K-FLEX LS Tube

Made in America

Designed for the professional contractor

Description

K-FLEX™ LS pipe insulation is an environmentally friendly, CFC-free, flexible elastomeric thermal insulation. It is black in color, identified as K-FLEX™ LS, and is available in unslit tubular form in wall thicknesses of 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", and 1-1/2" in sizes ranging from 3/8" I.D. to 8" IPS. K-FLEX™ LS key physical properties are approved through supervision by Factory Mutual Research Corporation. K-FLEX™ LS Tube is non-porous, non-fibrous, and resists 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 is used to retard heat gain and prevent condensation or frost formation on refrigerant lines, cold water plumbing and chilled water systems. It also retards heat loss for hot water plumbing, liquid heating, dual temperature piping and many solar systems. K-FLEX™ LS is designed for the professional contractor.

K-FLEX™ LS is recommended for applications ranging from -297°F to 220°F (-182°C to 104°C). The expanded closed cell structure makes K-FLEX™ LS an efficient insulator and an effective moisture vapor retarder.

K-FLEX™ LS has a very tough skin which withstands tearing, rough handling and severe environmental conditions, and yet is quite flexible for easy installation. K-FLEX™ LS has superior cold weather flexibility. K-FLEX™ LS Tube can be used with heat tracing/heat tapes.

Installation

With a factory-applied coating of talc on the smooth inner surface, K-FLEX™ LS slides easily over pipe or tubing for quick installation. When applied to existing lines, tubing is slit lengthwise and snapped into place. (Slitting can be done on the job with a sharp knife or pre-slit K-FLEX™ LS is available on request.) All seams and butt joints should be sealed with an approved contact adhesive, making sure both surfaces to be joined are coated with adhesive. Fittings are fabricated from miter-cut tubular sections and cover, flanges, etc., from K-FLEX™ LS SHEET.

Outdoor Applications

K-FLEX™ LS 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.

Underground

For buried lines above the water table, use a clean fill such as sand (3"-5" layer) to protect K-FLEX™ LS before backfilling. It is recommended that materials to be buried are properly sealed at all seams and butt joints with an approved contact adhesive. For optimum performance, the lines should be encased in a conduit to protect them from problems associated with ground water and compaction.

Resistance to Moisture Vapor Flow

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

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

Flame and Smoke Rating

K-FLEX™ LS pipe insulation in wall thicknesses of 1-1/2" (38 mm) and below 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 is acceptable for use in duct/plenum applications meeting the requirements 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

Physical Properties
Temperature Range Tubes -297°F to +220°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 lb/ft³ to 6 lb/ft³ 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 1-1/2" wall) Not greater than 25 ASTM E 84
Smoke Developed (up to 1-1/2" 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.