What materials are used for pipe insulation? - EAS Fiberglass Co., Ltd

May 28, 2025

What materials are used for pipe insulation?

Pipe insulation materials are selected based on the temperature range, moisture resistance, thermal conductivity, fire resistance, and mechanical strength required for a specific application. Here’s a detailed breakdown of commonly used pipe insulation materials:

1. Fiberglass

Temperature Range: -50°C to +260°C (-58°F to +500°F)
Features:
- Excellent thermal insulation
- Inorganic, fire-resistant
- Available with vapor barrier jackets for condensation control
Applications: HVAC systems, industrial piping, hot water pipes

2. Elastomeric Foam (NBR/PVC Rubber)

Temperature Range: -40°C to +105°C (-40°F to +221°F)
Features:
- Closed-cell structure resists moisture.
- Flexible and easy to install
- Good thermal stability
Applications: Refrigeration lines, chilled water systems, ductwork

3. Polyethylene Foam

Temperature Range: -40°C to +90°C (-40°F to +194°F)
Features:
- Lightweight and cost-effective
- Resistant to water and vapor
- Used in residential and light commercial applications
Applications: Domestic water pipes, general plumbing insulation

4. Mineral Wool (Rock Wool or Slag Wool)

Temperature Range: Up to +650°C (1200°F)
Features:
- Excellent fire resistance and sound absorption
- Non-combustible, durable under high temperatures
Applications: Industrial plants, power stations, high-temperature piping

5. Calcium Silicate

Temperature Range: Up to +1000°C (1832°F)
Features:
- High compressive strength
- Good for mechanical protection
- Fireproof and water-resistant (with sealing)
Applications: Petrochemical plants, high-pressure steam lines

6. Polyisocyanurate (PIR) and Polyurethane (PUR) Foam

Temperature Range: -200°C to +130°C (-328°F to +266°F)
Features:
- Low thermal conductivity
- Good for cryogenic and cold storage insulation
- Often used with vapor barriers.
Applications: Cold pipe systems, oil & gas, LNG lines

7. Aerogel

Temperature Range: -200°C to +650°C (-328°F to +1202°F)
Features:
- Extremely low thermal conductivity
- Ultra-thin and lightweight
- Hydrophobic and non-combustible
Applications: Aerospace, high-tech industrial pipelines, offshore facilities

8. Glass Wool

Temperature Range: -50°C to +250°C
Features:
- Soundproofing and thermal insulation
- Inexpensive and widely used
- Often faced with foil or other vapor barriers.
Applications: General HVAC and building piping systems

Here is a comparison chart of commonly used pipe insulation materials tailored for industry professionals and specifiers. This can be used in technical datasheets, product catalogs, or engineering guides:

Material	Temp. Range (°C)	Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	Water Resistance	Fire Resistance	Applications	Pros	Cons
Fiberglass	-50 to +260	0.035 – 0.045	Moderate (needs jacket)	Good (non-combustible)	HVAC, industrial piping	Economical, fire-resistant, widely available	Needs vapor barrier in humid areas
Elastomeric Foam	-40 to +105	0.034 – 0.040	Excellent (closed-cell)	Self-extinguishing	Refrigeration, chilled water, duct insulation	Flexible, easy to install, moisture resistant	Lower max temp, not suitable for high-heat applications
Polyethylene Foam	-40 to +90	0.033 – 0.040	Good	Fair	Domestic water piping	Inexpensive, lightweight	Flammable, limited temperature tolerance
Mineral Wool	Up to +650	0.033 – 0.045	Poor unless sealed	Excellent (non-combustible)	Steam pipes, industrial insulation	Excellent fire resistance, sound insulation	Water absorbent, needs vapor barrier
Calcium Silicate	Up to +1000	0.050 – 0.065	Good (when sealed)	Excellent	High-temp steam, petrochemical lines	Very durable, high compressive strength	Brittle, requires skilled installation
PIR / PUR Foam	-200 to +130	0.021 – 0.028	Excellent	Moderate	Cold chain, LNG pipelines	Very low thermal conductivity, lightweight	UV-sensitive, flammable without additives
Aerogel	-200 to +650	0.012 – 0.018	Excellent (hydrophobic)	Excellent	Aerospace, oil & gas, extreme temp. applications	Ultra-thin, highest performance insulator	High cost, specialty handling
Glass Wool	-50 to +250	0.032 – 0.040	Poor unless jacketed	Good	Building HVAC, domestic piping	Good thermal and acoustic properties	Water absorbent, needs outer protection

Selection Tips:

For high heat and fire safety, use mineral wool or calcium silicate.
For moisture-prone environments like cold water lines, go with elastomeric or PIR foam.
For space-restricted or extreme-performance cases, aerogel is unmatched but costly.
For budget-friendly insulation in homes, fiberglass or polyethylene foam are common.

EAS Fiberglass Co., Ltd is a professional fiberglass products supplier and provides comprehensive and effective material industrial solutions covering the market of high-performance FRP, highly effective temperature insulation, and highly convenient construction. Nowadays, EAS owns various product lines, including fiberglass yarn forming, woven fabrics, fabric coating/lamination, and FRP. The complete product lines enable EAS to master quality control and compete in the market. Taking this advantage involves us in many projects and enhances brand promotion. Certified ISO9001-2008 equips EAS staff and management with a more professional operation. Certification of test reports for products is made by third-party laboratories SGS, TUV, DNV, etc.