Various types of aircon pipe insulation are available for residential and industrial use, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. To simplify the selection process and ensure optimal system performance in the long run, it is crucial to consider the requirements of the premises where the insulation is being installed.
This article specifically focuses on closed-cell pipe insulation, comparing flexible rubber with foam pipe insulation and exploring which option is better suited for different applications. Both rubber and foam pipe insulations have closed-cell structures that effectively manage condensation and thermal exchange on cold piping systems.
Rubber insulation for ac pipe insulationFlexible elastomeric closed-cell foam pipe insulation, commonly known as rubber, is composed of synthetic rubber. The two primary formulations available are nitrile butadiene rubber with PVC (NBR/PVC) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). The industry standard is ASTM C 534. A comparison between NBR/PVC and EPDM is provided in a later section.
Alternative to rubber insulation is foam insulation also known as polyethylene, polyolefin, poly, or PE. Foam plastic pipe insulation is commonly used in residential and light commercial piping systems, following the industry standard ASTM C .
Choosing between foam rubber and foam plastic depends on factors such as thermal efficiency, continuous service temperature, fire safety, density, and cost. Foam rubber typically offers a lower thermal conductivity (favorable K-value) than foam plastic. The upper continuous service temperature varies, with foam plastic at 200°F, NBR/PVC foam rubber at 220&#;, and EPDM foam rubber at 257&#;.
Fire safety is a critical consideration, with foam rubber generally passing ASTM E 84 or UL 723 tests, while foam plastic may exhibit less predictable behavior, especially at greater thicknesses.
Considering factors like density, cost, and performance characteristics, foam plastic is often less expensive than rubber.
When comparing rubber to foam plastic pipe insulation, rubber is generally preferred for commercial and industrial applications due to its lower thermal conductivity, higher continuous operating temperature, and more predictable fire behavior. Rubber is likely to meet the building owner&#;s project requirements more comprehensively.
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Rubber makes an excellent thermal insulator for everything from footwear to electrical appliances.
An insulator is a material that limits the transfer of electricity or heat, so rubber fits the bill perfectly! Due to its unique properties, it offers high resistance to the flow of electrons and has low thermal conductivity. In scientific terms, this is because the electrons in rubber molecules are bound tightly together, so a lot of energy is required to break them apart.
The other main benefits of rubber include its elasticity and resistance to water, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
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Both natural and synthetic rubber have been used for insulation since the s. A natural latex rubber, or vulcanised rubber, has been used in many applications: US inventor Charles Goodyear developed black rubber containing carbon and came up with the process to vulcanise it in the mid-19th century.
One of the first examples of rubber-insulated electrical wiring was the POSJ 32 flat cord. It was covered with a rubber-insulated cotton braid from onwards, when the first public electricity generator in the UK was built in Godalming.
Insulation for the type-R rubber-covered house wires comprised copper with a tin solder to prevent the rubber insulation from sticking to the copper. It also had an asphaltum outer coating for protection.
The type-C lamp cord, used from the s to the s, was covered in a cotton weave with a rubber insulator. India rubber in red, black and white has been commonly used as an insulating material. Natural rubber compounds were widely used in wire insulation until the early s and even later.
Gutta-percha rubber, extracted from the tree of the genus Palaquium, was a popular choice in the early 20th century. A rigid, resilient, electrically non-conductive latex, it provides thicker insulation than some rubber compounds. Neoprene rubber was also commonly used as a thermal insulator, gaining flexibility from plasticisers.
Some of the earliest rubber insulators declined in use in the s, when chemists developed plastics that would withstand greater heat and corrosion.
Every workplace must be suitably equipped with the relevant materials to create a safe and comfortable working environment. For example, workers at risk of electrocution when carrying out their day-to-day duties must be protected by the use of electrical mats.
A commonly-used synthetic compound for rubber flooring, EPDM rubber is popular for use in environments such as workshops, gym floors and commercial interiors, thanks to its strong abrasion, impact, tear and slip-resistant properties.
Rubber flooring performs well at both low and high temperatures. Compatible with underfloor heating systems and HVAC systems, it maintains an ambient temperature and maximises energy efficiency.
Rubber is still used to insulate electrical cables today, because they are more flexible and can be used in a wide range of temperatures when covered in the appropriate compound.
Power tools, electrical appliances, pumps and electric generators extensively use rubber cables due to their high abrasion resistance and weather resistance. Chemicals such as oils are combined with the rubber to produce compounds with superior resistance to damage, temperature and wear-and-tear.
Vulcanised rubber can be used as a shock absorber for many appliances, as it will absorb vibration. Organic latex is commonly used to make rubber sheets, with the ability to resist damage in a high voltage situation, and elasticity that prevents it from breaking easily.
Rubber insulating sheets are frequently used in industrial premises and power stations, where the floors are often rubber-insulated to fulfil health and safety requirements. Rubber is also widely used in the mining and transportation industries.
In terms of smaller, everyday items, insulated rubber boots with a neoprene lining will keep you warm, even in very cold outdoor temperatures. In commercial and domestic kitchens, the handles of saucepans often contain rubber grips, as it protects heat flow from the metal pan from burning your hands.
An effective thermal insulator, with many different uses; rubber is a mainstay of industry today.
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