The rising cost of all forms of energy has increased the use of insulated piping in both residential and industrial   applications. Although not suitable for every piping system, EPS insulation can be used alone, or in combination with standard insulating materials for a variety of piping applications.

Thermal Foams Expanded Polystyrene Pipe Insulation is normally furnished in 36" lengths and is available in all nominal thicknesses for iron pipe sizes from 1/4" to 24" diameters as well as copper, PVC, and stainless steel tubing. By adhering to the Nominal Thickness Schedules, the outside diameter of the pipe corresponds to the outside diameter of a respective standard I.P.S. thus permitting snug nesting of added layers. Tubing sizes are furnished so that the outside diameter of the insulation will be equivalent to that of the I.P.S. size.  Normally, our pipe insulation is furnished with the standard longitudinal joint as indicated in Fig.1.

Thermal Foams, Inc. recommends a special type of interlocking longitudinal joint as shown in Fig.2 which eliminates the need for male and female halves and is available in one piece halves for all sizes with outside insulated diameters less than 13" O.D.. Thermal Foams Inc. also recommends an interlocking wedge joint as shown in Fig.3 which is joined at our factory to make sectional pipe insulation from segmental or large diameter pipe insulation for sizes with outside insulated diameters greater than 14" O.D..

Thermal Foams Curved Sidewall Segments are furnished in 36" lengths and approximately 12" to 15" wide and are available for all tank and vessel diameters in thicknesses up to 4". The two longitudinal edges of the segments are curved to fit the exact contour of the tank or vessel.

JACKETING

Thermal Foams Pipe insulation is also available with factory applied jacketing. Some commonly used jacketing include 10-30mil. PVC, .010 - .032 aluminum with moisture barrier, .010-.016 stainless steel and 626 vapor barrier paper. All of the above can be cut, curled and supplied separately for field application. Banding, seals, adhesives and fasteners are all in stock and readily available.

HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS

Although not generally suitable as primary insulation for systems above 165^°F, EPS Pipe Insulation can be used in combination with less efficient, more costly refractory type insulating materials. In this case, the high temperature insulation material should only be thick enough to assure an acceptable interface temperature, then covered with an outer layer of EPS.

LOW TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS

EPS is well suited for applications involving the insulation of pipelines carrying fluids within the temperature range of -310^°F to 165^°F. Preformed rigid pipe sections can easily be wire cut into typical semi-circular sections, two or three feet long. For pipe larger than roughly 20 inches in diameter, EPS can be fabricated in the form of quartered sections. Ends and sides can be designed to provide a tongue and groove arrangement, or standard butt joints.

CONDENSATION CONTROL

Low temperature pipelines are extremely susceptible to the problem of water vapor condensation within or on the surface of the insulating material. To prevent condensation and resulting loss in insulation efficiency, a vapor barrier is almost always necessary on the outer surface of the insulation. Water condensation on the surface of the vapor barrier can be avoided if sufficient insulation thickness is installed, maintaining the surface temperature above the ambient dew point. Consult Thermal Foams, Inc. for minimum thicknesses of EPS required to prevent surface condensation on pipelines below ambient temperatures.

 KEY THERMAL/MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF

EPS AT 1.8 LBS/CU FT PER ASTM-C578-95 TYPE IX 

All pipe covering and fittings shall be secured by adhesive, fiberglass tape, SS Banding or any acceptable means of securement.  

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