K-FLEX LS Self-Seal

Made in America

Designed for the professional contractor

Description

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL pipe insulation is an environmentally friendly, CFC-free, flexible elastomeric insulation, pre-slit with a factory-applied pressure sensitive adhesive. It is black in color and identified as K-FLEX™ LS. This superior closed cell insulation is designed to retard heat flow and prevent condensation when properly installed. K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL Pipe Insulation is pre-slit with a factory applied specially formulated long-lasting bonding adhesive applied to both seam surfaces and comes with convenient built-in release liners which allow for easy installation. It is available in wall thicknesses of 3/8" through 1" and in sizes ranging from 3/8" to 4" IPS. K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL key physical properties are approved through supervision by Factory Mutual Research Corporation. It is non-porous, non-fibrous and resistant to mold growth. The Bio-Guard™ antimicrobial system provides added protection against mold, fungal and bacterial growth.  The active ingredient in Bio-Guard™ is registered with the EPA.

Applications

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL has the same excellent insulation properties as standard K-FLEX™ LS and is used on similar applications such as refrigerant lines, cold water plumbing, and chilled water systems. K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL is recommended for applications ranging from -70°F to 200°F (-57°C to 93°C) for both new and existing applications. For best results, store and install K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL at temperatures above 40°F (4°C).

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL’s closure system is designed to save labor costs, particularly on straight runs. It greatly reduces the use of contact adhesives, thus allowing for improved working conditions and compliance with OSHA requirements. K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL can be used with heat tracing/heat tapes

Installation

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL is pre-slit with factory applied adhesive (PSA) to both seam surfaces and convenient built-in tabs for easy installation: slip on the tube, pull the tab, pinch it shut, and apply pressure to the seams. The seam should be positioned on the bottom of the pipe. See Technical Bulletin for installation instructions in cold temperatures.

All butt joints must be sealed with an approved contact adhesive. Fittings are fabricated from miter-cut tubular sections or from K-FLEX™ LS SHEET.

Outdoor Applications

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL pipe insulation is made from a UV resistant elastomeric blend. For moderate UV exposure applications, no additional protection is needed. However, for severe UV exposure applications (rooftop applications) or where optimum performance is required, R-374 Protective Coating or appropriate jacketing or cladding should be used. For more detailed information refer to the Installation Guidelines.

Features and Benefits

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL offers the advantage of easier handling and installation

Resistance to Moisture Vapor Flow

The closed-cell structure and unique formulation of K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL effectively retards the flow of moisture vapor, and is considered a low transmittance vapor retarder. For most indoor applications, K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL needs no additional protection.

Additional vapor barrier protection may be necessary for K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL when installed on low temperature surfaces that are exposed to continuous high humidity.

Flame and Smoke Rating

K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL pipe insulation in wall thicknesses of 3/8" (10 mm) through 1" (25 mm) has a flame spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke development rating of 50 or less as tested by ASTM E 84 Method of Testing entitled: “Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.” K-FLEX™ LS SELF-SEAL is acceptable for use in duct/plenum applications meeting the requirments of NFPA 90A/B.

Numerical flammability ratings alone may not define the performance of products under actual fire conditions. They are provided only for use in the selection of products to meet limits specified, when compared to a known standard.

Specification Compliance

ASTM C 534 Type 1 (Tubing), Grade 1
ASTM D 1056-00-2C1
New York City MEA 186-86-M Vol. IV
USDA Requirements

UL 94-5V Flammability Classification (Recognition No. E300774)
ASTM E 84 1" 25/50-tested according to UL 723 and NFPA 255
Complies with requirements of CAN/ULC 2102-M88

FMRC 2006 Approval Guide Chapter 14 Pipe Insulation

Meets requirements of NFPA 90A Sect. 2.3.3 for Supplementary Materials for Air Distribution Systems

Meets requirements of ASTM C 411 (Test Method for Hot Surface Performance of High Temperature Thermal Insulation)

Meets requirements of UL 181 sections 11.0 and 16.0 (Mold Growth/Air Erosion)

Physical Properties
Temperature Range Tubes -70°F to +200°F ASTM C 411
Color Black  
Thermal Conductivity 75°F Mean Temp 0.265 BTU-in/hr-ft²-°F ASTM C 177
ASTM C 518
Water Vapor Permeability <0.06 perm-in ASTM E 96
Water Absorption % <0.20 by volume ASTM C 209
Resistance to Oil & Greases Good  
Density 3 pcf to 6 pcf ASTM D 1622
ASTM D 3575
Resistance to U.V. & Weather Good¹  
Odor Negligible  
Ozone Resistance Good  
% Closed Cells >90  
Dimensional Stability <4.0 @ 220°F ASTM C 534
Flame Spread (up to 1" wall) Not greater than 25 ASTM E 84
Smoke Developed (up to 1" wall) Not greater than 50 ASTM E 84
Flexibility Excellent  

1. Outdoor applications should be protected with an approved K-Flex™ coating applied to the recommended thickness. Two or more coats may be required.