Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Chemical Family
- Foam Type
- Product Type
- Technologies
- Product Families
Features & Benefits
- Labeling Claims
- Ready-to-Use Product Features
- 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-TUBE® 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
- Applications
K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is recommended for applications with service temperatures ranging from -297°F (-182°C) to +220°F (+104°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 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® USA NBR/PVC elastomeric insulation products can withstand temperature “spikes” up to 250°F (121°C). Because these spikes can vary in temperature and duration, long term effects may vary. Refer to technical bulletin TA36 for additional information.
Outdoor Application: K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is made from a UV resistant elastomeric blend. For severe UV exposure (rooftop applications) or for optimum performance, K-FLEX® 374 Protective Coating, approved jacketing or K-FLEX® Clad® is recommended.
Underground Applications: K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® 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-TUBE® 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, non-serrated 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. Fittings (elbows, tees, p-traps) 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® Installation Manual should be used as comprehensive installation guides.
Properties
- Color
- Odor
- No Objectionable Odor
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Air Erosion | Pass | — | UL 181, ASTM G21 |
| Corrosion Risk (pH) | 6.6±0.04 | — | DIN 1988 |
| Density | 3 - 6 | lb/ft3 | ASTM D1667 |
| Dimensional Stability (Linear Shrinkage) | max. 7 | % | ASTM C534 |
| Flame Spread | 25 - 50 | — | ASTM E84 |
| Flexibility | Excellent | — | ASTM C534 ASTM D1056 |
| Grease Resistance | Good | — | ASTM G90 |
| Hot Surface Performance (220°F, 96Hrs) | No Cracking | — | ASTM C411 |
| Leachable Chlorides (Water Soluble Chloride Ions) | max. 0.05 | % | DIN 1988 |
| Operating Temperature Range | -297 - 220 | °F | ASTM C534 |
| Ozone Resistance | Pass | — | ASTM D1171 |
| Sound Transmission Class (Insulation Only) | 13.0 | — | ASTM E90 |
| Thermal Conductivity (0°C) | 0.0339 | W/mK | ASTM C177 |
| Thermal Conductivity (24°C) | 0.0353 | W/mK | ASTM C177 |
| Thermal Conductivity (32°C) | 0.0372 | W/mK | ASTM C177 |
| Water Absorption | 0.0 | % | ASTM C209 |
| Water Vapor Permeability (Dry Cup) | max. 0.01 | perm. in | ASTM E96 |
| Weather Resistance | Pass | — | QUV Chamber Test |
Regulatory & Compliance
- Certifications & Compliance
- Specification Compliance
- ASTM C534 Type 1, 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
- FMRC Approval Guide: Chapter 14 Pipe Insulation
- NFPA No. 101 Class A Rating
- NFPA 90A, 90B
- MIL-P-15280, Form T
- Meets requirements of California ECB Title 24
- UL GREENGUARD® Gold Certified
- Meets energy code requirements of
- ASHRAE 90.1and 189.1
Technical Details & Test Data
- Flame and Smoke Rating
K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® in wall 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 3/8” ID to 1-1/8” ID 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” 1-3/8” ID to 3” IPS 3/8” 3/8” 3/4” 3/8” 3/4” 1” 1/2” 1” 1-1/2” 3/4” 1-1/2” 1-1/2" 4” IPS to 8” IPS 1/2” 1/2” 3/4” 1/2” 3/4” 1” 3/4” 1” 2” 3/4” 1-1/2” 2" Pipe “R” Values Per Square Foot (All Sizes are Nominal)
Nominal Insulation I.D. 3/8” WALL 1/2” WALL 3/4” WALL 1” WALL 1-1/2” WALL 2” WALL 3/8" 2.7 3.6 5.6 8.5 14.6 20.4 1/2" 2.5 3.4 5.4 7.9 13.5 18.9 5/8" 2.5 3.3 5.4 7.5 12.8 17.8 3/4" 2.3 3.1 5.4 7.5 12.4 16.8 7/8" 2.3 3.2 5.4 7.2 11.6 16.1 1-1/8" 2.2 3.1 5.5 7.1 10.8 15.8 1-3/8" 2.2 3.2 5.3 7.3 10.2 14.9 1-5/8" 2.4 3.1 5.1 7.1 9.8 14.6 1-1/2" IPS 2 2.6 4.4 6.2 9.9 13.8 2-1/8" 2.3 3 4.9 6.6 9.2 13.6 2"IPS 2.3 2.9 4.8 6.5 9 13.3 2-1/2" IPS 2.3 3 4.6 6.3 8.6 12.6 2-5/8" 2.3 3.1 4.7 6.4 8.8 12.9 3-1/8" 2.3 3 4.6 6.2 8.5 12.4 3" IPS 2.3 3.2 4.6 6.1 8.3 12.2 3-5/8" 2.3 3.2 4.6 6.1 8.3 12.1 4-1/8" 2.3 3.1 4.6 6 8.1 11.7 4" IPS 2.2 3.2 4.6 5.5 8 11.6 5" IPS 3 4.5 5.7 7.7 11.1 6" IPS 3 4.4 5.6 7.5 10.9 8" IPS 2.9 4.2 5.3 7.2
Packaging & Availability
- Availability
K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is black in color and is available in non-slit, 6’ length tube form in wall thicknesses of 3/8” up to 2” in diameter sizes ranging from 3/8” I.D. to 8” IPS. (ID range is subject to variation depending on wall thickness)