In the heart of Belarus, researchers are grappling with a pressing issue that echoes through the veins of district heating systems worldwide: the aging of pre-insulated (PI) pipelines. As these critical infrastructure components approach the end of their estimated service life, the question of their continued use looms large, with significant commercial implications for the energy sector. V. A. Sednin, a prominent researcher from the Belarusian National Technical University, has delved into this challenge, publishing his findings in the journal ‘News of Higher Educational Institutions and Energy Associations of the CIS: Energy’ (Известия высших учебных заведений и энергетических объединенний СНГ: Энергетика).
Sednin’s study focuses on the actual condition of PI pipelines in the Minsk District Heating System (DHS), which have been in operation for varying durations. The research reveals that while many of the tested samples meet the required standards for new pipes in terms of average cell size, thermal insulation density, compression strain stress, and the number of closed pores, there are concerning deviations. “The value of the thermal conductivity coefficient is in the range of 0.030 to 0.037 W/(m·K), which is 10% higher than the required value for new pipes,” Sednin notes. This increase, though seemingly modest, could translate to significant energy losses and increased operational costs for energy providers.
Moreover, the study highlights a potential risk of failure in the thermal insulation structure of the pipes. The shear strength limit of the pre-insulated pipe construction was found to be less than 0.12 MPa in many tests, indicating a potential risk of failure. This is a critical finding, as it suggests that the pipes may not be as robust as initially thought, posing a risk to the integrity of the district heating system.
The lack of specific correlation between the service life of the pipes, the temperature regime, and the degradation of the polymer materials used in PI pipes adds another layer of complexity. This uncertainty makes it challenging for energy providers to predict the remaining service life of their PI pipelines accurately. “There is no specific correlation with either the service life of the pipes or the temperature regime,” Sednin observes, underscoring the need for further research and more sophisticated predictive models.
The implications of Sednin’s findings are far-reaching. For energy providers, the potential for increased energy losses and the risk of pipe failure could lead to higher operational costs and potential disruptions in service. For policymakers, the findings highlight the need for more stringent regulations and monitoring of PI pipelines as they age. For researchers, the study opens up new avenues for exploring the degradation mechanisms of polymer materials in PI pipes and developing more durable and reliable insulation solutions.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the insights gained from Sednin’s research could shape future developments in the field. By understanding the actual condition of PI pipelines and the factors contributing to their degradation, energy providers can make more informed decisions about maintenance, replacement, and the development of new, more resilient materials. This, in turn, could lead to more efficient and reliable district heating systems, benefiting both providers and consumers alike.
