Complete selection criteria for air conditioning and solar insulation materials

It can be divided into 8 hard standards: basic performance standards, sub scenario temperature standards, environmental conditions, fire rating, material structure, durability, cost, and installation conditions. The selection rules for air conditioning copper pipes, solar water pipes, water tanks, and outdoor pipelines are also attached for easy comparison and procurement.

1、 Core mandatory selection criteria

1. Thermal conductivity (the most critical indicator for insulation)

The lower the thermal conductivity, the better the insulation effect

1. Household refrigerant pipes and hot and cold water pipes: thermal conductivity ≤ 0.036-0.040 W/(m · k)

2. Solar high-temperature hot water and circulation pipeline: ≤ 0.032 W/(m · k)

3. Polyurethane foam for water tank: ≤ 0.024 W/(m · k)

>Closed cell rubber and rigid polyurethane have the best insulation performance; Glass wool and rock wool have a surge in thermal conductivity after being dampened, and the insulation is directly scrapped

2. Temperature resistance range standard, divided into cold and hot pipelines

1. Copper pipe for air conditioning refrigerant (-40 ℃~70 ℃)

The insulation material can withstand a temperature range of -50~105 ℃, with priority given to B1 grade rubber

2. Solar powered water supply and drainage pipes at room temperature: -30 ℃~80 ℃

3. High temperature circulation tube of solar collector: up to 95-110 ℃, using high-temperature resistant rubber/rock wool

4. For pipelines that require anti freezing and heat tracing in winter, the insulation layer must have a temperature resistance greater than the working temperature of the heat tracing

Air conditioning solar insulation material

3. Waterproof and water absorption standards (outdoor top priority)

1. Priority should be given to closed cell foam structures for outdoor rooftop water pipes, with lower water absorption rates being better. High quality rubber should have a water absorption rate of ≤ 2%

2. Perforated insulation (glass wool, rock wool) loses its effectiveness and is prone to frost heave and cracking after absorbing water, making it only suitable for indoor dry environments

3. The outer insulation layer of outdoor pipelines must have waterproof protection: aluminum foil tape, fiberglass aluminum foil cloth, PVC protective sleeve

4. Fire and flame retardant rating standards

1. Interior decoration and air conditioning room: minimum B1 flame-retardant rubber, no flammable B2, ordinary pearl cotton

2. Central air conditioning ducts and commercial solar engineering pipelines: Class A non combustible (glass wool, rock wool)

3. It is strictly prohibited to use flammable foam materials near the electric heating belt and electric heating location

5. Environmental anti-aging standard (key point of outdoor pipeline)

1. Long term sun exposure: Rubber itself is afraid of ultraviolet rays, and the outer layer of the material cannot be directly exposed to sunlight. It must be wrapped in aluminum foil

2. Tolerate rainwater, frost, and temperature differences between day and night; Coastal areas require resistance to acid and alkali, as well as moisture and corrosion

3. Service life: Closed cell rubber suitable for household use and outdoor use for 8-15 years; Pearl cotton outdoor powder will be phased out in 1-2 years

6. Pipeline adaptation and physical structure

1. Air conditioning copper pipes and bends: The material is soft and bendable, with priority given to opening rubber insulation pipes

2. Water tank and storage tank: made of rigid polyurethane foam, with strong compression resistance and overall integrity

3. Pipeline joints and valves: materials are easy to cut and package conveniently

4. High density insulation cotton, not easily collapsed when pressed; Low density soft products have poor insulation and are prone to compression failure

7. Thickness selection criteria

|Usage scenario | Recommended insulation thickness|

|Indoor air conditioning copper pipe | 20mm|

|Indoor solar hot and cold water pipe | 20-25mm|

|Roof outdoor pipeline | 30-40 mm+aluminum foil outer layer|

|Northern cold anti freezing water pipe | 40-50 mm insulation layer+electric heating belt|

8. Noise, environmental protection, and installation standards

1. Rubber comes with shock absorption and sound insulation, which can reduce the water flow and refrigerant vibration noise of air conditioning copper pipes

2. Choose environmentally friendly materials that are free from pungent odors and formaldehyde

3. Long distance pipelines are preferably of the open sleeve type, which is easy to construct; Fill the irregular gaps with foaming agent

2、 Specific selection criteria for equipment

1. Air conditioning system

Refrigerant copper tube: B1 grade closed cell rubber, emphasizing low temperature resistance, anti condensation, and flame retardancy

Condensed water drainage pipe: thin rubber to prevent condensation and dripping on the pipe wall in summer

Central air conditioning duct: A-grade glass wool/phenolic insulation board

2. Solar water heater

1. Hot water storage tank: hard polyurethane foam, priority high-density integrated foam layer

2. Room temperature pipeline for water supply and drainage: B1 rubber insulation pipe

3. High temperature circulation pipeline of collector: high temperature resistant rubber, rock wool pipe shell is selected for high temperature working conditions

4. The outer layer of the outdoor complete pipeline is made of aluminum foil for sun protection, and anti freezing and heat tracing strips are installed in low-temperature areas

3、 Quick Avoidance Pit Screening Formula

1. Emphasize fire prevention, softness and no odor indoors;

2. Priority should be given to closed cell waterproofing and outer aluminum foil sunscreen for outdoor use;

3. Check the high temperature resistance of the hot water pipeline; Identify polyurethane rigid foam for the water tank;

4. Glass wool and rock wool are only suitable for indoor high-temperature projects, and should not be used for home decoration cold water pipes;

5. Pearl cotton is only suitable for temporary buffering and long-term insulation of water pipes and air conditioners is prohibited.

If you need, I can provide you with a procurement and acceptance checklist for insulation materials.

Shandong Huaneng Insulation Materials Co., Ltd. is a pipeline insulation manufacturer in Linyi. As an integrated insulation and decoration manufacturer in Shandong, our main products include integrated insulation and decoration, pipeline insulation, exterior wall insulation materials, extruded polystyrene board, thermosetting polystyrene board, and rubber insulation. If you need it, you can contact us by phone.

The various information published on this website is for reference only and does not represent the position or viewpoint of this website. It does not constitute any investment, medical, legal or decision-making advice. Any actions taken by users based on the information on this website are at their own risk, and this website does not assume any direct or indirect responsibility. This website does not assume any responsibility for the authenticity, accuracy, completeness, or legality of its content.