Properties and scope of galvanized pipe insulation

Galvanized insulation of steel pipes is an important procedure that increases their service life. With proper installation, the lines will always be protected from atmospheric influences, the main thing is to follow all the rules for laying the casing and follow the basic recommendations.

Why and from what to protect the pipeline

Pipes are made of iron, metal alloys, plastic, metal-plastic. All of them have their own “life” and wear out during operation under the influence of the environment in which they are located (precipitation, sun, temperature, air humidity, soil or water pressure). In addition, the wear of the line occurs from the inside under the influence of transported substances. Therefore, in order to extend the time of their operation, protection is simply necessary.

Metal pipes are strong, reliable, but not protected from corrosion, corroding the pipe from the outside. If insulation is not made, then in the near future their walls will lose their strength and will require replacement in the near future.

Corrosion occurs when:

1. High humidity, rain, snow. With direct contact, the iron rusts, the pipe walls become thinner and collapse.
2. Exposure to chemicals. The metal is also covered with rust, which leads to the destruction of pipes — typical for chemical production.
3. Wandering current. Electric current destroys metal lines in the ground.
4. Low air temperature. Frost leads to a decrease in the temperature of the passing liquid or its freezing (water, fuel oil, oil, solarium, etc.). As a result, condensate appears on the surface of the pipes.

All of the listed types of destructive phenomena, destroying the transport main of the pipeline, cause losses associated with the repair and loss of transported products.

How to protect the pipe from destruction

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The service life of pipes depends on the conditions of their operation, maintenance and service. A metal water pipe, being in the ground without insulation, becomes unusable after 10 years of operation, and possibly earlier, taking into account the presence of the harmful factors listed earlier.

Gas distribution lines, oil pipelines, heating mains, despite the fact that they are located above the ground, with the absence of insulating materials, will become unusable after about the same time. In the joints where the metal has undergone a thermal load (welding work), wear will occur faster.

Important! With proper installation of galvanized insulation of pipelines, the period of their operation increases to 40 years.

There are two options for solving the problem:

1. Replace metal with plastic.
2. Use insulating materials to protect metal pipelines.

Metal is more reliable than plastic and, if properly protected from corrosion, it will last longer than stated. Due to its strength, it is more expedient to use metal pipes. You can protect them from the effects of external destroyers in various ways:

• cover with paint or resin;
• use waterproofing for pipe winding;
• finish the surface with polyethylene;
• cover with polyurethane foam.

But, the listed material also needs protection, as it gets under the influence of the active medium. Therefore, the best solution for protecting pipe elements is the use of galvanized insulation. Such a coating is practically not subject to corrosion processes. It can withstand temperatures from -350⁰C to + 420⁰C. It all depends on the method of galvanizing the steel.

Where is the protective galvanized casing used?

Galvanized casing is used to protect and insulate chimneys, exhaust gas pipes in private homes. Also used for pipelines in the oil industry.

A zinc casing is an indispensable thing for covering the surface of heating mains. It not only protects the metal from destruction, but also reduces heat loss.

Advantages of galvanized insulation:

• attractive appearance;
• easy installation;
• durability.

In the chemical industry, zinc casing is used to protect workers from accidental contact with hot surfaces, which can cause injury to a person.

Technology for installing a galvanized casing

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During installation work, the casings are connected to each other, thanks to the available locking recesses. Additionally, at the docking points, clamps and dressings are used. Pipelines do not always have an ideal straight line, and form geometric shapes of different levels: corner transitions, arches, ledges.

Important! The insulation must adhere tightly to the surface of the pipe. In cases where space is available, moisture can penetrate and continue to degrade the material.

To isolate such forms, complicated types of casings are used:

• cylinder, with overhead latches;
• fitting (tee), — to protect the pipeline at the branching points;
• spherical cone;
• removable boxes — to protect operating electric motors and valves.

Installation of a galvanized casing is carried out manually — by a team of workers, taking into account the previously installed thermal insulation. It can be any kind of mineral insulation: mineral wool, basalt slabs, extruded polyethylene, etc. After laying, the material must be fixed with a wire frame. For this, rods are installed that prevent slipping of connecting rings and bandages.

Due to its collapsible design, the installation of casings does not require special qualifications of workers. Galvanized, plastic, easy to cut, drill and not difficult for operations related to fitting parts. Requires a minimum of tools and skills.

Protect engineering structures with galvanized insulation. This will not only extend the life of your systems: water and gas supply, transport of oil, fuel oil and other refined products, save heat and give your structures a beautiful look.