| Steam and condensate line replacement project on The University of Texas Southwest Medical Center campus.
This project arose because of the significant condensate losses UT was experiencing from a failed pre-insulated line that was less than 20 years old.
The physical plant staff chose to abandon the pre-insulated line and replace it with 1500 feet of new 10" steam (125 psig) and 6" condensate steel piping insulated with a poured-in-place insulation. After a thorough review of poured-in-place products, the staff selected DriTherm® Insulation for its superior hydrophobic properties, corrosion protection and proven thermal efficiencies.
DriTherm® proved to be significantly less costly to install than alternate materials considered. Most importantly, the DriTherm® did not require compacting, so the installation went very quickly. The contractor simply poured in the DriTherm® and then backfilled. Plus, no compacting ensured that the site's material requirements matched the estimates provided by the factory.
As shown in this photo, Lone Star incorporated a number of cost saving installation concepts including: free form trenching and temporary sling style pipe supports.
Lone Star reports the line is operating flawlessly. Manufactured in Marble Falls Texas, the DriTherm® material was on site just a couple of hours after it left the factory. The DriTherm® formula has been the recognized leader for over 40 years. |
