Comparison of Armacell Elastomeric to Fiberglass

Technical
S. No XLPE Elastomeric
Properties
1 Density Normally between 25 to 35 KG per M3 Nominal Values between 45 to 65 Kg/M3

2 Flexibility Non-flexible- Requires contraction joints Flexible and doesnot need contraction joints

Low - Special Halogen free grades are available for

3 Stress and surface corrosion Risk high
application on surfaces like stainless steel. ( Armaflex NH).

Polyethylene foams have a sharp upper temperature limit

Elastomeric Insulation when subjected to high
4 Operating Temperature limits above 80DegC where the product deforms and starts to melt
temperatures the product does not melt and drip.
and drip.

A PE foam gets its ability to insulate by trapping gases in the

Thermal Conductivity and
5 declared would be maintained throughout the life cycle of
effect of Ageing.
tiny cells.
These gasses tends to diffuse over time leading to an increased
Elastomeric uses nitrogen and Air as a medium to provide
K value of the order of 0.045 to 0.048 w/m deg K within a
the thermal conductivity. Hence the thermal conductivuity
matter of 4 to 8 weeks from date of manufacturing- Armacell
has tested the K value of PE foams and the K value measured at
the building//equipments which is insulated using
an independent laboratory was about 0.044 to 0.047 w/mK
Elastomeric insulation.
test reports can be made available on request- Insulation
systems designed using PE insulation should be designed based
on the aged value of thermal conductivity as a main criteria

The product on low temperature lines due to its relatively high

6 Shrinkage on cold systems
CTE has severe shrinkages at low temperatures. The change in
Most Elastomeric insulation is flexible at low temperature
temperature causes the material to be stressed to such a
upto -40 degC, Being flexible the product is able to expand
degree that the joints and seams tend to open up.
and contract . Below -40DegC special elastomeric Insulation
The shrinkage causes the insulation to gap allowing water
is recommended like Armaflex LTD.
vapour to intrude into the insulation system thus
compromising the insulation properties

7 Environment Normally Zero ODP and high GWP Zero ODP and Zero GWP
8 Health and Safety High risk in the evnt of a fire Controlled /Low Risk in a fire

When they burn, polyethylene/polyolefin insulations give off

heat at a very fast rate.
Fire Heat Release and Controlled Risk in a fire meeting European British and
9 This high rate of heat release poses a threat to other
contribution to fire Spread American specification requirements.
combustible materials in the general vicinity of the fire.
 Comparison of Armacell Elastomeric to Fiberglass
Technical
S. No XLPE Elastomeric
Properties
Polyolefin materials have a melt temp of 80+ degC .
When they come in contact with fire or is exposed to
Brrning droplets and elevated temperatures the product tends to soften melt Elastomeric chars in the event of fire thus restricting the
10
contribution to spread of fire and drip. In the event of a fire these melting droplets are a spread of flame and doenot produce burning droplets.
major hazzard as they tend to ignite combustible materials
that they come into contact with.

The external surface coefficient of Heat transfer using a

aluminum foil laminate Vs armaflex finish increases the
thermal insulation thickness to a great degree where the
requirement is to prevent condensation on systems
11 Insulation Thickness operating below ambient.
This is in accordance with requirements of BS 5422
For piping Systems refer Table 7 & Table 8 of BS 5422
For Ducting refer table 12 of BS 5422
The external surface coefficient considered in the
calculation of insulation thickness is > 9 and results in mosts
economical insulation thickness leading to less thickness as
compared to XLPE and less space utilisation and less system
weight.

Table 8 Minimum insulation thickness for chilled and cold water

Minimum insulation thickness for
chilled water lines based on BS
12 5422 - 1 inch 26-29mm,
Line temperature of +5 degC
ambient of 80% RH
Minimum insulation thickness for
chilled air ducts based on BS
5422
13
- Line temperature of +10 degC
ambient of 80% RH dewpoint
temperature 21.3 °C
steel pipes to control condensation on a low emissivity outer
surface (0.05)
2 inch 30-34mm,
4 inch 36-42mm,
6 inch 40-46mm
Table 12 BS 5422 Minimum insulation thickness for air ducts
carrying chilled air at ambient temperatures to control
condensation with a low emissivity outer surface (0.05)
Req. Minimum insulation thickness 32mm,
Table 6 BS 5422 Minimum insulation thickness for chilled
and cold water steel pipes to control condensation on a
high emissivity outer surface (0.9)
1 inch 14mm,
2 inch 15mm,
4 inch 17mm
6 inch 18mm
Table 12 BS 5422 Minimum insulation thickness for air ducts
carrying chilled air at ambient temperatures to control
condensation with a high emissivity outer surface (0.9)
Req. Minimum insulation thickness 15mm,

XLPE has mechanical joints thus any Adhesive causes a cold weld wherein the elastomeric
14 Insulation Joints vibration/expansion/contraction causes stress on the joints properties and the thermal and mechanical properties are
and joint failure. maintained over the joints.