Calculator
Heat Loss Calculator: Pipe Insulation
Calculate the heat loss from insulated piping based on pipe size, fluid temperature, ambient temperature, and insulation type. Estimate the annual energy cost of heat loss.
Interactive toolUpdated July 2026
Inputs
Results
Total Heat Loss
2,900.7 W
Over 50 m of pipe
Heat Loss per Metre
58 W/m
Estimated Annual Cost
$278,468.2
Based on 8,000 hrs at $12/GJ
The Formula
Heat loss through cylindrical insulation:
Q/L = (2π × k × ΔT) / ln(r₂/r₁)
Where: k = thermal conductivity (W/m·K), ΔT = temperature difference, r₁ = pipe outer radius, r₂ = insulation outer radius
Insulation Thickness Guide
- Minimum thickness: equal to the pipe nominal bore (e.g., 50mm pipe = 50mm insulation)
- For high-temperature pipes (above 150°C): 1.5× the pipe nominal bore
- Aerogel insulation is 2–3× more effective than rockwool at the same thickness, but more expensive
- Damaged or waterlogged insulation loses 50–80% of its insulating value — repair promptly
- Every 1m of uninsulated 100mm pipe at 180°C wastes approximately 1.5 kW of energy