Paint and Insulation — Companion Article
Open the tool: https://pipingdesigners.com/tools-training/paint-insulation/
What this tool does
Paint and Insulation works out, for one run of pipe, the bare outside area, the insulated outer area, the insulation volume and the paint quantity.
When to use it
Use it for estimates of painting and insulation quantities, or to check a contractor’s take-off.
Inputs
- Nominal size from a list, or a typed outside diameter.
- Length.
- Insulation thickness.
- Paint coverage, number of coats and a loss factor.
- Units: metric or US customary.
How it works
- Bare area A = π × D × L.
- Insulated diameter Do = D + 2 × insulation thickness. Outer area = π × Do × L.
- Insulation volume = π × t × (D + t) × L.
- Paint = A × coats × loss factor / coverage.
A listed size uses the outside diameter from the site’s pipe schedule data, and shows a source note. A typed diameter has no note.
Understanding the result
The bare area is what you paint. The outer area is what you clad. A loss factor below 1 is flagged, because it would mean less paint than the area needs.
Engineering considerations
- Fittings, flanges and valves add area. Add an allowance.
- Stainless outside diameters can differ from the list. Type the diameter for those.
Example
NPS 6 over 10 m uses an outside diameter of 168.28 mm. With 50 mm of insulation, the insulated diameter is 100 mm larger.
Standards/references (licensed vs interim)
Listed outside diameters come from an interim extract of ASME B36.10 data. Verify against the current edition before use.
Limitations/disclaimer
- Straight pipe only.
- One insulation layer.
- The result is preliminary and needs engineering review.
Use the tool
Calculate now: Paint and Insulation
Related tools
- Insulation Thickness (new tool, being added to the site).
- Pipe by schedule for the outside diameter, wall and weight of a pipe. Read the pipe by schedule companion article.