Fusiolen® PP-R has a high thermal resistance value, giving a level of natural insulation to the pipe:

0.15W/mK = 1.04 Btuh/in/ft2/°F
R-value = 0.96

This, based on the thickness of the pipe wall, can offer a variety of cost and performance advantages compared to other systems.

Calculated Heat Loss/Heat Gain

To improve efficiency and save energy, most areas use building and energy codes that dictate the required amounts of insulation for a piping system. These codes must always be followed unless permission to use the guidelines shown here is expressly given.

Most energy codes are based around heat loss and heat gain for metal piping systems. The Aquatherm piping systems are more efficient than metal systems and have much lower heat losses and heat gains. It is important to calculate the heat loss or heat gain of a system and compare it to the acceptable heat loss or heat gain for the relevant code. In most cases, a thinner amount of insulation will allow the Aquatherm piping system to perform at an equal or higher level of efficiency than other systems under the same code.

The following are the heat loss/heat gain tables: Heat Loss/Heat Gain

Insulation and Energy Savings

Upgrading from bare metal pipe to bare Aquatherm pipe can reduce heat loss or heat gain by as much as 50%. In most applications, this provides the same level of energy savings as a ¼” - ½” of standard pipe insulation. When using a compatible insulation wrap, the energy savings are even greater. Always verify with local building inspectors that these figures are acceptable before beginning installation.

Scalding

The natural insulation value of the Aquatherm piping systems helps reduce the amount of insulation needed to prevent scalding and greatly limits the risk of injury if the pipe becomes exposed.

Condensation

For chilled water and domestic cold water applications where insulation is normally used to avoid condensation (sweating) on the pipe, bare Aquatherm pipe or the insulated pipe will generally eliminate this concern. Typically, the bare pipe itself provides sufficient insulation for domestic cold water in a conditioned space. However, in extreme cases of temperature and/or humidity, additional insulation and vapor barrier systems may be necessary.

Insulation on Fittings

The socket fusion fittings, used from sizes ½” up to 4” (20 mm - 125 mm), are external fittings and increase the overall thickness of the pipe wall. This helps reduce heat transfer through the fittings and can eliminate the need to insulate the fittings, even in applications where the pipe walls themselves need to be insulated. The following table gives the approximate surface temperatures of the socket fittings for both the SDR 7.4 and the SDR 11.

Surface Temperature of Fittings

Based on 45 °F fluid temperature and 70 °F room temperature