Central air conditioning systems encompass chilled water pipes, cooling water pipes, air ducts, and various equipment. During operation, frequent temperature fluctuations and high humidity place high demands on the thermal insulation performance, anti-condensation capabilities, and ease of installation of insulation materials. Rubber and plastic insulation materials, due to their unique closed-cell structure and flexibility, are widely used in central air conditioning systems.

I. Characteristics of Insulation Material Requirements for Central Air Conditioning Systems

Central air conditioning operating conditions mainly include:

Chiller water temperature typically ranges from 5 to 7°C

Condensation easily forms on pipe surfaces

Long system operating cycles and concentrated energy consumption

Complex piping with numerous bends and valves

Limited space in the machine room and ceiling

These characteristics dictate that insulation materials must not only possess excellent thermal insulation performance but also be moisture-proof, anti-condensation, and easy to install.

II. Structural Advantages of Rubber and Plastic Insulation Materials

Rubber and plastic insulation materials utilize a uniform closed-cell foam structure, with independent internal pores, exhibiting the following characteristics:

Low thermal conductivity, effectively reducing heat and cold loss.

Low water vapor permeability, providing inherent moisture resistance.

Good flexibility, allowing for tight wrapping of pipes and irregularly shaped parts.

Strong integrity, reducing the risk of thermal bridging at joints.

These structural characteristics make rubber and plastic materials particularly suitable for the continuous insulation requirements of central air conditioning systems.

III. Main Applications of Rubber and Plastic in Central Air Conditioning

1. Chilled Water Pipe Insulation

Rubber and plastic effectively reduce cold loss, maintain chilled water delivery efficiency, and prevent condensation and dripping on the pipe's outer surface.

2. Cooling Water Pipe Insulation

Reduces heat and cold exchange, improving the overall operational stability of the system.

3. Air Conditioning Duct Insulation

Applied to supply air, return air, and fresh air ducts, reducing energy loss and minimizing the risk of condensation.

4. Insulation of Equipment and Valves in the Computer Room

Flexible wrapping is applied to pump bodies, valves, flanges, etc., allowing for flexible construction and convenient maintenance.

IV. Advantages of Rubber and Plastics in Preventing Condensation

Condensation in central air conditioning systems primarily stems from moisture intrusion into the insulation layer. The closed-cell structure of rubber and plastic materials effectively blocks moisture diffusion:

Reduces moisture penetration into the insulation layer

Keeps the insulation layer dry for extended periods

Reduces the risk of mold, corrosion, and performance degradation

With appropriate thickness design and standardized construction, the system's anti-condensation effect can be significantly improved.

V. Advantages in Construction and Maintenance

The material is flexible, making cutting and wrapping easy.

Suitable for confined spaces and complex pipelines.

Fewer seams, easily forming a continuous insulation layer.

Lower costs for later maintenance and partial replacement.

These characteristics help shorten the construction cycle and improve overall project efficiency.

VI. Summary of Application Value

In central air conditioning systems, rubber and plastic insulation materials can achieve the following:

Improved cooling and heating efficiency

Reduced system operating energy consumption

Effective condensation and moisture prevention

Improved stability of the computer room and indoor environment

Extended the service life of equipment and pipelines

With the continuous improvement of building energy efficiency standards, central air conditioning systems have increasingly higher requirements for the comprehensive performance of insulation materials. Rubber and plastic insulation materials, with their good thermal insulation performance, excellent anti-condensation ability, and construction adaptability, have become one of the commonly used insulation solutions in central air conditioning duct and air duct systems.