Polyurethane foam insulation pipe

Polyurethane foam (PUR) insulation pipes are advanced prefabricated piping systems designed for energy-efficient thermal insulation in both heating and cooling applications. These pipes are widely used in district heating networks, industrial pipelines, oil and gas transportation, and HVAC systems, offering superior heat retention, durability, and corrosion resistance.

Structure & Components

Inner Pipe (Working Pipe)

Material: Carbon steel, stainless steel, HDPE, or PEX (flexible plastic).

Function: Transports hot water, steam, chilled water, oil, or chemicals.

Polyurethane Foam Insulation Layer

Material: Rigid closed-cell polyurethane foam (density: 60–80 kg/m³).

Thermal Conductivity: Extremely low (0.022–0.033 W/m·K), ensuring minimal heat loss.

Thickness: Customizable (30–100 mm) based on temperature requirements.

Outer Protective Casing

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Lightweight, waterproof, and corrosion-resistant.

Galvanized Steel/3PE-Coated Steel: For high mechanical strength in harsh environments.

FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic): Chemical and UV resistance for above-ground use.

Options:

Function: Shields the insulation from moisture, soil pressure, and physical damage.

Optional Features

Leak Detection System: Embedded sensors or alarm wires to monitor insulation integrity.

Vapor Barrier: Aluminum foil layer to prevent moisture ingress.

Key Features & Benefits

Exceptional Thermal Efficiency: Reduces heat loss by 90–90% compared to uninsulated pipes.

Waterproof & Moisture-Resistant: Closed-cell foam structure prevents water absorption.

Corrosion Protection: Outer casing (HDPE or coated steel) resists soil chemicals and rust.

Long Service Life: Designed for 30–50 years with minimal maintenance.

Lightweight & Easy Installation: Prefabricated sections reduce on-site labor and time.

Versatile Applications: Suitable for temperatures ranging from -50°C to +150°C.

Applications

District Heating/Cooling Systems: Efficient transport of hot water or chilled water.

Oil & Gas Pipelines: Insulated transport of crude oil, LNG, or refined products.

Industrial Process Piping: Steam lines, chemical transport, and thermal energy recovery.

Urban Water Supply: Prevents freezing in cold climates.

Geothermal Energy Systems: Ground-source heat pump networks.

Advantages Over Traditional Insulation

Unlike traditional materials like mineral wool or glass wool, polyurethane foam offers:

Lower thermal conductivity for better energy savings.

Seamless, prefabricated design eliminating on-site insulation gaps.

Superior waterproofing to avoid insulation degradation over time.

Faster installation with reduced labor costs.

Installation Methods

Direct Burial: Laid in trenches with sand or soft soil padding for mechanical protection.

Above-Ground Mounting: Supported by brackets or frames with UV-resistant casing.

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD): For crossing obstacles like rivers or roads.

Jointing Techniques:

Heat-shrink sleeves (for HDPE casing).

Field-applied foam injection to seal insulation gaps at joints.