Modern clothing for heating networks

In 2008, the Kemerovo City Heating Networks municipal enterprise successfully completed a pilot project to introduce a new K-FLEX insulation at one of its control and distribution points.

This event is significant. After all, it characterizes the general trend in the development of the heat supply economy of the region, which consists in the active use of modern energy-saving technologies at communal facilities. Moreover, Thermal Networks confidently occupy one of the places in the forefront of this process.

The new material surpasses mineral wool in all respects. It has almost 2 times lower thermal conductivity. The temperature difference on the outside of the pipe and on the surface of the insulation reaches 50 degrees! Guaranteed service life of K-FLEX is 30 years. While mineral wool is destroyed in 5-7 years.

In addition, ease of installation speaks in favor of the new material. Its installation at one control and distribution point takes one week against 2-3 weeks when using mineral wool. In addition, the ease of dismantling guarantees quick access to the leak.

The pilot project for the use of K-FLEX was financed from the city budget, because it turned out to be the best among other proposals for the introduction of energy-saving technologies. More than 360 thousand rubles were allocated for its implementation. According to Nikolai Koltsov, director of Thermal Networks, these investments are justified and will fully pay off in the shortest possible time.

At the same time, when replacing heating mains, the enterprise uses another effective insulation - polyurethane foam. It has been used for several years in channel and channelless pipe laying. Experts note that during this time the material managed to prove itself from the best side.

The company also continues to equip its heating units with modern equipment. All KRP are equipped with pressure and temperature regulators of water at the outlet to the system. According to the new SNiPs, the pressure should not exceed 4.5 atmospheres, and the temperature should not be lower than 60 degrees.

Frequency control devices are also installed at control and distribution points. They help to significantly extend the life of pump motors and reduce energy costs. For example, during the preparatory period for the last heating season, frequency control stations were installed at 8 control and distribution points. Energy savings on each of them amounted to an average of 30 percent. This year, such equipment will be installed at 5 more PDCs.

“First of all, in our work we pursue one goal - to provide consumers with the highest quality services and create the most comfortable conditions in their homes,” emphasizes the director of Thermal Networks.

This position finds confirmation in everything. Starting from the fact that every winter the number of failures in the heat supply of Kemerovo residents decreases. And ending with the fact that the enterprise contributes to the reduction of hot water outage time.
water during the summer. If in 2007 this period in the city averaged 18 days, then in this period the heat supply enterprises plan to manage it in 14.