Science & Environment
Steam Pipe Heat Loss & Insulation Calculator
Estimate heat loss from a bare or insulated steam pipe and the insulation thickness needed to hit a target loss.
Your inputs
Change any value to update the result instantly.
Heat loss per foot
76.14 BTU/hr/ft
Outer insulated radius
4 in
Approx bare-pipe loss
905.78 BTU/hr/ft
Estimated savings
91.6 %
Formula and working
Q = 2π × k × L × (Tpipe − Tamb) ÷ ln(r2 ÷ r1)
- 1
Collect the inputs
Pipe outer diameter = 4 in; Insulation thickness = 2 in; Pipe surface temp = 350 °F; Ambient temp = 70 °F; Insulation conductivity = 0.03 BTU/hr·ft·°F
- 2
Apply the formula
Q = 2π × k × L × (Tpipe − Tamb) ÷ ln(r2 ÷ r1)
- 3
Result
Heat loss per foot = 76.14 BTU/hr/ft
Frequently asked questions
Important limitation
This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.
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