Aboveground Utilidor Piping Systems for Cold-Weather Regions
Abstract
Utilidors, which contain multiple pipe systems for the distribution of freezable liquids, were investigated by the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory. These systems require one of the pipes to carry either hot water or steam which can be used as the heating source for the utilidor. A state-of-the-art survey was made to ascertain design requirements for the utilidor. Sufficient information was obtained to permit detailed designing for specific locations. Assembly and low temperature tests were performed and data were acquired on a 32-foot-long test section. A thermal performance analysis and a computer program are presented for designing a utilidor for a specific location. It is concluded that a single-line, preassembled, insulated, electrically heat- traced piping system appears to be most cost effective for one to six distribution lines; however, the advantage is so slight for four- to six-line systems that the availability of an inexpensive source of heat (heated liquid or steam) or an intangible consideration, such as esthetics, may warrant the use of an utilidor system for a specific Naval facility.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0728013
Entities
People
- C. R. Hoffman
Organizations
- Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center