In building HVAC systems, chilled water pipes are a crucial component for delivering cooling, and their operating temperature is typically lower than ambient temperature. Inadequate insulation can easily lead to cooling loss, condensation, and even dripping, impacting system efficiency and potentially damaging the building structure and finishes. Rubber and plastic insulation materials, due to their closed-cell structure and excellent anti-condensation properties, are widely used in chilled water pipe insulation systems.

I. Basic Requirements for Chilled Water Pipe Insulation Materials

Chilled water pipes operate under low-temperature conditions for extended periods, placing specific requirements on insulation materials:

Low thermal conductivity to reduce cooling loss

Stable anti-condensation performance to prevent water vapor condensation

Closed-cell structure to prevent water vapor penetration

Good flexibility for easy pipe and elbow wrapping

High long-term stability for continuous operation systems

Rubber and plastic materials exhibit good overall performance in these key aspects, making them a commonly used insulation material for chilled water pipes.

II. Structural Characteristics of Rubber-Plastic Insulation Materials

Rubber-plastic insulation materials are typically made from synthetic rubber and polymer foam, exhibiting a uniform closed-cell structure. This structural characteristic determines their advantages in chilled water pipe systems:

High closed-cell rate, effectively preventing water vapor from entering

The internal air is sealed, reducing heat conduction

The material is soft and possesses good resilience

The surface is smooth, facilitating construction and secondary protection

This structure allows rubber-plastic to both insulate and prevent condensation in low-temperature pipe environments.

III. The Core Role of Rubber-Plastic in Chilled Water Pipe Insulation

1. Reducing Cold Loss and Improving System Energy Efficiency

During the transportation of chilled water through pipelines, significant heat exchange with the external environment can lead to a decrease in refrigeration efficiency. The low thermal conductivity of rubber-plastic materials effectively slows down the outward diffusion of cold, thereby reducing system energy consumption and improving overall operating efficiency.

2. Effectively Preventing Pipe Condensation

Condensation is one of the most common problems in chilled water pipe systems. Because rubber and plastic materials have a closed-cell moisture-proof structure, water vapor cannot easily penetrate into the insulation layer, effectively controlling the pipe surface temperature and reducing the risk of condensation and dripping. This is a key reason why rubber and plastic are widely used in chilled water pipe insulation.

3. Adaptability to Complex Pipe Structures

Chilled water systems contain numerous elbows, valves, and irregularly shaped parts. Rubber and plastic materials have good flexibility, are easy to cut and wrap, and can tightly adhere to the pipe surface, helping to reduce cold bridging and improve the overall insulation continuity.

4. Enhanced System Operational Stability

During long-term operation, chilled water pipes experience start-ups, shutdowns, and temperature fluctuations. Rubber and plastic materials have a certain degree of elasticity and fatigue resistance, enabling them to adapt to these changes, maintain the integrity of the insulation layer structure, and extend the system's service life.

IV. Typical Application Scenarios of Rubber and Plastic in Chilled Water Piping Systems

1. Central Air Conditioning Chilled Water Systems

In office buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and other buildings, central air conditioning chilled water pipes are commonly covered with rubber and plastic insulation pipes or boards to control cold loss and condensation. 2. Equipment Rooms and Pipe Shafts

In environments such as air conditioning rooms and underground pipe shafts, humidity is relatively high. The moisture-proof properties of rubber and plastic materials help maintain the safe operation of chilled water pipes.

3. Retrofitting and Maintenance Projects

In the retrofitting of existing building chilled water systems, rubber and plastic materials are easy to install and highly adaptable, and are often used for pipe insulation upgrades and partial repairs.

V. Application Advantages Compared with Other Insulation Materials

Compared with some traditional fiber-based insulation materials, rubber and plastic have the following advantages in chilled water pipe insulation:

Superior anti-condensation capability

Low water absorption rate and stable long-term performance

Easy installation and relatively low maintenance costs

Strong adaptability to chilled water systems

However, in high-temperature or special operating conditions, material selection still needs to be based on actual requirements.

VI. Precautions in Application

To ensure the effectiveness of rubber and plastic insulation in chilled water pipes, the following precautions should be taken in practical applications:

Select an appropriate thickness based on pipe diameter and operating temperature.

Ensure tight sealing at joints to avoid cold bridging.

Add a protective layer in high humidity or outdoor environments.

Construction should be carried out according to specifications to avoid excessive stretching or compression of the material.

Proper design and standardized construction are key to maximizing the insulation performance of rubber and plastic.

In summary, the role of rubber and plastic in chilled water pipe insulation mainly lies in reducing cold loss, preventing condensation, and improving system stability. With its closed-cell structure and good flexibility, rubber and plastic has become one of the mature solutions in chilled water pipe insulation systems. Against the backdrop of continuously increasing demands for building energy conservation and HVAC system optimization, rubber and plastic materials will continue to maintain stable application value in the field of chilled water pipes.