Application area
Thermal Energy Pipeline Network
To meet the basic heating requirements in cold regions, centralized heating networks are generally constructed. These systems are designed to convey thermal energy generated by thermal power plants situated on the urban periphery through underground pipelines to industrial parks and residential districts. This necessitates the use of substantial quantities of prefabricated insulated pipes. Owing to the extensive length of these pipelines, exceptional thermal insulation performance is imperative.
-
Challenges
> High cost for the complicated fabrication and installation process of pre-insulated pipelines.
> The substantial volume of individual prefabricated insulated pipes increases transportation and logistics costs, while requiring more underground space for installation.
> In conventionally insulated pipe-in-pipe systems, the considerable insulation thickness necessitates the use of large amounts of steel for the outer casing.
> Traditional materials, due to their poor structural strength and hydrophobicity, are prone to sagging over prolonged use, resulting in increased heat loss. -
Benefits of aerogel insulation materials
> Aerogel blankets provide 3-8 times higher thermal insulation performance than traditional materials and require 3-5 times less insulation thickness. This is highly significant for reducing steel usage in outer casings, minimizing heat loss, decreasing the required underground installation space, and meeting other critical requirements for designers and urban planning.
> With exceptional compressive and tensile strength, aerogel blankets prevent insulation layer fracture caused by steam leakage.
> Unlike traditional materials, aerogel blankets resist deformation or sagging due to vibration or water seepage, thereby maintaining pipeline integrity.
> Sharp temperature drop can be solved in steam distribution over long distance.
>Aerogel blanket is made of inorganic materials, enabling longer service life.
