Pipe Insulation API

Pipe-insulation heat-loss maths as an API, computed locally and deterministically — the radial heat loss, thickness and energy-cost numbers a mechanical engineer or energy auditor sizes lagging with. The heat-loss endpoint gives the loss per linear foot through cylindrical insulation, Q/L = 2π·(k/12)·ΔT ÷ ln(r2/r1), where k is the insulation conductivity (BTU·in/hr·ft²·°F, ~0.25 for fibreglass), r1 the pipe radius and r2 the outer radius — a 2-inch line at 300 °F with one inch of fibreglass loses about 43 BTU/hr per foot, and because the relationship is logarithmic, doubling the thickness does not halve the loss. The thickness endpoint inverts it for a target loss: ln(r2/r1) = 2π·(k/12)·ΔT ÷ target, then thickness = r2 − r1, showing the economic-thickness point beyond which more material rarely pays. The annual-cost endpoint turns loss per foot into the yearly heat lost and fuel cost over a run of pipe, the number that justifies the lagging. Everything is computed locally and deterministically, so it is instant and private. Ideal for mechanical-design and energy-audit apps, insulation-contractor and process-piping tools, building-services calculators, and engineering aids. Pure local computation — no key, no third-party service, instant. Live, nothing stored. 3 compute endpoints. Ignores the outer air film (real loss slightly lower). For flat walls and roofs use a U-value API.