Professional Documents
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K-FLEX® was founded in 1989 in Roncello, located north At the end of 2009, K-FLEX® opened its headquarter
of Milan, Italy, with the first production plant of elastomeric in Roncello, housing a 50,000 sq. meter production facility.
materials for thermal insulation.
In the last few years K-FLEX® has been expanding the
K-FLEX® quickly developed its presence in the market and production facilities in Russia, Poland, India and USA in order
grew rapidly. In 1993, K-FLEX® had already established a to better answer to the local market request.
significant market share in Italy.
It subsequently expanded into other European markets such as In June 2014, the company changed its legal form from limited
France and Spain, opening in Barcelona in 1995 and in Madrid liability company (S.r.l.) to joint stock company (S.p.A.).
in 1998.
In 2017, the plant in the USA was extended towards the
Almost ten years after its foundation, K-FLEX® began its biggest and most modern plant worldwide.
expansion outside Europe starting up K-FLEX® China. Based
in Guangzhou was the first of two manufacturing plants with a Also the Polish plant was extended in 2017 and represents the
second plant built in Suzhou, which opened in 2009. biggest and most modern plant in Europe.
The Company built further production facilities in the US, in In 2018, a new production site in Egypt was opened.
Russia in 2005, in Malaysia, Poland, India and Dubai.
In 2018, the new K-FLEX® logistics centre “K-FLEX®
In order to expand its commercial footprint, the Company Logistikzentrum Leipzig-Halle” in Germany was opened. It is
opened distribution branches and various other distribution now the biggest distribution centre for elastomeric foams in
/ sales companies in Germany (2000), Scandinavia (2005), whole Europe.
United Kingdom (2006), Romania (2008), Japan (2008), Ukraine
(2009), South Korea (2009). In 2019, a new production site in Vietnam has been opened
in support of the asian region market request. In the same
In the 2008 another strategic activity was the 100% share year K-FLEX® implemented his Polish factory with a new
acquisition of BevEx Ltd. BevEx offers an important polyethylene production plant.
diversification opportunity for K-FLEX® through its presence in
the Food & Beverage sector.
PLANT TIMELINE
K-FLEX® POLAND
K-FLEX® VIETNAM
K-FLEX® EGYPT
K-FLEX® RUSSIA
K-FLEX® MALAYSIA
K-FLEX® POLAND
K-FLEX® INDIA
K-FLEX® DUBAI
K-FLEX® CHINA
(GUANGZHOU) 2001
(SUZHOU) 2009
K-FLEX® Foundation
K-FLEX® RUSSIA
2019
K-FLEX® CHINA
K-FLEX® UK
2019
K-FLEX® USA
2018
SAGI K-FLEX®
2017
2011
2011
2018
(ITALY) 1989
2009
2006
2005
2001
1995
2
CHILLED WATER APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS
Conditions
Below-ambient piping in a chilled water system is a very demanding insulation Vapor retarder
application as a result of the strong vapor drive towards the cold pipe, particularly
in high humidity conditions. Specifically, this means the higher vapor pressure in Insulation
the ambient air is trying to push the moisture-laden air towards the insulated pipe
surface where the moisture vapor pressure is much lower. This unidirectional vapor Vapor pressure
pressure steadily drives against the insulation and is magnified in unconditioned
spaces or under situations that the system was not designed to handle, i.e. when the Cold pipe
chilled water system is turned on before the building is fully enclosed.
• Energy Savings
• Condensation Control
• Moisture Intrusion Prevention
• Improved Equipment Performance
• Mold / Mildew Resistance
• Improved Process Control
• Complying with Fire Safety Codes
3
INSULATION OPTIONS
The purpose of these technical notes is to of insulating chilled water systems. For an headings and sources of data presented in
offer designers and those working in the understanding of the analysis carried out, table 2.
field a thorough overview of insulation we will refer both to the most commonly
materials commonly used for the purpose used materials (table 1) and to the
Table 1
A K-FLEX FLEXIBLE CLOSED CELL ELASTOMERIC FOAM
B CELLULAR GLASS
C FIBROUS
D POLYISOCYANURATE
E PHENOLIC
Table 2
TOPIC SOURCE OF DATA
1 Pe rf o rma n ce aver a g e val ue s g a thered f rom m an u f actu rer an d i n d u s try res ou rces
2 Installation manufacturer a nd i ndu s try recom m en d ati on s regard i n g u s e an d i n s tal l ati on of p rod u c t
3 Cost i ndustr y va l ue s fro m R S M ean s m ech an i cal cos t d ata & 3E P l u s op erati n g cos ts d ata
TECHNICAL PROPERTIES
K-FLEX Cellular Fibrous Polyiso- Phenolic
Elastomeric Glass cyanurate
Non-dusting Yes No No No No
4
WATER VAPOR PERMEABILITY
As indicated by the detrimental effects can move through the insulation to reach this situation from occuring. The chart
of water vapor intrusion, the water areas where the temperature is low below shows the permeability values for
vapor permeability of an insulation enough to form condensation, even if the commonly used insulation materials in
material is a critical component of its surface temperature of the insulation chilled water applications. As the chart
performance. If the insulation material is is high enough to prevent surface indicates, elastomeric and cellular glass
vapor permeable, as indicated by a high condensation. An insulation material are the only two unjacketed materials that
permeability (perm-in) value, moisture with low permeability would prevent are classified as Class 1 vapor retarders
as defined by ASHRAE.
Permeability Comparison
K-FLEX CLOSED CELL ELASTOMERIC FOAM
Cellular Glass
Fibrous
Polyiso
Phenolic
0.800
Permeability (perm-in)
0.700
0.200
0.100
ASHRAE Class 1
<0.1
0.000
Cellular Fibrous Polyiso Phenolic K-FLEX
Glass Elastomeric
Permeability (perm-in)
Cellular Glass* 0.001
Fibrous** 75.00
Polyiso* 4.0 * Taken from manufacturer’s published data.
** Independent industry research data.
K-FLEX Elastomeric 0.03
Phenolic* 0.9
5
MOISTURE GAIN & THERMAL k
Thermal k performance over time
with moisture gain (10 years)
The effect of moisture gain on thermal permeability of the insulation is less than Conditions: Ambient 90°F • Pipe 40°F •
k after 10 years is shown below. The 0.10 perm-in, there will be minimal long- Relative Humidity 85% • Pipe Size 4” •
data leads to the conclusion that on term effects on the k-value. Insulation Thickness 2” • wvt drive exists
most below-ambient systems, if the 50% of the year
1
Permeability (perm-in) .01 .10 1.00
k-value (start) .250 .250 .250
k-value (10 years) .255 .310 1.88 0.8
perm-in
Thermal k
0.01
k-value Permeability 0.6
0.1
(75°F mean) (perm-in)
unjacketed 1
Also, insulations that rely on a concentrated vapor barrier Material Type Seams
often get damaged, resulting in a much higher wvt than Competitive 4
reported in the literature. Many insulation material types, K-FLEX 2
such as cellular glass which are fabricated in two halves,
require double the number of seams as K-FLEX, thus No Seam
increasing the risk for moisture intrusion.
6
CELL STRUCTURE
Another critical factor in an insulation moisture vapor intrusion. Additionally, barrier (jacket or surface-applied coating)
material’s ability to properly resist elastomeric closed cell insulation for protection against moisture intrusion.
moisture vapor intrusion is its cell materials have an established history of If the barrier is damaged (even a pinhole)
structure. In simple terms, the two types of successful use as an insulation material or the edges are not properly sealed, they
cell structure are open and closed. for chilled water applications. are susceptible to moisture intrusion and
subsequent energy loss or mold growth.
K-FLEX insulation’s closed cell structure In contrast, fibrous or open cell materials Once moisture penetrates, it can wick and
inherently resists moisture and wicking, are not inherently resistant to moisture involve large areas in the mold growth
providing distributed resistance against and rely on a concentrated moisture vapor process.
Warm Air
Condensation
Formation
7
PERFORMANCE
Analysis of main features
• Low permeability without jacketing (0.03 perm-in, Class 1 vapor retarder) for lasting performance
• CUI resistance: moisture migration prevention
• Low maintenance & easy to clean
• Does not fracture from pipe vibration or expansion/contraction cycles
• Does not release fibers or particles
• Low VOC emission (GREENGUARD), CFC- and HCFC-free
• High mold & mildew resistance: Indoor Air Quality
• No fragile ASJ jacketing needed (Paper on outer surface absorbs water & supports mold growth)
• Meets Fire Codes (25/50-rated up to 2” wall)
• UV- and damage-resistant Clad® AL and WT available for outdoor applications
8
INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE
Analysis of main features
• Flexible: non-breakable, easily conforms to uneven surfaces
• Lightweight: easy handling
• Less prone to damage from installation errors & job site abuse
• Safe to handle: No protective clothing required
• Non-abrasive, fiber-free
• Faster on-site installation (6’ lengths for fewer joints)
• PSA: reduced use of contact adhesives
• Pipe Hanger Supports available
• No metal bands or on-site application of complex vapor retarder jackets
• Factory-fabricated solutions & off-site fabrication opportunities
• Non-dusting = reduced time spent vacuuming & screening work areas
9
COSTS
Material & Labor Costs*
*Material, Labor and Total Installed Cost ($) values ob-
Material Cost ($) Labor Cost ($) Total Installed Cost ($) tained from 2011 RS Means Mechanical Cost Data. Cost
1.5” Elastomeric Baseline Baseline Baseline data not available for polyiso or phenolic. Elastomeric
material, labor, and total installed costs for 1.5” based on
1.5” Cellular Glass w/ ASJ 5% more 30% more 20% more extrapolation from known RS Means costs for 1” elasto-
1.5” Fibrous w/ ASJ 50% less 30% less 40% less meric / fibrous / cellular glass and 1.5” fibrous / cellular
glass. Detailed analysis available upon request.
k3
Conclusion
When comparing product types on cost, it Factoring in performance and its associa- intrusion if the vapor retarder jacket is
is necessary to consider total installed cost ted operating costs shows that elastomeric punctured brings a high level of risk for
as well as operating cost as it relates to is comparable to cellular glass, giving the substantially higher operating costs (high
insulation, e.g. energy loss. Beginning with overall advantage to elastomeric. Elasto- energy use and system replacement) that
total installed cost, elastomeric-based in- meric is more expensive to install than cannot be overcome by installed cost
sulation is more expensive than fiberglass fibrous material, but the fibrous material’s savings.
and less expensive than cellular glass. porous structure and subsequent moisture
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PROJECT: CALIFORNIA STREET THERMAL PLANT
Location: Omaha, NE (average 87°F and 85% RH in summer conditions)
Application: Chilled (38°F), Condenser & Domestic Water; Range of 6” to 42” piping
Owner: Omaha Energy Systems Company
Mechanical Engineer: Farris Engineering
Insulation Subcontractor: Mid-Plains Insulation
2003: K-FLEX® Elastomeric Tube and Sheet installed on time and within budget
• Elastomeric was specified for its reliability against condensation and secure fit at seams
• K-FLEX® Elastomeric Insulation’s flexibility allowed it to conform to irregular surfaces
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