INSUL-TUBE® Pipe Insulation
INSUL-TUBE® pipe insulation is an environmentally friendly, CFC-free, flexible elastomeric thermal insulation. It is black in color and identified as INSUL-TUBE®, and is available in unslit tubular form in wall thicknesses of 3/8",1/2", 3/4", or 1" in sizes ranging from 3/8" I.D. to 8" IPS. INSUL-TUBE® key physical properties are approved through supervision by Factory Mutual Research Corporation.INSUL-TUBE® is non-porous, non-fibrous and resists mold growth.
Applications
INSUL-TUBE® is used to retard heat gain and prevent condensation or frost formation on refrigerant lines, cold water plumbing, and chilled water systems. It also retards heat flow for hot water plumbing, liquid heating, dual temperature piping, and many solar systems. INSUL-TUBE® is designed for the HVAC and Refrigeration industry.
INSUL-TUBE® is recommended for applications ranging from -297°F to 220°F (-182°C to 104°C). The expanded closed cell structure makes INSUL-TUBE® an efficient insulator and provides effective moisture vapor resistance. INSUL-TUBE® can be used with heat tracing/heat tapes.
INSUL-TUBE® has a very tough skin which withstands tearing, rough handling, and severe environmental conditions, and yet is quite flexible for easy installation. INSUL-TUBE® has superior cold weather flexibility.
Installation
With a factory-applied coating of talc on the smooth inner surface, INSUL-TUBE® slides easily over pipe or tubing for quick installation. When applied to existing lines, tubing is slit lengthwise and fitted into place. (Slitting can be done on the job with a sharp knife or pre-slit INSUL-TUBE® is available on request.) All seams and butt joints should be sealed with an approved contact adhesive, making sure both surfaces to be joined are coated with adhesive. Fittings are fabricated from miter-cut tubular sections and cover, flanges, etc., from INSUL-SHEET®.
Outdoor Applications
INSUL-TUBE® pipe insulation is made from a UV resistant elastomeric blend. For moderate UV exposure, no additional protective coating is needed. However, for severe UV exposure (rooftop applications) or where optimum performance is required, R-374 Protective Coating or approved jacketing or cladding should be used. For more detailed information refer to the Installation Guidelines.
Underground
For buried lines above the water table, use a clean fill such as sand (3"-5" layer) to protect INSUL-TUBE® before backfilling. It is recommended that materials to be buried are properly sealed at all seams and butt joints with an approved contact adhesive. For optimum performance, the lines should be encased in a conduit to protect them from problems associated with ground water.
Resistance to Moisture Vapor Flow
The closed-cell structure and unique formulation of INSUL-TUBE® effectively retards the flow of moisture vapor, and is considered a low transmittance vapor retarder. For most applications, INSUL-TUBE® needs no additional protection.
Additional vapor barrier protection may be necessary for INSUL-TUBE® when installed on low temperature surfaces that are exposed to continuous high humidity.
Flame and Smoke Rating
INSUL-TUBE® pipe insulation in wall thicknesses of 1-1/2" (38 mm) and below has a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke development rating of 50 or less as tested by ASTM E 84 Method of Testing entitled: “Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. InsulTube® is acceptable for duct/plenum applications meeting the requirements of NFPA 90A.
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.
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