Advantages and features of the installation of heat shrinkable sleeves

Pipelines in polyurethane foam (PUF) insulation have become a real innovation in the field of organization of heating networks.

Thanks to the use of this type of pipe, the life of the heating network has increased significantly, and the maintenance costs have been significantly reduced. And, most importantly, the heat loss during the transfer from the manufacturer to the consumers has decreased.

A monitoring system built into the pipe provides effective control over the condition of the pipe and, in the event of a leak, helps determine the location of a breakthrough with an accuracy of one meter. It is possible to completely nullify the risk of an accident. To do this, when laying a ductless pipeline with PU foam insulation, it is necessary to conduct a hermetic waterproofing of the joint elements of the heating main. The function of waterproofing can be effectively and reliably performed by a heat-shrinkable sleeve (thermal coupling), made of the same material as the shell of the heating main. For the production of heat shrinkable sleeves used heat-stabilized low-pressure polyethylene and high density, corresponding to the requirements of GOST 16338.

It should be noted that the welded joint of the pipeline is the weakest link in the pipeline system. In this regard, reliable insulation protection of the joints is one of the priority tasks, and it is the heat shrinkable sleeve that ensures the efficient solution of this problem. The technology of thermo-waterproofing, based on the use of heat-shrinkable coupling, every year becomes more relevant and, therefore, in demand.

What is the process of installation of a thermal coupling at the joint?

A joint is a structure that consists of two diameters: metal and polyethylene pipes. To fill the cavity between the pipes used polyurethane foam. The main task is as follows: isolation of the joint must be made in such a way that the heating main becomes a single whole.

Welding of the coupling to the shell is carried out using hot melt heated by a gas burner flame to a temperature range of 80-100 degrees Celsius. As a result, a reliable joint connection and its high-quality sealing is achieved.

The procedure associated with the creation of the insulating layer is as follows: in the cavity between the steel pipe and the coupling, the metered and thoroughly mixed components of the foam are poured. Installation of couplings should be carried out at a temperature not lower than 18 degrees Celsius. In addition, if precipitations have fallen, it is necessary to use temporary shelters.

It is important to emphasize that the strict observance of the technology of laying pipelines in PU foam insulation and the competent installation of thermal couplings is a guarantee that the trouble-free operation of the heating main will be at least 50 years.