SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
Why insulate pipe support brackets?
Stefan Garmann, general manager EMEA North at Armacell, examines how insulated support brackets signifi cantly improve energy effi ciency and durability in cold and hot service pipework.
P Stefan Garmann
ipe support brackets often create challenges in pipework systems as they can compress the insulation material or, in some cases, the insulation is absent altogether. This
results in excessive heat loss or, for refrigeration and air conditioning systems, serious thermal bridging and system deterioration.
While PUR/PIR clamps are sometimes used for pipe mounting, research into the reliability of bonds between elastomeric insulation materials and these clamp types has revealed potential weaknesses in the connection. These weak points can allow excessive heat loss or condensation to develop and, in certain circumstances, result in ice formation. In refrigeration and air conditioning systems, thermal bridging allows the pipework to drop below the dew point temperature, which causes moisture to be continuously attracted to the cold brackets from the surrounding warmer ambient air, where it condenses into the adjacent insulation material.
When this condensation permeates through the pipework insulation, it compromises thermal effi ciency and leads to corrosion and subsequent secondary damage along the pipework, and results in condensate dripping onto other assets.
Similarly, hot pipework systems can experience considerable heat loss due to uninsulated pipe brackets or compressed insulation material, resulting in higher energy costs. The impact of this energy loss can be substantial, as demonstrated by thermal heat fl ow calculations for a continuously operating 60°C hot water pipe, showing a heat loss of 0.06 w/k per bracket (using a 26.9mm diameter copper pipe with 27mm insulation thickness). This can signifi cantly aff ect a building’s total energy costs, particularly in installations with numerous support brackets.
A system-based approach It is essential to ensure pipes are separated from their
mounting components using an appropriate closed-cell insulation thickness. This should take into consideration various factors, including line temperature, pipe dimensions, ambient temperature and relative humidity levels. Additionally, it is crucial to select pipe support hanger brackets that maintain consistent insulation thickness throughout the pipe length without compression. Implementing a system-based approach by installing
pre-insulated pipe support brackets that prevent insulation compression can save energy.
A dependable bond between the clamps and insulation can only be established using a compatible pipe support from the same insulation manufacturer. This ensures matching nominal wall thicknesses and optimal system performance. This design prevents direct contact between the pipe and the bracket whilst eliminating insulation compression. In terms of effi ciency, it removes cold spots and prevents condensation formation at fi xing points on refrigeration and air conditioning pipework. Eff ectively managing condensation mitigates the risk of corrosion and consequential damage to surrounding assets and equipment. Likewise, this approach signifi cantly reduces heat loss in
14 May 2025 •
www.acr-news.com Download the ACR News app today
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
