Piping systems are an integral part of any residential or commercial facility. Such piping structure involves distillation columns, tanks, pressure vessels, furnaces, and more, which transfers row and refined fluid/gas from one place to another.
As a piping system carries hot or cold material, it is vulnerable to extreme weather & climate conditions and even seismic events (like an earthquake). The damages can range from a failure of the joints or supporting structure to catastrophic accidents. Therefore, the piping engineers must consider adequate piping insulation along with a seismic analysis. It reduces energy loss, prevents potential injuries, and saves tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Benefits of Piping Insulation
It controls the surface temperature of the piping equipment and reduces the risk of potential injuries to humans.A sufficient thickness of insulation prevents condensation and controls corrosion on cold piping structures.It reduces heat loss or heat gain to maintain the pre-defined process temperature value.It controls the vibrations and noise between the piping components to reduce the risk of damage, especially during the seismic event.Considerations for Piping Engineers to Provide Efficient Piping Insulation
Operating Temperature: Determine the operating temperature of the system and select the pipe that can handle that level of heat. For instance, for an operating temperature higher than 65° Celsius, the engineers should use heat conservation insulation, unless the processing system has a desirable heat loss.Thermal Expansion: Different types of pipes face varied expansion levels depending on the temperature fluctuation. Also, the internal diameter of pipes of similar sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer. It happens mainly in the higher-pressure ratings. Resistance: The type of application and the fluid that the pipe would carry require a specific kind of insulation. For instance, if the pipe is installed above ground and carrying extreme hot liquid, it must be UV resistant.Durability: Engineers must apply the insulation after the hydrostatic or pneumatic testing of the pipe system. Moreover, the insulation should be durable enough to withstand changing circumstances. For example, if the pipe is being installed below ground (such as in mine application), the insulation must make pipe dis-assembly & re-installation at another location easier. Insulation Material: The insulation material must be 100% asbestos-free. Some common material type used for piping insulation are ceramic fiber, glass fiber, mineral fiber, polyurethane foam, and cellular glass. However, a material selection depends on the specific insulation requirement. Insulation Thickness: The thickness of the pipe insulation is crucial as it affects the performance of the piping system. The insulation with specified thickness limits heat loss or temperature drop, as per the application criteria. In most cases, the residential facility does not need a specific thickness, while a commercial building or plant requires a particular thickness level in the piping system. Tip: If the required insulation thickness is more than 75 mm, multi-layer insulation is recommended.Insulation Jacket: The insulation jacket is an outer covering, which protects the insulation on the pipe from potential damage. If the piping system is under fire conditions, a stainless steel insulation jacket is ideal to use. On the other hand, if there is no fire risk present, an aluminum insulation jacket is perfect for protecting the piping insulation.Conclusion
Insulation has vital importance in the design and engineering of piping systems. Engineers must consider the above factors for efficient piping insulation. It is necessary to insulate the complete piping structure, including valves except for control & relief valves, flanges except for hydrogen services, or any hazardous material services.
Any insulation does not guarantee a complete damage-proof piping structure. However, a well-calculated and appropriately applied insulation minimizes the risk of damage to the structure and injury to personnel.
About the Author
Judith Morrison is an expert in the field of industrial engineering and writes articles related to piping, civil, equipment engineering related articles.
