Uninsulated bare pipes with “no-flow” conditions can start to freeze in less than one hour. Gilsulate500XR is successfully used for freeze time extension and depth of burial reduction of underground water lines and distribution piping.
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) specified and used Gilsulate 500XR for its high load-bearing capacity and low thermal conductivity to insulate existing sanitary sewer lines under Interstate 77 which are susceptible to freezing in the winter. Cleveland Water Department’s standard for Frostproofing water lines requires Gilsulate 500XR® Insulation in areas where water mains have less than 5 feet of cover, cross over storm sewers, and/or cross under open-end culverts.
Gilsulate International Inc. uses customized computer virtual modeling with formulas and procedures shown in the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) to assist in determining design time, safety factors, and complete freezing time for a pipe if the water stopped flowing. The customized calculations provide data and information to demonstrate the best solution to address freeze-time extension projects for underground piping applications.
*Photo – Gilsulate500XR lines in Prudhoe Bay Alaska Permafrost