In building HVAC, industrial piping, and energy systems, the selection of pipe insulation materials directly affects the system's energy-saving effect, operational stability, and subsequent maintenance costs. Rubber-plastic insulation materials and rock wool are two widely used materials in current pipe insulation projects. Due to significant differences in their structure, performance, and applicable environments, targeted comparisons are often necessary in engineering practice. This article will systematically analyze the comparison between rubber-plastic and rock wool in pipe insulation.

I. Material Types and Structural Differences

1. Structural Characteristics of Rubber-Plastic Insulation Materials

Rubber-plastic insulation materials use synthetic rubber as the base material and form a closed-cell structure through a foaming process. Its internal pores are independent, making it difficult for water vapor to penetrate, giving the material excellent anti-condensation performance in low-temperature and humid environments. At the same time, rubber-plastic materials have high flexibility, allowing them to tightly adhere to the pipe surface.

2. Structural Characteristics of Rock Wool Materials

Rock wool belongs to the inorganic fiber insulation material category, mainly made from natural minerals such as basalt that are melted at high temperatures and then fiberized. Its internal structure is porous fiber, relying on the static air layer formed between the fibers to achieve thermal insulation.

II. Comparison of Pipe Insulation Performance

From a thermal conductivity perspective, both rubber-plastic and rock wool meet the basic requirements for pipe insulation, but their applicable conditions differ.

Rubber-plastic insulation materials: Stable thermal conductivity, particularly suitable for low-temperature systems such as chilled water pipes and refrigerant pipes.

Rock wool: Performs well in high-temperature or normal-temperature pipe insulation, suitable for steam pipes, hot water pipes, etc.

In low-temperature piping systems, rubber-plastic materials are better at reducing heat loss and condensation risk, while rock wool is more suitable for piping environments with higher high-temperature resistance requirements.

III. Comparison of Anti-condensation and Moisture-proof Performance

Advantages of rubber-plastic in Anti-condensation

The closed-cell structure of rubber-plastic materials effectively blocks water vapor penetration, maintaining stable anti-condensation performance even in high-humidity environments. This makes rubber-plastic a commonly used material for chilled water pipes and air conditioning refrigerant pipes.

Moisture-proof Properties of Rock Wool

Rock wool has an open-cell structure and easily absorbs moisture. Therefore, it is usually used in conjunction with a moisture-proof layer or outer protective structure in pipe insulation to ensure long-term insulation performance.

IV. Comparison of Fire Resistance and Safety

Fire Resistance of Rock Wool

Rock wool is an inorganic, non-combustible material with excellent high-temperature resistance. It will not burn or support combustion under fire conditions, making it a common choice for projects with high fire resistance requirements.

Fire Resistance of Rubber and Plastic Materials

Rubber and plastic are organic materials, and their fire resistance depends on the flame-retardant formulation. Flame-retardant treated rubber and plastic materials can meet certain fire resistance requirements, but their stability is generally lower than that of rock wool in extremely high-temperature environments.

V. Comparison of Construction Performance and Adaptability

Construction Characteristics of Rubber and Plastic Pipes

Rubber and plastic materials are soft and can be directly wrapped around pipes, allowing for quick construction. They are especially suitable for complex pipe diameters, bends, and valve areas, reducing construction difficulty.

Characteristics of Rock Wool Pipe Construction

Rock wool is typically used in the form of pipe shells or sheets. Construction requires cutting, fixing, and adding a protective layer, making the process relatively complex, but the structure is stable.

VI. Comparison of Typical Pipeline Application Scenarios

| Application Scenarios | Rubber & Plastic Insulation Materials | Rock Wool |

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

| Chilled Water Pipes | ✔ Preferred | △ Prone to Condensation |

| Refrigerant Pipes | ✔ Commonly Used | △ Not Recommended |

| Hot Water Pipes | △ Available | ✔ Suitable |

| Steam Pipes | △ Not Suitable | ✔ Preferred |

| Areas with High Fire Safety Requirements | △ Limited | ✔ Commonly Used |

VII. Comprehensive Comparison and Summary

Through the comparison of rubber/plastic and rock wool in pipeline insulation, it can be seen that:

Rubber/plastic insulation materials: Strong anti-condensation performance and good flexibility, suitable for low-temperature pipeline systems.

Rock wool: High temperature resistance and excellent fire resistance, suitable for high-temperature or high fire safety pipeline environments.

In actual engineering, materials should be selected comprehensively based on factors such as pipeline operating temperature, ambient humidity, and fire safety requirements to achieve safe, energy-saving, and long-term stable operation.

Rubber and plastic insulation, along with rock wool, each have their own advantages in pipeline insulation projects and are not mutually exclusive. Scientific and rational material selection is key to ensuring efficient pipeline system operation and reducing maintenance costs.