Heat Trace Systems with AEROFLEX® EPDM Closed Cell Elastomeric Insulation
With frigid arctic winter blasts on the increase in the United States, property damage caused by frozen pipes runs into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Property owners and property insurance owners are negatively impacted. In December 2022, cities such as Jackson, MS and Chaleston, SC experienced record-low temperatures, pipe bursts, and boil-water advisories. In…
Learn MoreSilicone-Free
Certain high-tech projects specify “silicone-free” products. The overarching concern to high-tech facility owners is that some silicones are known to particulate and contaminate critical manufacturing processes. Aeroflex USA’s AEROFLEX® brand of EPDM closed-cell elastomeric insulation is silicone-free, however the release liners that are a component of our pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) on our EPDM sheets, rolls,…
Learn MoreCalculating R-Value AEROFLEX® EPDM Closed-Cell Elastomeric Foam Insulation
WHY THERMAL INSULATION? Mechanical insulation effectively reduces heat exchange between a pipe, duct, or equipment and its environment. An insulation’s thermal efficiency is measured by thermal conductivity (K-value). The lower the K-value, the more thermally efficient insulation is. For example, a K-value of 0.245 is preferable to .280. WHAT IS R-VALUE? Thermal resistance to heat…
Learn MoreRubber Versus Foam Pipe Insulation: Which is better?
There are many types of commercial and industrial mechanical pipe insulation types to choose from. Each type offers advantages and disadvantages depending on the application. Determining owner project and performance requirements will simplify the product selection process while ensuring that the right pipe insulation is specified and installed to ensure long-term system performance. This post…
Learn MoreInsulation That Prevents Moisture and Mold on Pipes and Ducts
Molds belong to the fungi kingdom, and unlike plants, they lack chlorophyll and must survive by digesting plants and other organic materials. Molds generate tiny spores to reproduce, and these spores are ever-present in both indoor and outdoor air currents. When mold spores land on a damp or wet surface, they begin to grow and…
Learn MoreIs Closed Cell Foam Insulation Waterproof?
Closed cell foam insulation is known for its resistance to moisture, however is it waterproof? This post will explain the performance benefits of closed-cell insulation, specifically flexible elastomeric closed cell foam insulation, for insulating piping, ductwork, and equipment. The dictionary definition of waterproof is “impervious to water”. Impervious is defined as “not allowing entrance of…
Learn MoreCementitious Termination Points
Pipe insulation runs, both horizonal and vertical, often terminate into cementitious substrates such as masonry block walls and concrete floors. While this technical bulletin addresses proper adhesion and sealing of Aeroflex USA’s Aerocel® EPDM closed-cell elastomeric insulation at termination points, it does not address, nor is intended to replace, proper firestopping standards, codes, and specifications.…
Learn MoreOpen Cell vs Closed Cell Foam Insulation
When making insulation material selections for building mechanical systems, such as HVAC, refrigeration, and plumbing, it is common to become quickly overwhelmed when researching the available options. This post will summarize the types of mechanical insulations followed by a focus on the differences between open cell and closed cell foam insulation. According to the National…
Learn MoreLooking For Insulated Strut Clamps?
Aeroflex USA is periodically asked if we can recommend a source and/or the properly-sized strut clamp to be installed with Aerofix® Inulated Pipe Supports. Since pipe hanger components and sytems are distributed through a separate construction channel and are typically installed by mechanical contractors (not mechanical insulators), obtaining clamp sizing information can be challenging for…
Learn MoreWELL Building Standard™
The International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) established the WELL Building Standard™ in 2014. WELL’s overall intent is to deliver a vehicle for building owners to enhance the health and well-being of their occupants. The current WELL rating sytem is called WELL v2™. It is organized by “Concepts”, “Preconditions”, and Optimizations”. Aeroflex USA’s Aerocel® brand of…
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