‘INSUflex’ - Elastomeric Nitrile (EN)

Nitrile rubber, also known as Buna-N, Perbunan, or NBR, is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Trade name 'INSUflex'.

Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is a family of unsaturated copolymers of 2-propenenitrile and various butadiene monomers (1, 2-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene). Although its physical and chemical properties vary depending on the polymer's composition of nitrile, this form of synthetic rubber is generally resistant to oil, fuel, and other chemicals (the more nitrile within the polymer, the higher the resistance to oils but the lower the flexibility of the material).

A brief discussion of imported insulation materials is appropriate. Ever since two catastrophic fiberglass manufacturing facility fires occurred in 2003, the importing and acceptance of foreign manufactured materials have been more amiable to all. The end-user, in many cases, does not place primary importance on where the product is made if the product meets the specification. Therein lies a very important question, does the foreign manufactured material meet the applicable material specification and Standards? It may look and feel the same and is in a similar wrapper but is the composition, health and safety aspects, quality and its performance standards measured on the same basis as domestic manufactured materials?


This is not suggesting that imported materials are inferior to those manufactured locally. It is simply raising a caution flag to those individuals and companies that are considering the use of imported materials. Are they tested and is the performance being measured on the same basis considering local ambient conditions? The burden of proof and ownership of the material ultimately lies with the end-user but all channel participants involved in the decision making process will shoulder some degree of responsibility if a failure were to occur. A failure of any magnitude and regardless of the cause is detrimental to the industry. Assumption of equivalence and warranty support could be costly. Unless financial instruments / funds are involved guarantees / warranties do not leave the user much choice.

Nitrile Rubber Foam insulation

'INSUflex', a CFC-free, black flexible elastomeric closed cell Nitrile Rubber thermal insulation, provides a very high efficient method of insulating to control condensation against both heat loss and heat gain. The material is particularly suitable for insulating pipe works for condensation control. It can be used on chilled water pipelines, refrigerated pipe-works, and hot & cold water services, Sheets / Rolls in air-conditioning ductwork. 'INSUflex', has a very high diffusion resistance factor to water vapour transmission ≥7000, a low thermal conductivity and excellent fire safe performance. Suitable for a temperature range from – 55°C to + 105°C. The product does not depend on any additional outer thick skin or coverage. But is built in with the insulation and extends through the full thickness.

'INSUflex'range is resistant to corrosion fungal & mildew growth. Thus they are suitable for clean room applications. Insulation material with low 'K' value exhibits high energy saving potential & thermal performance. Thermal conductivity is the main data used to technical calculated insulation thickness required to prevent condensation.

The main goal of a good insulation material should be that of preventing water vapor from spreading through insulation as water is an optimal heat conductor. 'INSUflex', having a high water vapour resistance factor, could prevent a flow of water vapor that tends to pass through the insulating material created in air-conditioning system as a result of difference in pressure between the pipe (low pressure) and the surrounding air temperature (high pressure). A high water vapor value corresponds to greater material resistance to water vapor penetration.

Advantages:

• Good flexibility at low temperature
• Clean, dust-free, fast, and easy installation
• Low thermal conductivity
• High water vapor resistance factor ≥7000
• Protects pipes against corrosion by environment elements.
• Low toxicity index means minimal toxic fire hazard for safety assurance.
• Good fire performance, for buildings with high occupancy, Class 1 Product
• Unique closed cell structures, provide an ideal vapor barrier resistance.

'INSUflex' is available in combination of various wall thicknesses and diameters to suit G.I., copper and PVC pipes. The product is applied to the surface using an adhesive compound. A protective layer of glass cloth, in two layers with an adhesive compound is then applied before providing a weather barrier for outdoor application.