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29.03.2017

The best energy is the energy we do not use

The oil price is regarded as the key value on the commodities markets.

Growing industrial nations need more energy and therefore larger quantities of crude oil. However, this is hampered by the scarcity of this very resource. And, as every economist knows, a scarcity of resources together with increasing demand results in a rise in the oil price, which in turn leads to an increase in the price of heating oil.

The global demand for gas is rising just as constantly as the demand for oil. Natural gas is a sustainable commodity which can be utilised in a variety of ways by both industry and private households and, as part of the climate and energy targets adopted by the European Union, is becoming increasingly important for people and the environment. Nevertheless, continually increasing consumption will also further deplete this gas resource.

On the one hand, however, in order to be able to meet future demand, new sources are being exploited. On the other, existing resources must be conserved and utilised efficiently. For this reason, under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol, the European Union is committed to achieving a 40% reduction in emissions of the seven key greenhouse gases by 2030. These are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), halogenated fluorocarbons (HCFCs), fluorocarbon (FC), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). In addition, 27% of total energy use is to be met by renewable energy sources and the target is also to increase energy efficiency by 27%.

Save cash with Kaiflex

Kaiflex insulation materials contribute significantly to achieving these targets. Energy efficiency and system performance are significantly increased by installing pipe networks.  Thanks to the low thermal conductivity of Kaiflex insulation materials of up to 0.033 (W/m·K), energy loss and costs can be minimised even with a minimum insulation thickness. Suitable accessories from Kaimann also enable optimal insulation even at difficult points such as valves, flanges and pipe supports. This results in a sustainable reduction of thermal bridges.

The costs involved in the use of Kaiflex insulation materials have a very short payback period and due to their quality they are very long lasting. If not subject to mechanical stress or damage, a useful life of many years can be expected without any changes in thermal conductivity, fire performance or water vapour diffusion resistance. The advantage is that much can be achieved with very little cost.

The following calculation is intended to provide you with an overview of how not only energy, but also money can be saved with the help of Kaiflex insulation materials. The calculation is based on the following data:

  • Heating price: € 0.07 / KWh (calculated from the usage and capital costs of the operating facility)
  • Ambient temperature: 23°C
  • Relative humidity: 75 %
  • Temperature of medium in pipe: 6°C
  • It is based on a closed cell elastomeric insulating material with a water vapour diffusion resistance of 10,000 μ and a thermal conductivity of 0.033 W/(m·K). Insulation with a thickness of 9 millimetres has been selected as the benchmark value. In other words, the pipe is already insulated with this material
  • The operating hours of the system amount to 6,000 per year
  • The pipe has a length of 1 metre and is fully insulated
Energieeffizienzkostenersparnis_EN