In closed-loop HVAC and heating systems, the system’s longevity depends largely on a factor that is not always taken into account: the ingress of oxygen into the loop. The Insu Plus oxygen barrier is specifically designed to limit that ingress. This article explains what it is, how it works, and why it is particularly important in these types of systems.
What Is the Oxygen Barrier?
The oxygen barrier is a feature of the inner pipe of Insu Plus, the ABN//INSTAL CT FASER RD (PP-RCT) pipe. Its function is to limit the diffusion of oxygen into the circuit through the pipe wall.
In a closed-loop system, water circulates continuously without being replaced. If oxygen diffuses into the loop through the pipe walls, that oxygen can accelerate corrosion in the system’s metal components. The oxygen barrier acts precisely on this mechanism, reducing the amount of oxygen that enters the system.
It is also one of the features that most sets Insu Plus apart from other solutions on the market, and one of the most highly valued by our customers.
Why it matters in closed-loop heating and ccoling systems
In closed-loop heating and cooling systems, water recirculates within a sealed system that includes metal components: pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, manifolds, and steel parts. The continuous presence of oxygen in the water in these circuits can lead to corrosion of these components over time.
By limiting the diffusion of oxygen through the pipe wall, the oxygen barrier helps to:
- Protect the system’s metal components from oxygen-related corrosion.
- Maintain the circuit’s operating conditions throughout its service life.
- Reduce the maintenance associated with the effects of corrosion on the system.
In facilities where service continuity and service life are critical, this feature is particularly valuable.
A feature that comes standard
The oxygen barrier is an integral part of the Insu Plus inner pipe from the moment it is manufactured. It is not a treatment added during installation or part of subsequent maintenance: it is a feature of the system itself, integrated along with the insulation and the outer jacket.
Conclusion
For closed-loop HVAC and heating systems, the Insu Plus oxygen barrier is a solid and verifiable technical advantage: it limits the diffusion of oxygen into the circuit and helps protect the system’s metal components from corrosion. If you’re designing a system of this type, at ABN we’ll explain in detail how this feature works in your project.
