Insulate steam pipes to cut heat loss by about 90%
The text in the pictures is in Thai, as originally posted.
💡 Insulating steam pipes can cut heat loss by about 90%
Should uninsulated steam pipes be insulated?
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE) Steam Tip Sheet, uninsulated steam and condensate lines are a constant source of energy loss, and insulation typically reduces this loss by about 90% while helping maintain steam pressure at the machines. The sheet recommends insulating every surface hotter than 49 °C (120 °F), including valves and fittings. Damaged or wet insulation should be repaired or replaced immediately, after fixing the leak that made it wet. In addition, US OSHA rule 29 CFR 1910.264 requires steam pipes that are no more than 7 feet above the floor or working platform, and that employees may contact, to be insulated, covered with heat-resistant material, or otherwise guarded. The examples in the sheet are at industrial-plant scale; actual results depend on the pipe length and operating hours at each site.
Questions about the steam system for your own ironer or washer? The KHT team is happy to advise.