I Would aluminium foil increase copper tubing insulation?

  • I
  • Thread starter Thread starter LEx
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Insulation
AI Thread Summary
Using aluminum foil on copper tubing can help reduce heat loss by reflecting heat, but it is important to avoid direct contact due to aluminum's conductive properties, which could lead to corrosion. Wrapping the foil around the outside of foam insulation is recommended, as it protects the foam from moisture while still reflecting heat effectively. The orientation of the foil does not significantly impact its thermal efficiency, as it reflects heat equally well in either direction. Additionally, separating different metals is crucial to prevent electrochemical corrosion. Overall, using aluminum foil as an added layer of insulation can enhance heat retention in copper tubing systems.
LEx
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
TL;DR Summary
aluminium foil, heat retention, reflection, insulation
Hi!

My cupper tubing from the heat pump via boiler room is not insulated. That makes it inefficient, because boiler room is unnecessary heated. I am looking at way to increase insulation and reduce heat loss. I already bought standard foam based tubing insulation. I hiked a lot and first aid kit consists of survival blanket. I think it is silver aluminium based one and it works. It does reflect body heat back and as I tested it it gets warm.

I am curious if I can apply cheap DIY kitchen aluminium foil to the cupper tubing. Would that reflect the heat back and reduce the losses? One way is to place the foil directly on the tubes and another to wrap it on the outside foam based insulation, so there is no direct contact with the tubes. What would be better method if it is worth it? I read that aluminium is also conductor, so it would not be good to place it directly on the tubes. I looked at some other commercial tube insulation materials and they have the foil on the outside out. I would expect the silver part to be turned inside, to keep the heat in, not outside.

Thank you for your opinion, you probably have way more physics knowledge than I.

IMG_20240117_204625.jpg
IMG_20240117_204659.jpg
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.
LEx said:
TL;DR Summary: aluminium foil, heat retention, reflection, insulation

I looked at some other commercial tube insulation materials and they have the foil on the outside out. I would expect the silver part to be turned inside, to keep the heat in, not outside.
It makes no thermal difference, if the foil is in or out. The foil reflects heat with the same efficiency either direction.

If the foil is out, it protects the foam from external moisture condensation that could reduce the foam thermal insulation properties.

Keep different metals apart, so there is no electrochemically assisted corrosion.
 
I think it's easist first to watch a short vidio clip I find these videos very relaxing to watch .. I got to thinking is this being done in the most efficient way? The sand has to be suspended in the water to move it to the outlet ... The faster the water , the more turbulance and the sand stays suspended, so it seems to me the rule of thumb is the hose be aimed towards the outlet at all times .. Many times the workers hit the sand directly which will greatly reduce the water...
Back
Top