PUF pipes application in water supply systems
Polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation is a relatively novel method of insulating pipes when constructing pipelines for a variety of applications.
In terms of design, a PUF pipe consists of a steel pipe enclosed in a layer of polyurethane foam and a protective shell made of polyethylene or galvanized steel.
Pipelines in PUF insulation are widely used for underground water supply systems of industrial premises, residential and office buildings.
P The main benefit of polyurethane foam is excellent thermal insulation preventing the flowing water from freezing in winter, from overheating when exposed to sunlight in the summer period and to keep hot water at the required temperature..
To ensure a long service life, water lines are installed using shaped parts and joint packing kits (JPK). These accessories ensure that the connecting elements are tight, preventing the ingress of moisture and pipe corrosion.
Using pipes in PUF insulation makes it possible to install the rapid remote control system which is a system used to monitor the water line along its entire length. This helps detect minor failures in advance and eliminate them before a full-scale accident can occur.
Comparison of PUF characteristics
|
PUF | Mineral wool | Plastic foam | Foam rubber | Foam Polymer Insulation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thermal conductivity, W/(m·К) | 0,033 | 0,04 | 0,038 | 0,036 | 0,047 |
Density, kg/m3 | 80-100 | 55 | 15 | 40-80 | 200-250 |
Service life, years | > 30 | > 30 | > 30 | 10-20 | > 30 |
Strength, MPa | 0,3 | 0,1-0,15 | 0,2 - 0,4 | - | 0,3 |
Material structure | Closed pores | Layered | Honeycomb | Porous | Closed pores |
Heat resistance | Moderately flammable | Practically inflammable | Flammable | Weakly flammable | Weakly flammable |
Water absorption | None | Up to 30% | 1% | 2,4% | 7% |
RRCS | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Of course, PUF is not the only method of pipe insulation; however, one can see how practical it is by taking a look at the table of comparison
The benefits of PUF as compared to other heat insulation materials are obvious:
- Minimum levels of heat loss
- High degree of adhesion (joining) with the steel pipe
- No water absorption
- Heat resistance
- Immunity to alkaline and acidic media
- Can be used to install above-ground and underground pipelines.
- Relatively lightweight and strong
- Extended life time without unscheduled repairs.