Insulation

What are insulation materials?

Insulation materials slow the flow of heat. On cold pipes, such as refrigeration and AC lines, they stop heat getting in and prevent condensation and dripping. On hot pipes, boilers and ovens, they keep heat in, save fuel and protect people from burns.

Each material suits a temperature range. Flexible elastomeric foam such as Armaflex suits cold and moderate lines, rockwool and fibreglass suit hot pipes and ducts, and ceramic fibre, fire bricks and castables handle furnace and kiln temperatures. Therefore, the first step is always the operating temperature.

How to choose insulation

• Start with the operating temperature of the pipe, duct or equipment.
• Use closed-cell elastomeric foam such as Armaflex on cold lines to stop condensation.
• Use rockwool or fibreglass on hot pipes, ducts and tanks.
• Use ceramic fibre, fire bricks and castables for furnaces, ovens and kilns.
• Match tube bore to the pipe outside diameter and choose wall thickness for the duty.
• Seal all joints, because gaps let moisture and heat through.

Applications of insulation materials

1. AC copper lines. Insulating suction and liquid lines on split and VRF systems.
2. Cold rooms and refrigeration. Preventing condensation and energy loss on refrigerant pipes.
3. Chilled water pipes. Stopping drips and heat gain in buildings.
4. Hot water and solar lines. Keeping water hot between heater and taps.
5. Steam pipes. Cutting heat loss and protecting staff with rockwool or fibreglass.
6. Ductwork. Insulating supply ducts with blankets and insulated flexible duct.
7. Boilers and tanks. Lagging boiler shells and hot water tanks.
8. Furnaces and kilns. Lining hot zones with ceramic fibre, fire bricks and castables.
9. Bakery ovens. Repairing oven insulation and door seals.
10. Fire stopping. Sealing gaps with fire-rated foam and sealants where specified.

Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts

1. Tubes and sheets in many sizesPipe insulation tubes and sheets cover common copper and steel pipe sizes.
2. Tapes and finishing materialsInsulation tapes and related materials help you seal joints properly.
3. Condensation adviceWe help you choose a wall thickness that keeps cold pipes dry in your conditions.
4. Matched to your pipeworkOrder insulation together with the copper pipe it covers.
5. Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
6. Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
7. Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
8. Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
9. Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
10. Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.

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