Comparison of properties between nano-aerogel and common pipeline insulating materials

This paper introduces the causes for pipeline dewing and the characteristics of nano-aerogel, proposes the scheme of pipeline insulation with nano-aerogel, and compares it to the schemes with common insulating materials. With the infinite element analysis software, a 2D axisymmetric geometric model is established to simulate the distribution of temperature field under different insulation schemes. The pipeline is simplified to a 1D model to calculate the external pipe wall temperature under such schemes. Three insulating materials, i.e. nano-aerogel, insulating rubber plastic, and isocyanurate foam, are compared under different temperatures, indicating that, to achieve the same insulating effects, the thickness of nano-aerogel required is the minimum. Comparison of these three schemes in respect of operation performance and economy suggests that nano-aerogel insulating scheme is more operable, time/labor-effective and durable, but costly. It is concluded that the nano-aerogel insulating scheme can effectively address the problem of pipeline sewing with less cold loss, contributing to the long-term safe operation of pipeline.