PU insulation pipe shells are rigid polyurethane half-shells that clamp around pipework for district heating, chilled water, steam and process lines. Rigid PU is used because it has one of the lowest thermal conductivities available and holds its shape and closed-cell structure over long service. The shells are produced by pouring a two-component PU system into shell moulds — we build the pouring machine; you supply the PU system.
What You Need
- Two-component PU pouring/casting machine — accurate metering and mixing of polyol and isocyanate
- Half-shell moulds — one set per pipe diameter and wall thickness
- Rigid PU system — sourced by you, chosen for density and thermal target
The Process, Step by Step
- Mould preparation — clean and release-agent the half-shell mould, then preheat; mould temperature drives skin quality and demould time.
- Material conditioning — hold polyol and isocyanate at the set temperature so viscosity and reactivity stay stable shot to shot.
- Metering, mixing and pouring — the machine meters both components at the fixed ratio, mixes them and pours the shot into the mould.
- Rise and cure — the foam expands to fill the cavity and cures against the mould wall.
- Demould and trim — demould at the set time and trim the parting line.
- Optional jacketing — add a protective jacket or foil facing if the specification requires it.
Key Parameters to Control
- Density — pipe shells are commonly produced in the 40–60 kg/m³ range; density drives both thermal conductivity and mechanical strength
- Shot weight and ratio accuracy — under-fill leaves voids, over-fill wastes material and stresses the mould
- Mould and material temperature — controls flow, skin and demould time
- Demould time — sets your cycle and therefore daily output
- Closed-cell content — the factor that keeps thermal performance stable over years of service
Which Machine
We supply the PU Insulation Pipe Shell Making Machine. For higher-output rigid foam work see our high-pressure foaming machine, and for material choice read PU vs PIR vs EPS insulation.
FAQ
What density should PU pipe shells be?
Most insulation pipe shells are produced around 40–60 kg/m³. Lower density saves material but raises thermal conductivity; your specification and service temperature decide the target.
Can one machine make different pipe diameters?
Yes. The same pouring machine feeds different half-shell moulds, so changing the mould covers different pipe diameters and wall thicknesses.
Do you supply the PU material?
No — we build and supply the machine. You run it with your own or sourced rigid PU system, so you keep control of formulation and cost.
Is this the same machine as for cold-store panels?
The chemistry is similar rigid PU, but panels run on a high-pressure machine feeding a panel line, while pipe shells are poured into shell moulds. We advise the right setup for your product.
Tell us your pipe diameters, density and output — we will propose the right pouring machine and quote.