Ppu pipes: what you need to know about the insulation of

One of the materials that are used to reduce heat loss on the main sections of the heating and hot water supply systems are PPU pipes. They are produced according to different technologies, but regardless of the method of production, communications ensure effective insulation.

Polyurethane Covers

Raw material production

Steel pipe in PPU - sheath is often called "pipe in pipe". This name is fully justified because a completely closed protective circuit is formed around the main part during assembly, which repeats the geometry of the pipeline itself. At the same time, the insulating properties of polyurethane foam provide a significant reduction in heat loss to the environment.

The manufacture of foamed polyurethane can be carried out in two ways:

• Dusting. This technique is used to process existing communications. Synthesis of material is carried out directly on the object, and the application is carried out using pneumatic dispensers.

• Fill. So do the blanks for insulation panels and housings, which can then be used in the installation of protective circuits, and in the manufacture of tubular products. The molten polyurethane mass enters the chamber, where it mixes with the foaming agent, and then fills in special forms.

Note! You can easily install porous casings with a longitudinal side slit, which will greatly facilitate the task of putting your house heating system in order.

It is the second technology that is used when PPU shell pipes are made in accordance with GOST 30732 2006 in the factories. In the next section we will describe in detail the key features of these products.

Elements of construction

The design of the pipe in PUF includes the following elements:

• Working pipeline. As the main carrier line, steel products of suture and seamless type can be used, as well as polypropylene models. As a rule, such materials are selected that are able to withstand pressure up to 1.6 MPa and heat up to 140 ⁰WITH.

Note! GOST allows a short-term increase in temperature to 150 ⁰C with mandatory subsequent cooling.

• Thermal circuit made of sprayed or filler polyurethane. The higher the requirements for the thermal insulation characteristics of the circuit, the greater its power, however, the price of the product increases in proportion to the increase in the thickness of this layer.
• Protective sheath, which is an essential component for channelless laying of communications in the ground or when placing them outdoors.
• UEC system for PPU pipes (operational remote control). Most often it is a pair of copper wires placed in the thickness of the polyurethane layer. It is used to determine the condition of the pipe as a whole and in its individual sections, as well as to find emergency segments as quickly as possible.

Main varieties

Depending on the design of the containment and materials used for its manufacture, these types of products are distinguished:

• Pipe PPU PE - model in isolation from dense polyethylene. Used for underground laying of communications. Polymer sheath protects polyurethane from excessive compression, as well as from the effects of aggressive soil solutions. For sealing joints using special shrink cuffs.
• Pipe PPU OTs - a version in a casing made of galvanized steel. The main scope of application is laying of land communications. For the manufacture of the casing, a thin galvanized sheet is used, the thickness of which can be adjusted depending on the conditions of use. The edges of adjacent sheets are necessarily rolled, and, if necessary, also sealed with a sealant for pipe joints.

Note! The most popular is a spiral-wound shell, but in some cases ring shells are used.

Performance parameters

For the described products characteristic are very high performance.

Technical characteristics of PPU pipes significantly exceed similar figures for models with other heat-insulating materials:

• Working pressure -1.6 MPa.
• Peak pressure is 2.2 MPa.
• Operating temperature -130⁰WITH.
• Peak temperature - 150⁰WITH.
• The depth of laying in the ground (for models with PE sheath) is from 0.6 m along the top edge.
• The decrease in heat loss (as compared to a mineral wool cover of similar thickness) is from 8 to 10 times.
• The term of operation is 30 years and more.

Advantages for insulating pipelines

Briefly summarizing all the above, we will try to analyze the main advantages of such products when using them for laying communications:

• High thermal performance. Increasing the thickness of the protective circuit minimizes heat loss, which has a positive effect on both the quality of hot water supply and the comfort in homes provided by the operation of the heating system. (See also the article Single-pipe heating system: features.)

Note! The instruction recommends using polyurethane foam for finishing the lines connecting remote boiler-houses with consumers.

• Reliability and durability. The material itself retains its properties for at least 30 years, while it is not affected by chemicals or sudden changes in temperature.
• The protective sheaths made of polyethylene or galvanized steel also “prolong the life” of the insulation: both with underground and hidden laying, the inner loop remains intact.

• An additional advantage is the ability to install a remote control system: with the help of indicator conductors, you can quickly find a damaged section of the heating main.
• Relatively easy installation. The "pipe in pipe" system allows you to collect communications from prefabricated elements, wasting time and effort only on sealing joints.
• Low repair and maintenance costs. The possibility of spraying polyurethane allows you to quickly restore the insulating contours of any pipeline.

Conclusion

PPU pipes are distinguished by good technological characteristics and ease of operation. Their use allows you to significantly save on the purchase of fuel for boiler rooms, especially in those cases if the lines pass through open sections. In more detail, this material is shown in the video in this article.