NewsABOUT US
Guidelines for selecting the thickness of aluminum sheet for pipeline insulation
2025-04-28

In the pipeline insulation system, aluminum sheet as the outer protective layer not only plays an aesthetic role, but also serves as a key barrier to protect the insulation material and extend its service life. The selection of its thickness directly affects the protective performance and engineering cost, and multiple factors need to be comprehensively considered.

1、 Common thickness standards

The common thickness of industrial pipeline insulation aluminum sheet is 0.3mm to 0.8mm, and the specific selection follows the following principles:

Conventional operating conditions: 0.5mm thickness suitable for most industrial environments, balancing strength and cost

High wear environment: It is recommended to use a thickness of 0.6-0.8mm in areas such as chemical plants and docks

Light load environment: Indoor cleanrooms can choose 0.3-0.4mm ultra-thin aluminum sheet

2、 Thickness selection criteria

Mechanical protection requirements

Impact resistance: For every 0.1mm increase in thickness, the impact strength increases by approximately 25%

Bending resistance: Thickness above 0.5mm can withstand conventional construction operations

Anti puncture property: 0.6mm sheet containing 30% magnesium aluminum alloy can prevent tool puncture

Environmental adaptability

Coastal areas require the use of thicker boards with a thickness of 0.6mm or more (containing zinc content ≥ 10%)

In high-altitude areas, it is recommended to have a thickness of 0.5mm or more and undergo anti oxidation treatment

Chemical environment requires the selection of 0.7mm plates treated with anodizing

Economic considerations

Increasing the thickness by 30% will increase the material cost by 45%

Excessive thickness of aluminum foil will increase installation difficulty and labor costs by about 20%

The peak value of comprehensive cost-effectiveness appears in the range of 0.5-0.6mm

3、 Installation precautions

The overlap area should ensure a minimum overlap width of 20mm

It is recommended to use 0.1mm thick sheet metal for the elbow area

The weld strength shall not be less than 80% of the base metal

Regularly check for thickness changes (with an annual loss rate of approximately 0.02mm)

Reasonable selection of aluminum sheet thickness can extend the service life of the insulation system by 3-5 years and reduce maintenance frequency. It is recommended to conduct finite element analysis based on specific working conditions and determine the optimal solution in conjunction with engineering budget. Typically, a standard thickness of 0.5mm can meet over 80% of industrial application requirements.