TPI January 2014

Refr igerat ion & HVAC

Insulation for protection of mechanical services pipework

For installations onto existing pipework, the exposed area of the Armaflex tube can simply be slit open. This makes it easier to cut and re-join the seams back together around the pipework before re-sealing with Armaflex 520 adhesive. The protective paper on the self- adhesive backed section can then be peeled off and the Tuffcoat film sealed in place down over the glued seam. The un-secured piece of the Tuffcoat film overlaps the circumference of the tube to provide additional integrity against moisture ingress at the tube seam. The new Armaflex Tuffcoat insulation tubes are now also supplied in 1m lengths rather than 2m. This change facilitates both easier and quicker installation by simplifying handling of boxes on-site, and when sliding the tubes onto new pipework or slitting and re-sealing tubes onto existing pipework applications. In addition, the new tube design leaves a short piece of the Armaflex insulation material uncovered at each end. This allows for wet sealing the tubes with Armaflex 520 adhesive under compression at longitudinal butt joins to ensure a vapour-tight seal is achieved on refrigeration, cold services and outdoor applications. The exposed length of Armaflex insulation is then covered using 25mm-wide Tuffcoat tape to ensure a neat finish and additional protection against water ingress at system joints.

The tube version of the product has been redesigned so that around a quarter of the Tuffcoat PVC covering is left un-adhered to the Armaflex insulation tube. This un-adhered section of the covering has a self-adhesive backing with protective peel off paper sheet for removing and fixing down onto the Armaflex insulation once the tubes are installed onto pipework. The change makes it easier to slide and fit the tubes onto new pipework sections, since the tube can be stretched over and onto the pipe without being constricted by the Tuffcoat covering being adhered all the way around the tube sections.

Armaflex Tuffcoat, manufactured by Armacell, comprises the Armaflex flexible, closed cell, foamed nitrile rubber laminated with a Tuffcoat PVC coating for enhanced protection against impact damage. The product is suitable for both above- and below-ground installations, including mains cold water and ground source heat pump pipework to prevent freezing. The Tuffcoat outer covering also ensures protection against UV damage, water ingress and damage from birds or rodents. It is suitable for pipe and ductwork applications where wash- down cleaning regimes are regularly undertaken.

The insulation is suitable for outdoor air conditioning and refrigeration applications

Armaflex Tuffcoat insulation material is now available with a self-adhesive backing on part of the covering

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Tube Products International January 2014

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