Sector solution
Pipework Insulation for Data Centres
Continuous vapour-sealed insulation for chilled-water pipework feeding CRAC and CRAH units — installed in live data centres without interrupting cooling.
Quick answer
Why does data centre pipework need vapour-sealed insulation?
Chilled-water pipework in a data centre runs colder than the air around it, so any gap in insulation lets condensation form and drip near critical equipment. SR Thermal Services insulates CHW loops serving CRAC and CRAH units with a continuous sealed vapour barrier, phased around live halls, nationwide.
A data centre's cooling plant moves chilled water between chillers, pumps and the CRAC or CRAH units that condition the halls. Those pipes run through service corridors, galleries and roof spaces that are far warmer than the water inside them. Every uninsulated metre gains heat the chillers then have to remove again.
Condensation is the bigger risk. Cold pipe in warm, humid air will sweat through any break in the vapour seal, and dripping water is unacceptable near IT equipment. We insulate CHW pipework with a continuous sealed vapour barrier, with joints, bends and supports sealed to the same standard as the straight runs.
Fittings are where vapour seals usually fail. Pump flanges, strainers, control valves and flexible connectors are insulated with purpose-made sections or removable jackets with sealed closures, so maintenance access does not leave a permanent gap in the system.
Most of this work happens in live facilities. We phase installation under your change-control process, coordinate isolations with the mechanical contractor and never reduce cooling redundancy without approval. Materials are clean and low-lint to handle, and escorted access arrangements are followed throughout.
We work as a subcontractor to main contractors and M&E contractors on new builds and live-facility upgrades across the UK. Quotations are prepared from issued mechanical drawings and specifications, confirmed by a free site survey where access allows.
Frequently asked questions
Can you insulate pipework while the cooling is live?
Yes, in most cases. Work is phased under your change-control process, and any isolation of a cooling loop is agreed with the mechanical contractor in advance.
What insulation do you use on chilled-water pipework?
Phenolic or closed-cell flexible systems with a continuous sealed vapour barrier, to the project specification. Thicknesses follow BS 5422 and the condensation-control requirements of the design.
How do you handle valves and flanges on cold pipework?
With purpose-made insulated sections or removable jackets with sealed closures. Every fitting keeps its vapour seal while staying accessible for maintenance.
Do you work from our mechanical drawings?
Yes. We quote from issued mechanical drawings and specifications, then confirm routes and quantities with a free site survey before installation.
Do you work nationwide?
Yes. We are based in Milton Keynes and deliver data centre packages across the UK as a subcontractor to main contractors and M&E contractors.
Next step
Have drawings or a specification?
Send us your project details and we'll prepare a tailored quotation. Free initial survey available across the UK.