Pipe Heat-Loss Calculator
Estimate the continuous heating duty needed to maintain the temperature of a straight, insulated pipe.
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Heat loss is a power requirement.
For steady temperature maintenance, Q = ΔT / R gives heat loss in watts per metre. E = mcΔT describes the energy needed to raise a mass of material to a higher temperature. Heat-up power additionally depends on heating time and losses; that calculation is outside this tool’s scope.
Calculation method, assumptions & reference data
R = ln(Dₒ / D) / (2πλ) + 1 / (hπDₒ), where D is actual pipe outside diameter and Dₒ = D + 2t. Dimensions are converted from millimetres to metres. ΔT is maintain temperature minus ambient temperature. Preliminary design duty = Q × 1.20.
Representative dry-insulation conductivity is interpolated at approximate mean temperature. Below the lowest reference temperature, the lowest tabulated conductivity is used as a conservative planning assumption. Indoor h = 8, outdoor sheltered h = 12 and wind-exposed h = 25 W/(m²·K) are disclosed planning assumptions, combining surface convection and radiation approximately. The hazardous-area selection adds a review requirement; it does not multiply heat loss.
Scope: above-ground stationary metallic pipes; OD 10–1,000 mm; insulation 10–200 mm; ambient −50 to +50°C; maintain 0–150°C (elastomeric foam limited to 80°C). Excludes wet or damaged insulation, buried pipes, fittings, supports, fluid heat-up, flowing-fluid duty and electrical circuit sizing.
Reference data establish preliminary assumptions and do not imply supplier affiliations: DOE heat-transfer handbook, mineral wool, fiberglass, cellular glass, elastomeric foam. The selected insulation grade and installation must be confirmed by EHT engineering.