In our harsh winters, it is not uncommon for pipes to freeze and consequently burst at the most inconvenient of times. When this happens in your home, you call a plumber. But what do you do to keep this from happening in industrial applications? After all, mechanical repairs affect all of the workers in that area, not to mention to astronomical costs that can add up. Not to fear, the answer is simpler than you may think. Prepare for the freezing temperatures by having proper insulation installed for your pipes.
Manage the Sweat
When uninsulated pipes are carrying materials with high temperatures through a cold temperature environment, condensation will form on the outside of the pipes. This condensation can freeze, damaging the pipes and potentially the product inside. Insulation creates a barrier between the pipe and the external temperatures, effectively maintaining the pipe’s temperature and avoiding the inevitable sweating that occurs.
Maintain a Safe Environment
Burst pipes are incredibly dangerous. Regardless of product, the leakage and debris can be harmful to anyone in proximity. Even if an uninsulated pipe hasn’t burst, the dripping of the condensation onto other equipment or even onto the floor can create a hazardous work environment.
Removable Insulation Covers
Removable insulation jackets are one way to effectively insulate pipes without cutting off access to them. Through the use of velcro, double D ring with straps, wire with lacing hooks and other fastening methods, these covers can be taken off and put back on usually within minutes. This means that your workers will be able to access valves or anything else they need without having to replace the insulation every time.
Freeze protection doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be considered in any mechanical application north of the 49th parallel. As the months get colder, don’t risk downtime from a frozen pipe. Contact the insulation experts at Westcal Insulation Ltd today.
