INSUL-TUBE®

K-FLEX®  } 

INSUL-TUBE®
CLOSED CELL FLEXIBLE ELASTOMERIC
FOAM INSULATION

DESCRIPTION UNDERGROUND APPLICATIONS

intrusion and is considered a Class 1 vapor retarder
K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is an NBR/PVC based K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is acceptable for use in per ASHRAE. For most indoor applications,
closed cell, flexible elastomeric foam insulation. It is buried applications using the same installation K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® needs no additional
environmentallyfriendly as it is free of CFCs, HFCs, principles as above ground applications. For lines protection. Additional vapor barrier protection may
HCFCs, PBDEs, formaldehyde and fibers. An above the water table, use a clean fill such as be necessary when installed on cold surfaces that
EPA-registered antimicrobial agent is incorporated sand (3”-5” layer) to protect the insulation before are exposed to continuous high humidity.
into the product providing additional protection backfilling. For optimum performance, the lines
against mold, fungal and bacterial growth. It is should be encased in a conduit to protect them FLAME AND SMOKE RATING
UL GREENGUARD® Gold Certified for low VOC from problems associated with ground water K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® in wall thicknesses of
emissions. The product’s key physical properties intrusion and compaction. If a conduit is not used, 2” (50 mm) and below has a flame spread rating
are approved by Factory Mutual. The product is the insulation thickness should be increased by of 25 or less and a smoke development rating
made in K-FLEX® USA’s ISO 9001:2008-certified one thickness size to compensate for compaction. of 50 or less as tested to ASTM E84, “Surface
manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Burning Characteristics of Building Materials”.
INSTALLATIONS It is acceptable for duct/plenum applications,
AVAILABILITY K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is flexible (even at meeting the requirements of NFPA 90A/B.
K-FLEX INSUL-TUBE is black in color and is
® ®
low temperatures), durable (nonfracturing and Numerical flammability ratings alone may not
available in non-slit, 6’ length tube form in wall skin is resistant to tearing from handling and define the performance of products under actual
thicknesses of 3/8” up to 2” in diameter sizes environment), safe to handle (non-dusting and fire conditions. They are provided only for use in
ranging from 3/8” I.D. to 8” IPS. (ID range is non-abrasive), and lightweight for an efficient the selection of products to meet limits specified
subject to variation depending on wall thickness). installation. K-FLEX® recommends that insulation when compared to a known standard.
is installed on non-operational systems with clean,
APPLICATION dry surfaces in ambient conditions between 40°F SPECIFICATION COMPLIANCE
K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is recommended for and 100°F. Properly sized insulation tubing can
applications with service temperatures ranging be slid over piping (tubing should be pushed, not ` ASTM C534 Type 1, Grade 1
from -297°F (-182°C) to +220°F (+104°C). pulled) or, when applied to existing lines, can be slit ` ASTM D1056-00-2B1
For applications below -40°F (-40°C), contact lengthwise (using a sharp, non-serrated knife) and ` New York City MEA 186-86-M Vol. V
K-FLEX® technical support. The product is used fitted into place. All seams, butt joints, termination ` USDA Compliant
to retard heat gain and prevent condensation or points and open ends should be sealed with an ` CFIA Compliant
frost formation on below-ambient applications, approved contact adhesive, making sure both ` RoHS Compliant
including refrigerant, cold water plumbing, chilled surfaces to be joined are coated. Longitudinal ` UL 94-5V Flammability Classification
water, and industrial process lines, among others. It seams should face downward and vapor stops (#E300774)
can be used with heat tracing tapes. It also retards should be installed as needed. Fittings (elbows, ` ASTM E84 25/50-rated (to 2”) - tested to
heat loss from medium hot systems, including hot tees, p-traps) and special parts (flanges, valves, UL 723, NFPA 255 and CAN/ULC S102-
water plumbing, liquid heating, dual temperature, etc.) can be field fabricated from insulation 03
and solar thermal piping, among others. tubes and sheets or K-Fit® factory-fabricated ` FMVSS 302
fittings can be used. ASTM C1710, Installation ` FAR 25.853
OUTDOOR APPLICATION Guide for Flexible Closed Cell Foams, and the ` FMRC Approval Guide: Chapter 14 Pipe
K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE® is made from a UV- K-FLEX® Installation Manual should be used as Insulation
resistant elastomeric blend. For severe UV comprehensive installation guides. ` NFPA No. 101 Class A Rating
exposure (rooftop applications) or for optimum ` NFPA 90A, 90B
performance, K-FLEX® 374 Protective Coating, RESISTANCE TO ` MIL-P-15280, Form T
approved jacketing or K-FLEX® Clad® is MOISTURE VAPOR FLOW ` Meets requirements of California ECB Title
recommended. The expanded closed cell structure and unique 24
formulation inherently resists moisture vapor ` UL GREENGUARD® Gold Certified
` Meets energy code requirements of
The K-FLEX USA website contains the most recent version of all K-FLEX USA literature.
® ®

Please refer to the website for current versions of K-FLEX® USA literature at www.kflexusa.com ASHRAE 90.1and 189.1

Made in USA

www.kflexusa.com
 INSUL-TUBE®
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K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE®    TECHNI CA L DA TA

 Physical properties   Insul-tube®   Test methods 

Thermal Conductivity (K) 90°F (32°C) Mean Temp 0.258 (0.0372)
BTU - in/hr - Ft2 - °F (W/mK) 75°F (24°C) Mean Temp 0.245 (0.0353) ASTM C 177
32°F (0°C) Mean Temp 0.235 (0.0339)
Density 3-6 lb/ft3 ASTM D 1667
Operating Temperature Range -297°F* (-183°C) to +220°F (+104°C) ASTM C534
Water Vapor Permeability (Dry Cup) <0.01 perm-in ASTM E96
Water Absorption (Volume Change) 0% ASTM C209
Flame Spread / Smoke Development (up to 2” wall) <25/50 ASTM E84
Dimensional Stability <7% Linear Shrinkage ASTM C534
Hot Surface Performance (250°F for 96 hours) No Cracking or Delamination ASTM C411
Ozone Resistance Pass ASTM D1171
Odor Emissions No Objectionable Odor ASTM C1304
Chemical/Solvent/Oil/Grease Resistance Good Compatibility Data Available on Request
Excellent ASTM C534
Flexibility
Pass: Cold Crack Test at -40°F (-40°C) ASTM D1056
Mildew Growth Resistance/Air Erosion Pass UL 181, ASTM G21
Corrosion Risk pH neutral: 6.6±0.04 DIN 1988
Leachable Chlorides <0.05% water-soluble chloride ions DIN 1988
UV / Weather Resistance1 Pass QUV Chamber Test
Sound Transmission Class (1”) 13 ASTM E90
*For applications below -40°F (-40°C), contact K-FLEX® technical support.
1
Outdoor applications should be protected with an approved K-FLEX® coating or cladding.

K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE®    THI CKNES S R ECOM M END AT I O N S - T O PRE V E N T C O N D E N SAT I O N

SERVICE
50°F (10°C) 35°F (2°C) 0°F (-18°C) -20°F (-29°C)
TEMPERATURE

 Pipe Size   Mild   Normal   Severe   Mild   Normal   Severe   Mild   Normal   Severe   Mild   Normal   Severe 
3/8” ID to 1-1/8” ID 3/8” 3/8” 3/4” 3/8” 1/2” 3/4” 1/2” 3/4” 1-1/2” 1/2” 1” 1-1/2”
1-3/8” ID to 3” IPS 3/8” 3/8” 3/4” 3/8” 3/4” 1” 1/2” 1” 1-1/2” 3/4” 1-1/2” 1-1/2”
4” IPS to 8” IPS 1/2” 1/2” 3/4” 1/2” 3/4” 1” 3/4” 1” 2” 3/4” 1-1/2” 2”
Thickness listed for the specified ranges will prevent condensation on indoor piping under the defined design conditions. Normal: 85°F and 70% R.H. Mild: Most air conditioned spaces and arid climates: 80°F and 50% R.H. Severe: Areas where
excessive moisture is introduced or in poorly ventilated areas where the temperature may be depressed below the ambient: 90°F and 80% R.H. Contact K-FLEX® technical support for additional information.

K-FLEX® INSUL-TUBE®    P I P E “ R ” VA LUES P ER S Q U ARE F O O T ( AL L SI Z E S ARE N O MI N AL )

© K-FLEX®. US_LEA_INSUL-TUBE_V1_1119; K-FLEX® reserves the right to change data and technical requirements without notice.

Nominal
 insulation I.D.   3/8” WALL   1/2” WALL   3/4” WALL   1” WALL   1-1/2” WALL   2” WALL 
3/8” 2.7 3.6 5.6 8.5 14.6 20.4
1/2” 2.5 3.4 5.4 7.9 13.5 18.9
5/8” 2.5 3.3 5.4 7.5 12.8 17.8
3/4” 2.3 3.1 5.4 7.5 12.4 16.8
7/8” 2.3 3.2 5.4 7.2 11.6 16.1
1-1/8” 2.2 3.1 5.5 7.1 10.8 15.8
1-3/8” 2.2 3.2 5.3 7.3 10.2 14.9
1-5/8” 2.4 3.1 5.1 7.1 9.8 14.6
1-1/2” IPS 2.0 2.6 4.4 6.2 9.9 13.8
2-1/8” 2.3 3.0 4.9 6.6 9.2 13.6
2” IPS 2.3 2.9 4.8 6.5 9.0 13.3
2-1/2” IPS 2.3 3.0 4.6 6.3 8.6 12.6
2-5/8” 2.3 3.1 4.7 6.4 8.8 12.9
3-1/8” 2.3 3.0 4.6 6.2 8.5 12.4
3” IPS 2.3 3.2 4.6 6.1 8.3 12.2
3-5/8” 2.3 3.2 4.6 6.1 8.3 12.1
4-1/8” 2.3 3.1 4.6 6.0 8.1 11.7
4” IPS 2.2 3.2 4.6 5.5 8.0 11.6
5” IPS - 3.0 4.5 5.7 7.7 11.1
6” IPS - 3.0 4.4 5.6 7.5 10.9
8” IPS - 2.9 4.2 5.3 7.2 -

K-FLEX USA LLC

100 K-FLEX Way, Youngsville, NC 27596
Phone: 800-765-6475
[email protected] www.kflexusa.com