Towards understanding degradation of PUR foam in district heating networks using Synchrotron X-ray Tomography

Important results from the project

The purpose of the project is to understand how Computed Tomography (CT) can be used to study the impact of relevant degradation mechanisms on the microstructure of polyurethane foams used as insulation in district heating pipes. Laboratory based CT has been used for initial studies from which it was noted that such equipment could not reach sufficient resolution to safely state whether an individual cell is open or closed. This limitation was the motivation for a beam time application to the synchrotron facility TOMCAT which was unfortunately denied.

Expected long term effects

During the project, the participating researchers learned valuable lessons about the industrial challenges related to PUR foam in district heating pipes and how these can be addressed using tomography. The industrial participants gained new insights about how relevant degradation mechanisms affect the PUR microstructure.

Approach and implementation

The input from the industrial partners of the project was used to define industrially relevant activities such as comparing the microstructure of unused PUR with degraded material. In addition, an important aspect of the project was to educate all project members about the possibilities that CT can offer both in terms of lab-based equipment and synchrotron facilities. The lessons learned during the project have been communicated to a wider audience through the Swedish PUR group.

External links

Ökad förståelse för nedbrytning av PUR i fjärrvärmerör genom tomografi