Pipe Heat Loss & Surface Temperature

Heat loss per metre from an insulated or bare pipe, and the surface temperature for touch safety.

Unit system

Inputs

Pipe sizeSteam pressure (absolute)

The pipe temperature is taken as the saturation temperature of this pressure.Insulation thickness

Enter zero for a bare pipe — the quickest way to see the difference.Insulation materialOuter surface claddingAmbient temperature

Line length

Heat loss per metre

0.05788kW

Surface temperature

35.14°C

Touch safety	Safe
Total loss over the line	5.788 kW
Pipe temperature (saturation)	179.9 °C
Insulation outside diameter	214.3 mm
Convection coefficient (W/m²·K)	3.827
Radiation coefficient (W/m²·K)	1.852

The surface temperature is SOLVED numerically by equating the heat through the insulation with the heat leaving the surface; it is not assumed.
Still air (natural convection) is assumed. In wind the loss rises noticeably and the surface runs cooler.
The pipe wall and inner film resistances are neglected; on an insulated line they are of the order of one percent of the total.

A PDF carrying the inputs, results, assumptions and the source. A one-time code is sent to your address.

Results are for engineering pre-assessment and are not a product selection commitment. Final responsibility rests with the user.