Pipe Insulation & Pipe Covering — Calcium Silicate, Nitrile, Aerogel & Rockwool
One supplier for every pipe on site: AC and chilled-water lines at 5 °C, hot water and steam at 180 °C, thermic fluid at 300 °C and process lines up to 650 °C (1,000 °C on request). Pre-formed calcium silicate pipe sections made to bore at our Faridabad works, NBR nitrile and XLPE tubes for AC pipes, aerogel blankets where space is tight, rockwool sections, cladding, removable jackets and insulated pipe supports.
Calcium silicate pipe sections from the CalSil650LD grade (230–250 kg/m³, λ ≤0.056 W/m·K at 200 °C, ASTM C533), quoted per running metre by NB and thickness. Supplied across India and exported to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and 45+ countries.
Which pipe insulation for which temperature
Pick the material by the line’s operating temperature first, then by space, moisture and mechanical load. Values are typical; the TDS for each grade comes with the quotation.
| Material | Service temperature | λ (W/m·K) | Best for | Products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBR nitrile rubber foam | −40 to +105 °C | ≈0.034–0.036 at 0 °C | AC refrigerant lines, chilled water, condensate drains | Nitrile tube & sheet |
| XLPE / closed-cell PE foam | −40 to +90 °C | ≈0.032–0.038 | AC pipe covering, plumbing, budget HVAC work | XLPE / CCPE foam |
| Cellular foam glass | −196 to +430 °C | ≈0.040 at 10 °C | LNG, cryogenic and buried lines; load-bearing, vapour-tight | Foam glass sections |
| Silica aerogel blanket | −200 to +650 °C | 0.018 at 25 °C | Tight pipe racks, retrofits, CUI-prone lines, cryogenic | WedGel range |
| Glass wool pipe section | up to 250 °C | ≈0.033–0.040 | Hot water, low-pressure steam, HVAC heating | Glass wool |
| Rockwool pipe section | up to 700 °C | 0.033–0.045 at ambient | Steam, hot oil, fire-rated and acoustic pipe lagging | Rockwool sections |
| Calcium silicate pipe section | up to 650 °C (1,000 °C grade) | ≤0.056 at 200 °C · ≤0.1002 at 538 °C | Steam headers, thermic fluid, refinery & power lines; walk-on | CalSil650LD sections |
| Ceramic fibre blanket, rope, tape | up to 1,260 °C | ≈0.08–0.12 at 400 °C | Exhausts, flue ducts, furnace piping, flange wraps | Ceramic fibre |
Calcium silicate pipe sections (pipe insulation up to 650 °C)
Rigid, asbestos-free calcium silicate half-shells and segments, cut to the pipe bore from Wedge CalSil650LD board. Unlike wool, they hold their thickness under cladding, do not sag on vertical risers and can be walked on — which is why refineries, power plants, sugar mills and chemical plants specify them for steam and thermic-fluid lines.
| Property | CalSil650LD 230 | CalSil650LD 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk density | 230 kg/m³ (±10 %) | 250 kg/m³ (±10 %) |
| Maximum service temperature | 650 °C | 650 °C (1,000 °C grade on request) |
| Thermal conductivity | ≤0.060 W/m·K | ≤0.062 W/m·K |
| λ at 200 / 371 / 538 °C | ≤0.056 / 0.0923 / 0.1002 | ≤0.056 / 0.0923 / 0.1002 |
| Compressive strength | ≥0.50 MPa | ≥0.75 MPa |
| Flexural strength | ≥0.30 MPa | ≥0.45 MPa |
| Linear shrinkage | ≤2 % | ≤2 % |
| Section sizes | Length 100–600 mm · thickness 30–100 mm | ID to pipe bore; two layers above 100 mm |
| Standard | ASTM C533 · non-combustible | Asbestos-free |
Price basis: pipe sections are quoted per running metre by pipe NB and thickness, from the same board grade priced at ₹25–45 per sq ft (US$ 0.26–0.47) for standard boards. Send the line list — NB, thickness, metres and temperature — and we price sections, paste, bands and cladding together.
Calcium Silicate Pipe Sections 650 °C
Half-shells and segments made to bore for steam and thermic-fluid lines; supply or supply-and-apply.
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Calcium Silicate Board 650 °C — CalSil650LD
The parent board for sections, bends and valve boxes. 230 / 250 kg/m³, ASTM C533.
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Pipe Insulation — Pre-formed Sections
Pre-formed pipe insulation sections for hot process pipework, DN15 to DN1200.
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Insulation for Pipes — Calcium Silicate, Aerogel, Microporous
Industrial pipe insulation systems combining rigid and flexible materials by temperature.
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W-CSP 1000 Calcium Silicate Insulation Paste
Joint filler and finishing paste for calcium silicate sections, bends and irregular fittings.
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Calcium Silicate Board Adhesive — HTAL1000
Inorganic glue to 1,000 °C for bonding sections, segments and double layers.
View product →AC pipe insulation & AC pipe covering
Refrigerant and chilled-water pipes need a closed-cell, vapour-tight covering so moisture never reaches the cold copper or steel — otherwise the line sweats, drips and corrodes. Use nitrile (NBR) tube for split and VRF refrigerant lines and chilled water, XLPE foam for budget AC pipe covering, and foam glass or aerogel for large chilled-water headers and cryogenic lines. Typical AC pipe insulation thickness is 9–13 mm on liquid lines and 13–19 mm on suction lines; 19–32 mm on chilled-water pipes in humid coastal and Gulf climates.
AC Pipe Insulation — NBR Elastomeric Nitrile Foam
Closed-cell nitrile tubes and sheets for refrigerant, VRF and chilled-water pipes.
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Pre-Insulated Copper Tube ¼″ + ½″ — Split AC Line Set
Factory-insulated copper pair for split AC installation; ready to flare and fit.
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XLPE / CCPE Closed-Cell Polyethylene Foam
Cross-linked PE foam for AC pipe covering, plumbing and duct wrap.
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Cellular Foam Glass Insulation
Non-combustible, vapour-tight, load-bearing — for chilled-water headers, LNG and buried lines.
View product →Foam Glass Pipe Sections — Cryogenic & Cold Lines
Cellular glass blocks, boards and pipe sections for cryogenic and cold-store pipework.
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WedGel 125B Aerogel Blanket for Cold Pipelines
Thin aerogel for chilled and sub-zero pipes where nitrile would be too thick.
View product →Aerogel pipe insulation (−200 to +650 °C)
At 0.018 W/m·K, aerogel blanket gives the same heat loss as calcium silicate or wool at roughly one-half to one-third of the thickness — the answer for crowded pipe racks, retrofits where the cladding diameter is fixed, and lines prone to corrosion under insulation (the blanket is hydrophobic). Wrap in layers, butt joints staggered, then band and clad.
WedGel WAG400 Aerogel Blanket for Process Pipes
Mid-temperature aerogel for steam and hot-oil pipes up to 400 °C.
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Aerogel 1 cm — WedGel 650 Blanket (10 mm)
10 mm blanket to 650 °C, ECO and High Performance grades. From ₹128 per sq ft (US$ 1.33).
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Aerogel 2 cm — WedGel WAG400 Blanket (20 mm)
20 mm blanket to 400 °C. ₹4,650 per m² (US$ 48.44).
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Aerogel Tape — WedGel WAG650
10–50 mm wide tape for small-bore tubing, tracing lines and instrument impulse lines. From ₹28 per metre.
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Aerogel Mat — WedGel WAG650
Cut-to-size aerogel sheet for valve bodies, flanges and irregular fittings.
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WedGel WJ-Paste for Flanges & Valves
Trowel-on aerogel paste to 650 °C where blanket cannot follow the shape.
View product →Full aerogel range, grades and prices: aerogel insulation.
Rockwool & mineral wool pipe sections
Resin-bonded stone wool pipe sections (Class A1 non-combustible) are the most economical choice for steam, hot-water and hot-oil pipes up to about 700 °C where the line is not walked on. Foil-faced sections double as a vapour retarder on HVAC heating lines; bitumen-coated wool is used for outdoor and buried lagging.
Rock Wool Insulation — Slabs, Rolls & Pipe Sections
A1 non-combustible, 30–200 kg/m³, λ 0.033–0.045 W/m·K, to 700 °C.
View product →Rockwool Pipe Sections & Wired Mattress — Delhi NCR Stock
Same or next-day supply from Faridabad for plant maintenance and HVAC jobs.
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Bitumen Coated Rock Wool
Moisture-resistant wool lagging for outdoor and buried pipelines.
View product →Pipe covering, cladding & removable jackets
Insulation only lasts as long as its covering. Outdoors and on process plant, finish with 0.5–0.8 mm aluminium or 0.5 mm GI cladding, overlapped 50 mm and sealed against rain; indoors, foil-faced or canvas finishes are enough. Valves, flanges and strainers that are opened for maintenance get stitched, re-usable insulation jackets.
Insulation Cladding
Aluminium and GI cladding sheet and jacketing for insulated pipes and equipment.
View product →Removable Insulation Jackets for Valves & Flanges
Custom-stitched, re-usable covers with Velcro and buckles, made to measure in Faridabad.
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Aluminium Foil Covered Aerogel Blanket
Foil-faced aerogel for neat indoor pipe covering without separate jacketing.
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Ceramic Fibre Tape — HTI 1050 / 1265 / 1450
High-temperature wrap for flange joints, exhaust pipes and fire sealing.
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Exhaust Pipe Insulation Mat
Genset and engine exhaust lagging — cuts surface temperature and engine-room heat.
View product →Pipe Insulation Installation Services
Supply-and-apply by Wedge’s own crew: sections, banding, cladding and jackets.
View product →Insulated pipe supports (cold & hot shoes)
At every support, the insulation must carry the pipe’s weight without crushing — or a cold line will sweat and a hot line will lose heat through the steel saddle. Wedge supplies high-density inserts cut to the pipe OD and insulation thickness:
- Hot lines (up to 650 °C): high-density calcium silicate blocks as load-bearing inserts under the pipe shoe, banded inside the clamp.
- Chilled and cryogenic lines: high-density PUF / PIR or foam glass support blocks with a vapour barrier, sized to match the line insulation.
- Made to order by pipe OD, insulation thickness and shoe length — send the support schedule with the line list.
Calcium Silicate Block 1,100 °C — 600×900×100 mm
High-temperature block for pipe-support inserts and hot-shoe packing.
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Calcium Silicate Block 600×300×70 mm
Standard block for cutting support saddles and valve boxes.
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Calcium Silicate Block 600×100×75 mm
Narrow block for small-bore supports and segment infills.
View product →Pipe insulation quantity calculator — m² and CBM
Enter the pipe OD (or pick a standard size) and the insulation thickness to get the quantity of insulation in m² at that thickness, the volume in CBM (m³), the cladding area and an approximate weight. Add each line to build a schedule and send it to us for a price.
Totals include the wastage allowance. Per-metre values do not.
Insulation area (m²) = π × (OD + t) × L ÷ 1000 [mean diameter]
Volume (m³) = π × t × (OD + t) × L ÷ 1,000,000 = π/4 × (D² − OD²) × L ÷ 10⁶
Cladding area (m²) = (π × D ÷ 1000 + 0.05 overlap) × L
OD, t, D in mm · L in metres · weight = m³ × density
Pipe insulation thickness guide
Indicative starting thicknesses for calcium silicate or rockwool on hot lines (surface ≈ 55–60 °C, still air) and nitrile/PUF on cold lines. Final design follows IS 14164 and a heat-loss or condensation calculation for your site conditions.
| Operating temperature | NB 15–50 | NB 65–150 | NB 200–300 | NB 350+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC refrigerant lines | 9–13 mm liquid · 13–19 mm suction | 19–25 mm | — | — |
| Chilled water 5–7 °C | 19–25 mm | 25–32 mm | 32–40 mm | 40–50 mm |
| Up to 150 °C | 25 mm | 40 mm | 50 mm | 50 mm |
| 151–250 °C | 40 mm | 50 mm | 65 mm | 75 mm |
| 251–350 °C | 50 mm | 65 mm | 75 mm | 100 mm |
| 351–450 °C | 65 mm | 75 mm | 100 mm | 115 mm |
| 451–650 °C | 75 mm | 100 mm | 125 mm | 150 mm (2 layers) |
With aerogel, divide these thicknesses by roughly 2.5–3 for the same heat loss.
Pipe OD chart — standard pipe sizes in inches and mm
Insulation is always sized on the pipe’s outside diameter, not its nominal bore. A “2-inch” steel pipe is 60.3 mm OD; a “½-inch” AC copper pipe is 12.7 mm OD. Use the charts below to convert NPS, NB or DN to OD before ordering sections or tubes.
Steel pipe — ASME B36.10M / B36.19M, IS 1239 / IS 3589, EN 10220
| NPS (inch) | DN / NB | OD (inch) | OD mm — ASME B36.10M | OD mm — IS 1239 / IS 3589 | OD mm — EN 10220 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NPS 1/8″ | DN 6 | 0.405″ | 10.3 | — | 10.2 |
| NPS 1/4″ | DN 8 | 0.540″ | 13.7 | — | 13.5 |
| NPS 3/8″ | DN 10 | 0.675″ | 17.1 | 17.2 | 17.2 |
| NPS 1/2″ | DN 15 | 0.840″ | 21.3 | 21.3 | 21.3 |
| NPS 3/4″ | DN 20 | 1.050″ | 26.7 | 26.9 | 26.9 |
| NPS 1″ | DN 25 | 1.315″ | 33.4 | 33.7 | 33.7 |
| NPS 1 1/4″ | DN 32 | 1.660″ | 42.2 | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| NPS 1 1/2″ | DN 40 | 1.900″ | 48.3 | 48.3 | 48.3 |
| NPS 2″ | DN 50 | 2.375″ | 60.3 | 60.3 | 60.3 |
| NPS 2 1/2″ | DN 65 | 2.875″ | 73.0 | 76.1 | 76.1 |
| NPS 3″ | DN 80 | 3.500″ | 88.9 | 88.9 | 88.9 |
| NPS 3 1/2″ | DN 90 | 4.000″ | 101.6 | 101.6 | 101.6 |
| NPS 4″ | DN 100 | 4.500″ | 114.3 | 114.3 | 114.3 |
| NPS 5″ | DN 125 | 5.563″ | 141.3 | 139.7 | 139.7 |
| NPS 6″ | DN 150 | 6.625″ | 168.3 | 165.1 / 168.3 | 168.3 |
| NPS 8″ | DN 200 | 8.625″ | 219.1 | 219.1 | 219.1 |
| NPS 10″ | DN 250 | 10.750″ | 273.0 | 273.0 | 273.0 |
| NPS 12″ | DN 300 | 12.750″ | 323.8 | 323.9 | 323.9 |
| NPS 14″ | DN 350 | 14.000″ | 355.6 | 355.6 | 355.6 |
| NPS 16″ | DN 400 | 16.000″ | 406.4 | 406.4 | 406.4 |
| NPS 18″ | DN 450 | 18.000″ | 457.2 | 457.0 | 457.0 |
| NPS 20″ | DN 500 | 20.000″ | 508.0 | 508.0 | 508.0 |
| NPS 24″ | DN 600 | 24.000″ | 609.6 | 610.0 | 610.0 |
| NPS 28″ | DN 700 | 28.000″ | 711.2 | 711.0 | 711.0 |
| NPS 30″ | DN 750 | 30.000″ | 762.0 | 762.0 | — |
| NPS 32″ | DN 800 | 32.000″ | 812.8 | 813.0 | 813.0 |
| NPS 36″ | DN 900 | 36.000″ | 914.4 | 914.0 | 914.0 |
| NPS 40″ | DN 1000 | 40.000″ | 1016.0 | 1016.0 | 1016.0 |
| NPS 48″ | DN 1200 | 48.000″ | 1219.2 | 1219.0 | 1219.0 |
OD is the same for every wall schedule (Sch 10, 40, 80, 160, XS, XXS) — only the bore changes, so insulation sizes do not depend on schedule. IS 1239 Part 1 covers 6–150 NB (150 NB is 165.1 mm under IS 1239; 168.3 mm under IS 3589 and ASME). Stainless pipe to ASME B36.19M uses the same ODs.
Copper AC & refrigeration tube — ASTM B280 (ACR)
For AC and refrigeration tube, the size in inches is the outside diameter. Order nitrile tube by this OD.
| Size | OD (inch) | OD (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ ACR | 1/4″ | 6.35 |
| 3/8″ ACR | 3/8″ | 9.52 |
| 1/2″ ACR | 1/2″ | 12.70 |
| 5/8″ ACR | 5/8″ | 15.88 |
| 3/4″ ACR | 3/4″ | 19.05 |
| 7/8″ ACR | 7/8″ | 22.22 |
| 1 1/8″ ACR | 1 1/8″ | 28.58 |
| 1 3/8″ ACR | 1 3/8″ | 34.92 |
| 1 5/8″ ACR | 1 5/8″ | 41.28 |
| 2 1/8″ ACR | 2 1/8″ | 53.98 |
| 2 5/8″ ACR | 2 5/8″ | 66.68 |
| 3 1/8″ ACR | 3 1/8″ | 79.38 |
| 3 5/8″ ACR | 3 5/8″ | 92.08 |
| 4 1/8″ ACR | 4 1/8″ | 104.78 |
Copper plumbing tube — ASTM B88 (OD = nominal + ⅛″)
| Nominal size | OD (inch) | OD (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ nominal | 3/8″ | 9.52 |
| 3/8″ nominal | 1/2″ | 12.70 |
| 1/2″ nominal | 5/8″ | 15.88 |
| 3/4″ nominal | 7/8″ | 22.22 |
| 1″ nominal | 1 1/8″ | 28.58 |
| 1 1/4″ nominal | 1 3/8″ | 34.92 |
| 1 1/2″ nominal | 1 5/8″ | 41.28 |
| 2″ nominal | 2 1/8″ | 53.98 |
| 2 1/2″ nominal | 2 5/8″ | 66.68 |
| 3″ nominal | 3 1/8″ | 79.38 |
| 4″ nominal | 4 1/8″ | 104.78 |
Plastic pipe — PPR (DIN 8077), HDPE (IS 4984), PVC (IS 4985)
Plastic pipes are designated by OD in mm: 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, 63, 75, 90, 110, 125, 140, 160, 200, 250, 315 mm. CPVC hot-and-cold pipe (ASTM D2846, CTS) follows copper tube sizes — ½″ = 15.9 mm, ¾″ = 22.2 mm, 1″ = 28.6 mm OD.
How pipe insulation is installed
- Rigid sections (calcium silicate, foam glass): half-shells fitted with longitudinal joints at 3 and 9 o’clock, circumferential joints staggered; above 100 mm in two layers with all joints offset. Banded with GI or stainless bands at 300 mm centres, joints filled with W-CSP paste, then clad.
- Nitrile tube (AC pipes): slid on before brazing where possible, otherwise slit and closed with nitrile adhesive; every joint glued — a single open joint lets condensation in.
- Aerogel blanket: wrapped in layers, butt joints staggered by at least 150 mm, banded, then clad or foil-taped.
- Wool sections: banded or wired, then clad with aluminium overlapped 50 mm and screwed or banded; weather-sealed at every penetration.
- Fittings: bends mitred from sections or board, valves and flanges in removable jackets or aerogel mat, supports with load-bearing inserts.
Why buy pipe insulation from Wedge Industries Limited
- Calcium silicate pipe sections made to bore at our own Faridabad works — no import lead time on odd sizes.
- Every pipe material from one supplier: calcium silicate, rockwool, glass wool, aerogel, nitrile, XLPE, foam glass, ceramic fibre, cladding and jackets.
- Supply-only or supply-and-apply by our own crew; manufacturing and sourcing across India, the UK, Spain and China.
- Dispatch across India; export to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Nepal, Africa and Europe — 45+ countries.
- TDS and batch test certificates with every order.
Pipe insulation — frequently asked questions
Which insulation is best for steam pipes?
For steam and thermic-fluid lines from 150 °C to 650 °C, calcium silicate pipe sections are the most durable choice: rigid, non-combustible, walk-on and stable under cladding. Rockwool sections are the economical alternative where the line is not walked on, and aerogel blanket is used where space is tight.
Which insulation is used for AC copper pipes?
Closed-cell NBR nitrile rubber tube is the standard for AC refrigerant and chilled-water pipes because it stops condensation. Typical thickness is 9–13 mm on liquid lines and 13–19 mm on suction lines; XLPE foam is a lower-cost alternative for small split units.
How do I calculate pipe insulation quantity in m²?
Insulation area (m²) = π × (pipe OD + thickness) × length ÷ 1000, with OD and thickness in mm and length in metres. The volume in m³ is that area × thickness ÷ 1000. Add 5–10 % for wastage and about 1 m of equivalent pipe for each bend or flange pair.
What is the OD of a 2-inch, 4-inch or 6-inch pipe?
Under ASME B36.10M a 2-inch pipe (DN 50) is 60.3 mm OD, a 4-inch (DN 100) is 114.3 mm and a 6-inch (DN 150) is 168.3 mm. Under IS 1239 the 150 NB tube is 165.1 mm OD. OD does not change with wall schedule.
What thickness of pipe insulation do I need?
As a starting point, a 100 NB line at 150–250 °C needs about 50 mm of calcium silicate or rockwool, and about 75 mm at 250–350 °C. Chilled-water pipes usually need 25–32 mm of nitrile. Final thickness depends on surface-temperature or condensation limits and is confirmed by calculation.
What is the price of calcium silicate pipe sections?
Wedge calcium silicate pipe sections are quoted per running metre by pipe NB and insulation thickness, made from CalSil650LD board priced at ₹25–45 per sq ft (US$ 0.26–0.47) for standard boards. Send the line list for a firm price within 24 hours.
Send your pipe line list — price in 24 hours
Pipe NB or OD, insulation thickness, metres and operating temperature for each line — or the schedule from the calculator above. We price sections, tubes, cladding and supports together, supply-only or installed.