Insulating Water Pipes on 21RBS

[charliem]

[font size="3"]This project is the first step in preparing the CL for overnight freezing temperatures. It is not intended to replace winterization for the long haul, but is intended to combat overnight dips into the twenties with warmups to above freezing the next day. I am working on an active circulating system that will prevent freezing for as long as propane and 12V are available [a href="http://www.livinlite-owners.com/thread/1477/fresh-water-anti-freezeup-system"]http://www.livinlite-owners.com/thread/1477/fresh-water-anti-freezeup-system[/a], but pipe insulation is first.

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I used closed cell polyethylene pool noodles, but hardware store foam pipe insulation should work as well.  Slitting the noodles and liberal use of zip ties makes the installation easy and secure.  

Where practical I wrapped both hot and cold pipes together in one noodle. This allows the hot pipes to warm the cold pipes. It will particularly valuable when the circulating system is operational. Turns out pool noodles come in various sizes depending on manufacturer. I found inner diameters of 0.75" ,1", and 1-1/4". Outside diameters varied accordingly. The smaller version is good for the single pipe locations; the largest is better for double runs. The 1" version can be used for double runs where space is limited, but it takes more frequent zip ties. The larger versions will insulate better, but the difference is minimal.

I had to loosen the tank supports and reroute the water pipes outside the brackets to allow installation of the noodles. To retain the low point drain operation I tried to maintain close to the original elevation profiles.  Not a big deal if you winterize with compressed air or antifreeze, but the CL does a pretty good job of draining through the low point drains, including the HW heater.

Some areas cannot be fitted with the pool noodles. Exposed fittings and the low point drain valves are still vulnerable, but for short periods they should survive on conducted heat from the insulated portions.

Don't forget to insulate the fresh water suction hose.[/font]

[thedusty]

This looks great.

Do you think there is also some ancillary benefit of protecting the tubes during travel or is that not really an issue.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]If you're thinking about physical damage from impact, that's not an issue. The pipes are high enough and well enough protected that they are safe from road hazards. If you're thinking about freeze damage during daytime travel I am assuming the air will be above freezing during the day. I am thinking about short overnight dips below freezing with subsequent warmups above freezing. However, the active circulating system I am developing can be used while in motion. As long and the battery is charged and the furnace and water heater are both operational on propane the circulating system will prevent freezing. Or so goes the theory. Stay tuned.
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[thedusty]

Yes, I was curious about road hazard benefits.

Some of you guys are engineering wizards. The opportunity to learn via a forum like this is invaluable. Thank you for sharing.