The following are the main type of pipe insulation or that are commonly used in Kenya from domestic hot water systems, refrigeration to boiler steam insulation.
- Polyethylene Pipe Insulation
Polyethylene foam pipe insulation is a closed cell insulation material used mainly in frost protection nad thermal insulation. The following are the main features of Polyethylene foam pipe insulation.
- It’s resistant to grease, oils and ozone.
- Has operating temperatures between -400C and +950
- Does not absorb water making durable
- Resistant against mildew, bacteria and moulds
- Chemically inert.
- Rockwool Pipe Lagging
Rockwool is mineral wool made from naturally occurring resource and recycled industrial content. Rockwool pipe lagging are pre-formed according to various pipe sizes and offer excellent insulating capability. The following are features of Rockwool pipe lagging materials.
- Non-combustible
- High temperature insulation (over 10000C), thus suitable for steam pipes
- Breathable – allows moisture to travel through the wall dissipating dampness.
- Fire retardant
- Good structural strength.
- Armaflex Pipe Insulation
Armaflex Pipe Insulation is a closed cell, fiber-free elastomeric thermal insulation. The recommended temperature usage range for AP Armaflex Pipe Insulation is -297°F to +220°F (-183°C to +105°C) Insulation that maintains its flexibility at very low temperatures.
The following are features of Armaflex pipe insulation:
- Reduces the risk of crack development and propagation
- Reduces the risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI)
- Protects against mechanical impact and shock
- Low thermal conductivity
- Low glass transition temperature
- Easy installation even for complex shapes
- Less wastage compared to rigid / pre-fabricated pieces
- Styrocore Pipe Insulation (Expanded Polystyrene)
is made from a polymer permeated with a foaming agent which, when exposed to steam, creates a uniform closed cell structure, highly resistant to heat flow and moisture penetration. EPS is 98% air and only 2% EPS, which means it acts as a fantastic thermal insulator because of its high air content. The following are features of EPS:
- Low thermal conductivity
- low permeability to water vapor
- low water absorption
- high dimensional stability
- good mechanical strength
- fire retardant
- does not support bacteria, mold, fungus infection or pest life (Ideal for food processing)