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K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET®

1 of 16 products in this brand
K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® is an NBR/PVC 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.

Foam Type: Closed Cell Foam

Density: 48.0 - 96.0 kg/m³

Chemical Family: Natural Rubbers, Polyisoprenes

Physical Form: Foam, Sheets

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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 and is considered a Class 1 vapor retarder per ASHRAE. For most indoor applications, K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® 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

Markets
Applications

K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® is recommended for applications with service temperatures ranging from -297°F (-182°C) to +220°F (+104°C). For full adhesion applications (i.e. ductwork), the upper temperature limit is +200°F (+93°C). For applications below -40°F (-40°C), contact K-FLEX® technical support. The product is used to retard heat gain and prevent condensation or frost formation on below-ambient applications, including utility and industrial process equipment, tanks, vessels, ducts and large OD pipes. It can be used with heat tracing tapes. It also retards heat loss from medium hot surfaces.

Outdoor Application:  K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® is made from a UV retardant elastomeric blend. For severe UV exposure (rooftop applications), reduction of surface defects, or for optimum performance, K-FLEX® 374 Protective Coating, approved jacketing or K-FLEX® Clad® is recommended.

Underground Applications: K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® is acceptable for use in buried applications using the same installation principles as above ground applications. For lines above the water table, use a clean fill such as sand (3”-5” layer) to protect the insulation before backfilling. For optimum performance, the lines should be encased in a conduit to protect them from problems associated with ground water intrusion and compaction. If a conduit is not used, the insulation thickness should be increased by one thickness size to compensate for compaction.

Installation

K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® 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 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. All seams, butt joints, termination points and open ends should be sealed with adhesive, making sure both surfaces to be joined are coated. For duct work 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, p-traps) and special parts (flanges, valves, etc.) can be field fabricated from insulation sheets. ASTM C1710, Installation Guide for Flexible Closed Cell Foams, and the K-FLEX® Installation Manual should be used as comprehensive installation guides.

Properties

Color
Physical Form
Odor
No Objectionable Odor
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Air ErosionPassUL 181, ASTM G21
Corrosion Risk (pH)6.6±0.04DIN 1988
Density3 - 6lb/ft3ASTM D1667
Dimensional Stability (Linear Shrinkage)max. 7%ASTM C534
Flame Spreadmax. 25ASTM E84
FlexibilityExcellentASTM C534 ASTM D1056
Grease ResistanceGood
Hot Surface Performance (220°F, 96Hrs)No CrackingASTM C411
Leachable Chlorides (Water Soluble Chloride Ions)max. 0.05%DIN 1988
Operating Temperature Range-40 - 200°FASTM C534
Ozone ResistancePassASTM D1171
Sound Transmission Class (Insulation Only)13.0ASTM E90
Thermal Conductivity (0°C)0.235W/mKASTM C177
Thermal Conductivity (24°C)0.245W/mKASTM C177
Thermal Conductivity (32°C)0.0353W/mKASTM C177
UV ResistanceGoodASTM G90
Water Absorption0.0%ASTM C209
Water Vapor Permeability (Dry Cup)max. 0.01perm. inASTM E96
Weather ResistanceGoodASTM G90

Regulatory & Compliance

Specification Compliance
  • ASTM C534 Type 2, Grade 1
  • ASTM D1056-00-2B1
  • New York City MEA 186-86-M Vol. V
  • USDA Compliant
  • CFIA Compliant
  • RoHS Compliant
  • UL 94-5V Flammability Classification (#E300774)
  • ASTM E84 25/50-rated (to 2”) - tested to UL 723, NFPA 255 and CAN/ULC S102-03
  • FMVSS 302 ` FAR 25.853
  • NFPA No. 101 Class A Rating
  • NFPA 90A, 90B
  • MIL-P-15280, Form S
  • R-8 (2”) meets IECC requirements for Outdoor Ductwork
  • UL GREENGUARD® Gold Certified
  • Meets energy code requirements of ASHRAE 90.1 and 189.1

Technical Details & Test Data

Flame and Smoke Rating

K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® in thicknesses of 2” (50 mm) 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”. It is acceptable for duct/plenum applications, meeting the requirements of NFPA 90A/B. 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.

Test Data

Thickness Recommendations to Prevent Condensation:

SERVICE TEMPERATURE 50°F (10°C) -20°F (-29°C) 0°F (-18°C) -20°F (-29°C)
Surface Size

Mild Normal Servere

Mild Normal Servere

Mild Normal Servere

Mild Normal Servere

Flat Surface or Pipe ≥48” 1/8” 1/2” 3/4” 1/4” 3/4” 1-1/2” 1/2” 1” 2” 3/4” 1-1/2” 2-1/2”

 

Sound Absorption Coefficients at Frequency (Hz) (ASTM C423):

Thickness 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 NRC
1/2” (12mm) 0.03 0.02 0.06 0.1 0.22 0.27 0.1
1” (25mm) 0 0.07 0.13 0.59 0.2 -0.05 0.25
1-1/2” (38mm) 0 0.15 0.81 0.29 0.31 0.27 0.4
2” (50mm) 0.22 0.65 0.48 0.54 0.47 0.45

0.55

 

 

 

“R” VALUES (ALL SIZES ARE NOMINAL):

3/8” 1/2 3/4 1 1-1/2 2
1.5 2 3 4 6 8

 

Packaging & Availability

Availability

K-FLEX® INSUL-SHEET® is black in color and is available in flat sheet (3’ x 4’) or roll (4’ wide) form in thicknesses of 1/8” up to 2”. (The product is supplied skin-two-sides in 1/4” thickness and above).