UV Resistant Insulation for Hot Water Pipes [RE-wrenches]

[Ken Schaal]

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Two thoughts regarding pipe insulation--

1- rubber insulation like Aerotube needs to be used on solar lines that
might see over 212, since poly insulation will melt. Compress it several
inches per 6', as it will shrink with time and temp.

2-- Despite what the HVAC industry does, at least in VA, coating with duct
mastic, fibered,will provide a very durable coating. It can be tinted with
acrylic latex house paint for color, and that will thin it to facilitate
brush application. Apply liberally.   Pre-coating -if you're  that
organized- will make things neater on the roof. Then you'll just need a
little touch up.
Paint alone hasn't lasted that well in my experience-------

Just curious- Why are you using 7/8 OD pipe? Anti-freeze in S.CA ? Here in
central VA possible temps of -10 to 105 , I've used drainback since 1979
very successfully. Tested performance of 700-800 BTU's per sq ft of
collector [ single glazed, selective surface ]per day, annual average. Draw
profile is a major influence on performance.
Typical residential flow rates, tap water for fluid, is 1-2 gpm thru 1/2 "
Kitec pipe, with copper for several feet on the inlet and about 6' on the
outlet. I also find 1/2" wall insulation quite adequate for most
applications and a lot easier to buy, store on the truck, and use on the
job.

Ken Schaal
CommonWealth Solar, LLC
804-798-5371


----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Parrish" <peter.parrish at calsolareng.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 06, 2006 4:59 PM
Subject: UV Resistant Insulation for Hot Water Pipes [RE-wrenches]


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We are beginning to install SDHW systems in Southern California and we
typically use the same insulation for copper lines, whether the runs are
indoors or outside. We then paint the exposed insulation to match the siding
or roof color. In those cases where a color match is not needed or "basic
black" is fine, is there a insulation that is UV resistant out of the box?
We use 7/8" ID, ¾" wall for ¾" runs.



Peter Parrish

California Solar Engineering, Inc.

(323) 258-8883

NABCEP(tm) Certified Solar PV Installer


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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