TECHNICAL 35
Insulation requirements for piping used in buildings
By
TIPSASA
Uninsulated piping systems that transport fluids can create water temperature irregularities , which ultimately requires additional heating or cooling and associated energy costs to bring the water to operating temperature .
Any piping that carries heated or cooled water , including piping systems with external heating ( for example heat trace or impedance heating ), should be thermally insulated to reduce heat loss or gain , allowing the fluid to be delivered at the intended temperature .
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The addition of insulation can also improve the comfort of the occupants and reduce energy consumption by reducing heat losses ( or gains ) as the fluid moves throughout the building .
The Energy Efficiency Regulations and SANS 10252-1 Water supply and drainage for buildings Part 1 : Water supply installations for buildings , requires any piping associated with a heating or cooling system that carries fluids with an operating temperature of 40 ° C or more or 15 ° C or less to be insulated and that the piping associated with constant temperature water storage systems must also be insulated .
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Insulated pipe in a basement . |
A section of insulated hot water pipe . |
All images : © Plumbing Africa | Rory Macnamara |
Any insulated piping in areas exposed to weather is required to be further protected from exposure to sunlight , moisture , and wind — all of which can damage the insulation materials over time , decreasing their effectiveness . This protection must shield the insulation from solar radiation . Additionally , if the piping will be conveying chilled water , a layer of vapour retardant material be installed on the outside of the insulating material . supply and circulating pipes shall have a minimum thermal resistance ( R-Value ) of 1 m ² K / W and hot water vessels and tanks shall be insulated with a material that achieves a minimum thermal resistance ( R-Value ) of 2 m ² K / W .
For more information contact TIPSASA 0861 000 334 or visit our website www . tipsasa . co . za PA
The type and thickness of insulation material must be suitable for the expected conditions of use , whether internal or external . Materials for use on a cold or lukewarm surface are not always suitable for use on a hot surface .
The surface temperature of insulation is greatly dependent on factors such as the water temperature , the location of the insulated component , sunlight , and air movement .
In accordance with the application of the South African National Building Regulations SANS 10400-XA thermal insulation of hot water
August 2021 Volume 27 I Number 6 www . plumbingafrica . co . za