This Armaflex insulation tube fits 28mm (1 1/8 inch) pipes, a common size for air-conditioning suction lines and refrigeration pipework. Sparks Plumbing Experts supplies it in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to HVAC contractors, refrigeration technicians and plumbing teams.
The tube slides over the pipe, or slits along its length for existing lines, and stops warm humid air from reaching the cold pipe surface. As a result, it prevents dripping condensation and saves energy.
What is an Armaflex insulation tube?
Armaflex is a brand of flexible closed-cell elastomeric foam made by Armacell. Closed-cell means each tiny air bubble in the foam is sealed off from its neighbours. Because water vapour struggles to pass through sealed cells, the material resists moisture far better than open-cell foams or fibre wraps.
Pipe insulation works by slowing heat flow between the pipe and the surrounding air. On cold pipes, it keeps the outer surface above the dew point, which is the temperature at which moisture in the air turns into water droplets. Without insulation, cold suction lines sweat, drip onto ceilings and lose cooling capacity.
Further reading
- Pipe insulation explained (Wikipedia)
- Dew point and condensation (Wikipedia)
- Armacell, the maker of Armaflex (Armacell)
Key terms explained
- Closed-cell foam
- Foam whose bubbles are sealed, so it resists water vapour.
- Dew point
- The temperature at which moisture in air condenses into water.
- Wall thickness
- How thick the insulation layer is; thicker walls insulate better.
- Suction line
- The larger, cold refrigerant pipe returning to the compressor.
- Thermal conductivity
- How easily heat passes through a material; lower is better for insulation.
Features and benefits
- Closed-cell structure that resists moisture and condensation
- Flexible tube that bends around elbows and tight runs
- Smooth outer skin that is easy to clean
- Reduces heat gain on cold lines and heat loss on hot lines
- Can be slit and sealed onto existing pipework
- Also dampens some pipe noise and vibration
Technical specifications
| Product | Armaflex insulation tube |
|---|---|
| Material | Flexible closed-cell elastomeric foam |
| Fits pipe size | 28mm outside diameter (1 1/8 inch copper) |
| Wall thickness | Several thicknesses exist; confirm the one you need |
| Service temperature | Wide range for cold and warm pipes, depending on grade |
| Form | Tubes in standard lengths |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Wall thickness, tube length and temperature range depend on the Armaflex grade in stock. Tell us your pipe size, fluid temperature and location, and we will confirm the right tube.
Applications of an Armaflex insulation tube
- AC suction lines. Insulating cold refrigerant lines between indoor and outdoor units.
- Refrigeration pipework. Insulating cold room and display cabinet lines.
- Chilled water pipes. Stopping condensation on chilled water branches.
- VRF systems. Insulating refrigerant pipes in multi-split installations.
- Fan coil connections. Insulating short pipe runs to fan coil units.
- Ceiling voids. Preventing drips that stain ceilings and damage boards.
- Hot water pipes. Reducing heat loss on domestic hot water lines.
- Solar water heating. Insulating flow and return pipes within the grade's temperature limit.
- Plant rooms. Insulating small-bore pipes around pumps and headers.
- Cold stores. Protecting pipes that pass through chilled areas.
- Supermarket cabinets. Insulating refrigeration feeds to display units.
- Hospitals. Keeping cooling pipes dry above clean areas.
- Hotels and offices. Insulating split AC lines in rooms and corridors.
- Noise reduction. Softening flow noise from pipes in occupied rooms.
- Retrofit work. Replacing old, damaged insulation on existing lines.
How to choose and install
- Match the tube's inside size to the pipe's outside diameter, not its nominal bore.
- Pick a thicker wall for very cold pipes or humid areas such as the coast.
- Seal every joint and slit with the recommended Armaflex adhesive or tape.
- Avoid stretching or compressing the tube, since that thins the wall.
- Protect outdoor runs from sunlight with a suitable coating or cladding.
- Insulate fittings and valves too, not just the straight pipe.
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Tubes and sheets in many sizesPipe insulation tubes and sheets cover common copper and steel pipe sizes.
- Tapes and finishing materialsInsulation tapes and related materials help you seal joints properly.
- Condensation adviceWe help you choose a wall thickness that keeps cold pipes dry in your conditions.
- Matched to your pipeworkOrder insulation together with the copper pipe it covers.
- 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.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: Insulation · Tapes · Copper pipes · AC and refrigeration tools.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
What pipe does a 28mm Armaflex tube fit?
It fits pipes with a 28mm outside diameter, which matches 1 1/8 inch copper pipe.
Why does my AC pipe drip water?
The cold suction pipe sits below the dew point of the air around it, so moisture condenses on it. Good insulation keeps the outer surface warm and dry.
What is Armaflex made of?
It is a flexible closed-cell elastomeric foam, a rubber-based material with sealed air cells.
Which wall thickness should I use?
Thicker walls suit colder pipes and more humid places. Tell us the pipe temperature and location, and we will suggest a thickness.
Can I fit it on a pipe that is already installed?
Yes. Slit the tube along its length, wrap it around the pipe, then seal the seam with the recommended adhesive.
Can I use Armaflex outdoors?
Standard grades need protection from sunlight. Use a protective coating or cladding on outdoor runs.
Does it work on hot water pipes?
Yes, within the temperature limit of the grade. Check the grade's limit before using it on very hot lines.
Do I need special glue?
Use the adhesive recommended for elastomeric foam. Ordinary glues may not bond well or may damage the foam.
How do I insulate elbows?
Cut the tube at an angle to form mitred joints, or bend it gently on large-radius bends, then seal every joint.
Does insulation save energy?
Yes. It reduces unwanted heat gain on cold lines, so the system cools more efficiently.
Do you supply other sizes?
Yes. We stock Armaflex tubes for many pipe sizes, and you can browse them in our insulation category.
How do I order?
Send the pipe sizes and lengths through our quote form or on WhatsApp, and we will reply with prices.
People also search for
Armaflex price in Kenya
Prices depend on pipe size, wall thickness and quantity. Send your sizes and lengths for a quote.
Armaflex sizes
Tubes come with inside sizes to fit common copper and steel pipes, in several wall thicknesses. Match the inside size to your pipe's outside diameter.
Armaflex glue
Use the adhesive made for elastomeric foam, such as Armaflex 520, to seal seams and joints.
Armaflex tape
Self-adhesive insulation tape seals joints and covers small gaps where tube ends meet fittings.
AC pipe insulation thickness
Split AC lines often use around 9 to 13 mm walls. Very cold lines and humid locations need thicker insulation.
Rubber insulation vs polyethylene foam
Elastomeric rubber foam is more flexible and resists water vapour better. Polyethylene foam costs less but is stiffer and less suited to very cold lines.
How to insulate AC copper pipes
Slide or slit the tube onto each pipe separately, seal every seam and joint with adhesive, then tape and protect outdoor sections from sunlight.
What is thermal conductivity?
It shows how easily heat passes through a material, measured in W/m·K. Lower values mean better insulation.
Insulation for chilled water pipes
Chilled water lines need thick, continuous insulation with every joint sealed, because any gap lets moisture condense on the pipe.
Armaflex vs Rubaflex
Both are flexible elastomeric foam insulation products. Compare their grades, thicknesses and temperature ranges for your job rather than the brand name alone.








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