Optimal Insulation Thickness for Steam Piping

by Kevin Piper

Submitted : Fall 2011

Given the equations of Fourier’s Law and Newton’s Law of Cooling, one first must find T_s in terms of R_s or vice versa. Next, one must find a formula to model the cost of the insulation and heat that is needed to be generated as more or less insulation is used. Finally, one can optimize the cost in terms of R_s to discover the optimum amount of insulation to be used and then solve for the total cost that such insulation and heat loss warrants.

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