Pipe Insulation Thickness Calculator

Calculate heat loss through an insulated pipe or find the insulation thickness required to hit a target heat loss or surface temperature. Supports common insulation materials with built-in thermal conductivity correlations: mineral wool, calcium silicate, polyurethane (PUR), Armaflex, cellular glass, and aerogel. Inputs: pipe outside diameter, fluid temperature, ambient temperature, wind speed (for outdoor convection), and material.

Heat loss uses the cylindrical-conduction equation Q = 2πLk(T₁−T₂)/ln(r₂/r₁) with combined convection and radiation on the outer surface. Surface temperature is solved iteratively. Useful for steam-line lagging, chilled-water sizing, and personnel-protection compliance (typically < 60 °C surface).