Heating pipe insulation method

D107

I'm applying about 50 feet of 1/2" thick Armacel rubber insulation to 3/4" black steel heat and return lines (pipe OD 1.125"). I intend to clean the pipes off first for better adhesion.

1- Can I apply while system is running and pipes are hot?

2- I assume I would place insulation on first, then remove cellophane covering adhesive, then press into place.

3- Any need for tape covering the seams?

4- Should the insulation be placed/stretched around the 90 elbows or should I use the Armacell tape I bought for that? (Tape is much thinner than the insulation.

5- I bought the rubber insulation since it looked like a better insulator, but I did notice that the foam insulation of the same thickness was much much cheaper. Is that usually for cold water lines to prevevnt sweating in summer?

Thanks,

David

D107

got this from armacell site

"The temperature of the air, of the insulation and of the installation surface must be between 40o F (+4oC) and 100o F (38oC) at the time of installation." That's for the tubolit product; when Armacell distributes to the big box stores I think they change the product name. The 'AP' product I bought seems to be more for cold water than heating lines.

I also realized I should get the 1" not 1/2" thick insulation if I'm going to bother doing this.

Thanks,

David