

Foam Pipe-Manufacturing Technique For Effective Insulation

There are two main forms of pipe production techniques known as discontinuous and continuous.
1. Discontinuous pipe manufacturing techniques involve filling of the void between steel inner pipes within a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) casing pipe. The gaps at both ends are sealed with tightly fitting caps equipped with injection and air venting holes. Standard steel pipe lengths for this process are 6,12 and 16m.

2. Continuous pipe manufacturing techniques happen in two main stages. In the first stage, foam is applied to the inner pipe by a molding or spray operation. During the second stage the outer casing pipe is extruded or wound around the pre-shaped foam. This process requires the use of modified polyurethane foam systems to provide different characteristics in terms of reactivity, viscosity build up and cure. This technique is mostly suited to bigger pipe manufacturers producing large quantities of the same diameter pipes. Benefits of this approach are its fast and consistent production runs at relatively low variable costs. Material costs can be reduced with lower foam over-pack, filling density and casing pipe thickness.

Pipe Insulation Foam - Pipe Cover

To keep the low temperature from preventing surface condensation and for minimizing heat gain molded rigid polyurethane foam is used for insulating the piping system. Insulation of the foam pipe allows efficient retention of heat and has low thermal conductivity. The foam pipes of rigid polyurethane provide a high level of compression and shear strength. However, the pipes are lightweight. There is no water absorption in foam pipe insulation as the water vapor permeability is low. The foam pipes are resistant to fire.