Procedure for the Selection of Maximum Pipe Thickness for Efficient Thermal Insulation in Piping with Steam Trace

Abstract

A procedure for the selection of maximum pipe thickness to achieve efficient thermal insulation in piping with steam tracing was developed. The bibliographical review allowed identifying the limitations of previous investigations with regard to the selection of pipe thickness in transfer systems with steam tracing. The model for calculating the overall lost heat was prepared. The procedure considers economic criteria for the selection of pipe thickness and established an optimal thickness value which guarantees a total minimum cost by establishing a balance between the expenditures resulting from heat loss and the project costs.

Keywords

• tuberías
• espesor óptimo económico
• aislamiento térmico
• trazas de vapor.