Duct insulation covers environmental requirements
8 Feb 2013
The range of specialised insulation materials manufactured by Armacell now includes Armaflex Duct.
Armaflex Duct is a purpose developed solution for the fast and effective outer cladding of ductwork systems in commercial air conditioning systems.
This closed cell, fibre-free material offers low thermal conductivity values to limit heat and energy losses whilst preventing moisture ingress, an important feature for controlling condensation on cold air ductwork. The flexible material also features in-built Microban® anti-bacterial protection to minimise the potential for surface microbial growth which can contribute to the symptoms of sick building syndrome.
In addition, Armaflex Duct has good noise absorption properties, helping to reduce breakout noise and decreasing the transmission of air and structure-borne sounds within commercial buildings.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects a growing demand within Europe for air-conditioning, with systems likely to increase by more than 10% by 2020. They estimate the energy requirement for AC systems will grow twice as fast as the overall energy requirement for buildings, due to climatic changes and the escalating standards required for both living and working comfort.
In some buildings, running AC systems account for half of the electricity consumption load, so it is increasingly important to insulate ducting installations using the latest, high specification materials.
Where air ducts (both air-supply and exhaust) are mounted externally, or where they pass through cooler internal environments, condensation can result on both inner and outer surfaces of the ducting if temperatures fall below the dewpoint.
The most effective solution for this is the application of an appropriate insulation material which is designed to save energy wastage, attenuate noise and also foster healthy indoor air quality by making it more difficult for micro-organisms and mould to settle or accumulate.
Armaflex Duct insulation is available in rolls of both 1 and 1.5 metre widths, and in a range of insulation thicknesses from 9 to 40mm. The product is also available with or without a self-adhesive mounting surface and can also be supplied with or without a protective aluminium facing on one surface.
This dust and fibre-free material is highly flexible for easy installation on rectangular or circular ducting surfaces. The self-adhesive version in particular reduces installation times, while the aluminium faced option has an easy-clean external surface. This aluminium surface also provides protection against mechanical impact for the underlying Armaflex insulation layer.
The aluminium facing available in the Armaflex Duct product range also provides positive protection against microbial surface contamination since it is more difficult for germs to settle on the smooth, non-porous surface and the elimination of condensation ensures that a damp environment does not exist to allow organisms to proliferate.
This prevents the release of damaging spores, cells, particles and other volatile organic compounds which otherwise contaminate the atmosphere, so helping to promote and maintain a healthier environment.
