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K-FLEX® ECO® is a halogen-free, NBR-based closed cell, flexible elastomeric foam insulation. It is environmentally-friendly as it is free of CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, PBDEs, formaldehyde and fibers. An EPA-registered antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the product providing additional protection against mold, fungal and bacterial growth. K-FLEX® ECO® does not contain carbon black or PVC in accordance with United States Navy Environmental Department standards.

Foam Type: Closed Cell Foam

Density: 48.0 - 80.0 kg/m³

Chemical Family: Natural Rubbers, Polyisoprenes

End Uses: Marine Applications

Physical Form: Foam

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Identification & Functionality

Product Type

Features & Benefits

Resistance to Moisture Vapor Flow

The expanded closed cell structure and unique formulation inherently resists moisture vapor intrusion. For most indoor applications, K-FLEX® ECO® needs no additional protection. Additional vapor barrier protection may be necessary when installed on cold surfaces that are exposed to continuous high humidity

Applications & Uses

Compatible Substrates & Surfaces
Product End Uses
Applications

K-FLEX® ECO® is recommended for applications with service temperatures ranging from -297°F (-182°C) to +250°F (+120°C). For applications below -40°F (-40°C), contact K-FLEX® technical support. When using factory-applied PSA, the low temperature limit is -40°F (-40°C). When the product is installed fully adhered to the insulated surface (via contact adhesive or PSA), the high temperature limit is +200°F (+93°C).The product is used to retard heat gain and prevent condensation or frost formation on below ambient applications, including refrigerant, cold water plumbing, chilled water, and industrial process lines, among others. It can be used with heat tracing tapes. It also retards heat loss from medium hot systems, including hot water plumbing, liquid heating, dual temperature, and solar thermal piping, among others. K-FLEX® ECO® is designed for applications where corrosive smoke and environmental issues (toxicity) are critical, including US Naval Ship and other general maritime applications. It is well-suited for stainless steel applications, notably those with service temperatures above 90°F, as it does not contain halogens that are known to contribute to corrosion. Under high operating temperature conditions (i.e. 250°F), a thin layer of discolored hardened material in the inner wall will form. This constitutes a normal reaction and does not in any way adversely affect the insulation properties of the foam.

Outdoor Applications: K-FLEX® ECO® is made from a UV-resistant elastomeric blend. For severe UV exposure (topside applications) or for optimum performance, K-FLEX® 374 Protective Coating, approved jacketing or K-FLEX® CLAD® is recommended.

 

Installation

K-FLEX® ECO® is flexible (even at low temperatures), durable (non-fracturing and skin is resistant to tearing from handling and environment), safe to handle (non-dusting and non-abrasive), and lightweight for an efficient installation. K-FLEX® recommends that insulation is installed on non-operational systems with clean, dry surfaces in ambient conditions between 40°F and 100°F. Properly sized insulation tubing can be slid over piping (tubing should be pushed, not pulled) or, when applied to existing lines, can be slit lengthwise (using a sharp, nonserrated knife) and fitted into place. All seams, butt joints, termination points and open ends should be sealed with an approved contact adhesive, making sure both surfaces to be joined are coated. Longitudinal seams should face downward and vapor stops should be installed as needed. Properly sized insulation sheets can be installed onto large OD round surfaces or flat surfaces. For round surfaces (piping or ductwork), the sheet should be wrapped (without stretching the insulation) around the pipe and sealed at the longitudinal seam with an approved contact adhesive. For ductwork and equipment, 100% coverage of an approved contact adhesive should be used, making sure to coat both surfaces. Compression joints should be used on all butt edges. Fittings (elbows, tees) and special parts (flanges, valves, etc.) can be field-fabricated from insulation tubes and sheets or K-Fit® factory-fabricated fittings can be used. ASTM C1710, Installation Guide for Flexible Closed Cell Foams, and the K-FLEX®

Properties

Color
Physical Form
Odor
No Objectionable Odor
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Air ErosionPassUL 181, ASTM G21
Corrosion Risk (pH)7.2±0.02DIN 1988
Density3 - 5lb/ft3ASTM D1667
Dimensional Stability (Linear Shrinkage)max. 7%ASTM C534
Flame and Smoke25 - 50ASTM E84 EB 4013 IMO Res. A 653 (16), MSC 61 (67)
Flexibility (No cracking at 28°F)ExcellentEB 4013
Grease ResistanceGood
Hot Surface Performance (220°F)No CrackingASTM C411
Leachable Chlorides (Water Soluble Chloride Ions, Cl)max. 0.001%ASTM C795
Leachable Chlorides (Water Soluble Chloride Ions, F)max. 0.001%ASTM C795
Leachable Chlorides (Water Soluble Chloride Ions, Na)max. 0.005%ASTM C795
Leachable Chlorides (Water Soluble Chloride Ions. Si)max. 0.005%ASTM C795
Operating Temperature Range-297 - 250°FASTM C534
Ozone ResistanceExcellentASTM D1149
Sound Transmission Class (Insulation Only)13.0ASTM E90
Thermal Conductivity (0°C)0.263W/mKASTM C177
Thermal Conductivity (24°C)0.27W/mKASTM C177
Thermal Conductivity (32°C)0.282W/mKASTM C177
Water Vapor Permeability (Dry Cup)max. 0.1perm. inASTM E96
Weather ResistancePassQUV Chamber Test

Regulatory & Compliance

Technical Details & Test Data

Flame and Smoke Rating

K-FLEX® ECO® in wall thicknesses of 3/4” and below has a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke development rating of 50 or less as tested to ASTM E84, “Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials”. Numerical flammability ratings alone may not define the performance of products under actual fire conditions. They are provided only for use in the selection of products to meet limits specified when compared to a known standard.

Dimensions

PIPE “R” VALUES PER SQUARE FOOT (ALL SIZES ARE NOMINAL) 

Nominal Insulation I.D. 1/2” WALL 3/4” WALL 1” WALL
3/8” 3.2 5 7.6
1/2” 2.9 4.7 7
5/8” 2.7 4.6 6.5
3/4” 2.5 4.6 6.4
7/8” 2.6 4.6 6.2
1-1/8” 2.5 4.7 6.1
1-3/8” 2.6 4.5 5.8
1-5/8” 2.5 4.3 5.5
1-1/2” IPS   3.8 5
2-1/8” 1.8 4.1 5.2
2” IPS 1.7 4.2 5.3
2-1/2” IPS 1.5 4.1 5.1
2-5/8”   4.2 5.8
3” IPS 1.3 4.4 5.4
3-1/2” IPS 1.9 4 4.9
4” IPS 1.5 3.9 4.7
5” IPS 2.6 3.8 4.9
6” IPS 2.6 3.8 4.8
8” IPS 2.5 3.7 4.7

 

“R” VALUES (ALL SIZES ARE NOMINAL) - SHEETS ONLY

3/8” 1/2 3/4 1 1-1/2 2
1.4 1.85 2.75 3.75 5.5 7.4

Packaging & Availability

Availability

K-FLEX® ECO® is green in color and is available in 1/2”, 3/4” and 1” wall thickness in non-slit, 6’ length tube form in diameter sizes ranging from 3/8” I.D. to 8” IPS (ID range is subject to variation depending on wall thickness), sheet (3’ x 4’) and roll (4’ wide) form with or without PSA, and fitting form (elbows and tees) in diameter sizes ranging from 3/8” I.D. to 6” IPS (ID range is subject to variation depending on wall thickness).