Pipe Insulation

Brad White

Here in MA we use a fairly representative energy code which matches most model codes where I have compared them.

For steam piping (200 F and up actually) it requires 1.5" thickness insulation on piping up to 1.5" IPS. For piping 2" to 4" it goes to 2" thickness.

Practically speaking and because the energy code tends to be self-policing, at least one inch thickness does most of the work and will certainly be fine for condensate piping. Yes, insulate the condensate piping as well as you do the supply.

I would go as thick as you can afford- if you can meet the 2-inch thickness requirements, do so, especially near the boiler. You are not talking much distance.

DK_5

Pipe Insulation

I am insulating the pipes (one pipe steam). I am planning to use fiberglass pipe insulation. My question is what thickness insulation is needed 1", 1-1/2", or 2" ?

HitzKup_2

Insulation thickness

Atleast 1" thick for steam pipes.

Bob Flanagan_3

brush on application

Anyone here of this brush on "nanotechnology" application.they say its great for steam pipes.

http://www.industrial-nanotech.com/productapplications.htm

HitzKup_2

Smells fishy

Is this true?

"What is the R-Value of Nansulate®?

The R-Value is formulated using an inch of thickness as a measure. Due to the fact that Nansulate® is made to go on in a thin layer - less than an inch thick - an R-Value cannot be calculated for it. However the R-Value is only a measure of how a material works to insulate against Conduction, and not the other two methods of heat transfer, Convection and Radiation. Nansulate® will protect against all three methods of heat transfer and help to create a total thermal barrier, not only insulate by trapping air, as other insulations do."

DK_5

More Info

Thanks for the info. If anyone has any experience or thoughts on this nanotech coating please let me know. They have a link to heatinghelp.com on their website about insulating steam pipes

Mike T., Swampeast MO

Is this fiberglass wrap or the good stuff with a hard outer shell?

If wrap, be aware that it's extremely difficult to wrap fiberglass around pipe without compressing it significantly and that compressing fiberglass GREATLY reduces its insulation value.

A foam type insulation is far easier (and likely far more effective) to wrap than fiberglass.

Bob Flanagan_3

neither

It is a brush or paint on "NANOTECH" material to the tune of $60 a gallon.