ABOUT US

• ENERGY SAVING

• CONDENSATION BUILDUP

• SAFETY

• FREEZING

• NOISE

ENERGY SAVING

Heat loss through the surface of pipes is prevented when they operate at temperatures much higher than room temperature; by applying insulation, a thermal resistance is formed to minimize heat loss.

CONDENSATION BUILDUP

Where pipes work at temperatures below room temperature, water vapour tends to condense on the pipe surface, creating moisture, corrosion and drips, and in refrigeration systems, where the temperature is below zero, the buildup of layers of ice. Pipe insulation can prevent condensation as long as the surface temperature of the insulation is higher than the dew temperature of the air and the insulation itself is waterproof (vapour barrier), thus preventing water vapour from passing through the insulation to condense on the pipe surface.

SAFETY

Where there is a risk of injury to persons coming into contact with systems or equipment conveying fluids at extreme temperatures, they must be insulated to bring the surface temperature down to a safe level.

FREEZING

In plumbing systems located outdoors or in unheated areas where the ambient temperature may drop below zero degrees, water in the pipework may freeze. When water freezes, it causes a negative thermal expansion, and this expansion can cause the pipe to burst. Insulating the pipe cannot prevent stagnant water inside from freezing, but it can increase the time it takes for this to happen. For added safety, it is recommended to trace the pipe with a heating cable or to ensure a constant flow of water.

NOISE

A pipe can generate noise when free-flowing liquids pass through it. To prevent noise from transferring to the outside, the pipe must be acoustically insulated using suitable materials, such as elastomers or similar materials coupled with layers of lead foil. The insulation must be continuous, even in penetrations and mechanical wall fixings. When selecting insulation for pipes, valves, and equipment in thermal, sanitary, fire, refrigeration, or air conditioning systems, it is important to consider the reaction-to-fire class of materials. This class is defined by UNI CEI EN ISO 13943/2004 as the 'behaviour of a material that contributes by its decomposition to the fire to which it is subjected under given conditions'. It is important to note that fire resistance should not be confused with fire retardancy. Fire resistance is defined as "the ability of an element to retain the required stability, fire resistance, thermal insulation, or any other expected performance for a specified period of time, as defined in a standardized fire resistance test" Regulations and standards dictate the thickness and type of insulation to be used for pipes in distribution networks carrying hot fluids in liquid or vapour phase of thermal systems. The insulation must be chosen based on the diameter of the pipe and the useful thermal conductivity of the material used (Presidential Decree No. 412 of 26/8/1993). Fire safety regulations must be followed to avoid the risk of burns and other hazards. It is important to note that some types of insulation can be dangerous and toxic to humans or damage the environment. Asbestos, for example, is no longer used and existing materials must be replaced. Additionally, certain types of coating contain irritating fibers, so it is important to choose an appropriate finish to prevent inhalation or skin irritation. Finally, fire pipes located outside must be insulated to prevent freezing. Gas supply pipes, whether for methane or LPG, and those related to the fire water system that pass through a fire hazard environment must be protected by certified cuppels of no less than REI 120'.