In HVAC, chilled water systems, and refrigerant piping projects, condensation prevention is a crucial indicator of insulation material performance. Condensation not only affects system efficiency but can also lead to corrosion, mold, and structural damage. Among various insulation materials, rubber-plastic insulation and glass wool are two widely used types, but they differ significantly in their condensation prevention performance. This article will systematically analyze the differences between rubber-plastic and glass wool in condensation prevention.

I. A Brief Overview of the Basic Principles of Condensation Prevention

Condensation is essentially the condensation of water vapor in the air onto surfaces below the dew point temperature. To effectively prevent condensation, insulation materials must simultaneously meet the following conditions:

1. Reduce the contact between the surface temperature of the pipe or equipment and the air dew point.

2. Prevent water vapor from penetrating to the low-temperature surface.

3. Maintain structural stability during long-term operation and avoid cold bridging.

Therefore, the material's thermal conductivity, closed-cell structure, and water vapor barrier capacity are key factors in its condensation prevention performance.

II. Anti-condensation Performance Characteristics of Rubber and Plastic Insulation Materials

1. Significant Advantages of Closed-Cell Structure

Rubber and plastic materials are typical closed-cell elastic insulation materials. Their internal air bubbles are independent, making it difficult for water vapor to diffuse within the material. This structural characteristic gives rubber and plastic a natural advantage in preventing condensation.

2. Excellent Water Vapor Barrier Capacity

Rubber and plastic materials have a low water vapor permeability. In low-temperature systems such as chilled water pipes and refrigerant pipes, they can effectively prevent water vapor in the air from entering the insulation layer, reducing the risk of condensation at the source.

3. Strong Surface Continuity

Rubber and plastic materials have good flexibility, allowing them to fit tightly against the pipe surface during installation, reducing joints and gaps and helping to avoid localized cold bridges.

III. Performance of Glass Wool in Preventing Condensation

1. Open Fiber Structure

Glass wool is a porous fiber insulation material with an open fiber network internal structure. While this is beneficial for insulation and sound absorption, it also provides channels for water vapor diffusion.

2. High Dependence on Moisture Barriers

Glass wool itself does not have the ability to block moisture; therefore, it must rely on an external moisture barrier for condensation prevention. If the moisture barrier is improperly installed or damaged, moisture can easily penetrate the insulation layer, forming condensation.

3. Performance Degrades Easily in Humid Environments

In high humidity or long-term operating environments, glass wool absorbs moisture, affecting its insulation performance and condensation prevention capabilities, increasing system maintenance risks.

IV. Comparative Analysis of Anti-Condensation Performance of Rubber-Plastic Insulation Materials and Glass Wool

| Comparison Items | Rubber-Plastic Insulation Materials | Glass Wool |

| ------- | ---------- | ----------- |

| Structural Form | Closed-cell Structure | Open-cell Fiber Structure |

| Water Vapor Permeability | Low | High |

| Dependence on Moisture Barrier | Generally No Additional Moisture Barrier Required | Moisture Barrier Required |

| Condensation Risk | Low | Depends on the Quality of Moisture Barrier Construction |

| Applicable Environment | High Humidity, Low Temperature Systems | Relatively Dry or Well-Protected Scenarios |

From the perspective of anti-condensation, rubber-plastic materials are generally more stable, while glass wool is more dependent on construction quality and protective measures.

V. Selection Recommendations in Typical Application Scenarios

Scenarios where rubber and plastic are more suitable:

Insulation of chilled water pipes

Refrigerant pipes, air conditioning copper pipe systems

High humidity computer rooms, underground spaces

Projects with strict condensation control requirements

Scenarios where glass wool is more suitable:

Insulation of air duct systems

Relatively dry indoor environments

Projects with high sound absorption requirements

VI. Precautions in Engineering Applications

Even when choosing materials with good anti-condensation performance, the following should still be noted in engineering practice:

Design the insulation thickness reasonably to ensure the surface temperature is higher than the dew point

Control the construction quality of joints and interfaces

Avoid damage or compression of the insulation layer

Regularly check the operating status to prevent the formation of cold bridges

In summary, the main differences between rubber and plastic and glass wool in terms of anti-condensation are in the material structure and water vapor barrier capacity. Rubber and plastic, with their closed-cell structure and good water vapor barrier performance, exhibit more stable anti-condensation performance in low-temperature and high-humidity environments; while glass wool relies heavily on a moisture-proof layer and standardized construction in anti-condensation applications. In practical engineering, insulation materials should be selected rationally based on system temperature, ambient humidity, and construction conditions to fundamentally reduce the risk of condensation and ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.