Ecological and energy efficiency of insulating systems

¹ Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, Yaroslavskoe shosse, 26, Moscow, 129337, Russia
² Russian State Geological Prospecting University, Miklukcho-Maklaya, 23, Moscow, 117997, Russia

^* Corresponding author: medvedev747@yandex.ru

Abstract

The article, on the example of pipeline insulation systems, outlines the fundamentals of the concept of environmentally sustainable construction, including requirements for materials, constructional systems in which these materials are used, engineering systems and work technologies. Insulation based on polyethylene foam technology of its installation meets the requirements of EcoMaterial Basis or EcoMaterial Green. Polyethylene is absolutely safe for humans and its base is polyethylene, which used in the food industry (packaging or boxing) and in medicine (prosthetics). A specific feature of polyethylene foam, like most types of foamed (gas-filled) plastic materials, is combustibility, expressed depending on the consumption and effectiveness of flame retardants, to one degree or another. During operation in the temperature range from -60 to +90 °C, the properties of materials are stable and no harmful emissions occur. The installation of the insulating sheath fixed by an glue method and is not associated with processes that are dangerous for humans and harmful to the environment. The article presents the main provisions of methods for calculating insulation systems based on polyethylene by measure of energy efficiency, which is defining, including the environmental assessment of insulation systems. The optimum thickness of polyethylene foam has been determined, as well as the recommended insulation thicknesses to ensure a given (safe for humans) temperature; to prevent moisture condensation on the surface of the insulating layer. An calculated time has been established during which thermal insulation prevents cold water from freezing when at an emergency stop of its movement in pipelines in the winter.