Rubber-plastic pipes are essentially different from standard insulation pipes: rubber-plastic pipes are made of a closed-cell foam material composed of nitrile rubber and PVC, whereas "insulation pipes" typically refer to a composite piping system integrating a steel carrier pipe, an insulation layer (such as polyurethane), and an outer protective casing. In terms of performance, rubber-plastic pipes have a typical thermal conductivity of 0.032–0.038 W/(m·K) and a closed-cell rate exceeding 90%; they offer excellent water and moisture resistance-eliminating the need for an additional moisture barrier-and achieve a B1 fire rating (flame-retardant). They are suitable for medium temperatures ranging from -40°C to 105°C and have a service life of approximately 10–15 years.
Their flexibility makes them easy to cut and install, allowing them to fit snugly around irregular shapes like elbows and valves; they are widely used in building HVAC, refrigeration, hot water, and ventilation systems. In contrast, standard insulation pipes (using rigid polyurethane as an example) feature an insulation layer with thermal conductivity as low as 0.024–0.033 W/(m·K), offering superior thermal insulation performance; however, they often have semi-open or open-cell structures that are prone to moisture absorption, necessitating an additional waterproof layer. They support a wider temperature range (customizable for temperatures above 120°C) and have a design service life of up to 30 years. Their rigid structure makes them suitable for direct burial or long-distance installation, primarily serving large-scale projects such as district heating and cooling networks and petrochemical infrastructure. In short, rubber-plastic pipes are the preferred choice for applications prioritizing moisture resistance, ease of installation, and low-to-medium temperature environments, whereas insulation pipe systems are better suited for high-temperature applications, long service life requirements, and large-scale trunk line transport. The figures above represent typical product parameters; please refer to specific product test reports for actual selection.