Calcium silicate pipe sections represent an inorganic insulation solution for sealing and containing heat on industrial piping systems. These high temperature pipe covers offer benefits like durability, heat resistance and simple installation. Here are more details on calcium silicate pipe insulation and how it works.
Calcium silicate pipe insulation allows sealing heat within process piping systems while containing excess heat outside through its high temperature stable yet porous structure.
What Are Calcium Silicate Pipes?
Calcium silicate pipe consists of calcium silicate fibers bound with hydrated alkalis and cellulose to form flexible yet rigid pipe sections. Available in various diameters, lengths and wall thicknesses, calcium silicate pipes function as removable insulation jackets for covering pipes in industrial plants. Calcium silicate pipe cover provides heat resistance up to 1,260°C, while retaining their integrity. The alkaline binders and cellulose burn away at high temperatures leaving a porous calcium silicate structure that contains air for thermal insulation.
How Calcium Silicate Pipes Work?
Calcium silicate pipe covers function by:
• Reducing heat losses: The entrapped air in the calcium silicate structure acts as an insulator to reduce heat losses from pipes. This helps maintain optimum process temperatures.
• Preventing surface condensation: Calcium silicate effectively wraps steam pipes to prevent surface condensation that can damage insulation.
• Shielding from high ambient temperatures: Calcium silicate pipes protect process piping from exposure to high ambient temperatures in industrial areas.
• Absorbing minimal heat: Calcium silicate absorbs only up to 2% of the incident heat energy, reflecting most of it for better insulation.
• Withstanding mechanical loads: Calcium silicate pipes offer compressive strengths up to 3000 psi allowing use on weight bearing pipes.
Key 6 Benefits Of Calcium Silicate Tube
1. Their ability to withstand temperatures up to 1260°C during their service life, thanks to the heat resistance of calcium silicate material. This imparts durability under high temperature conditions.
2. Their relatively lightweight construction due to the porous nature of calcium silicate. This makes calcium silicate pipes easy to handle for installation and repair work.
3. The reduced health risks associated with calcium silicate during installation and maintenance operations, since calcium silicate is inorganic in composition.
4. The easy installability of calcium silicate pipes, which simply slide over pipes to provide insulation. This facilitates convenient installation.
5. The simplicity of repairs to damaged sections of calcium silicate pipes, which can be easily cut and refitted. This allows for cost-effective repairs.
6. The cost-effectiveness of calcium silicate pipes that offer insulation at competitive initial costs compared to some alternatives. This makes calcium silicate an affordable insulation option.
Some Common Uses Of Calcium Silicate Insulation Pipes
• Steam lines in power plants, refineries and process plants.
• Hot water piping in district heating systems and building services.
• Exhaust lines and flues carrying combustion products.
• Pipe work carrying chemicals and corrosive fluids at high temperatures.
• Headers and risers in cooling towers and air conditioners.