Nitrile Rubber Insulation

Here at Buy Insulation Online, we have a wide variety of pipe insulation products to fit your needs and budget. Our extensive range of pipe insulation materials includes phenolic / polyethylene foam lagging, foil-faced pipe insulation, fibreglass, mineral wool pipe wraps, along with the above nitrile rubber pipe lagging.

We stock flexible rubber pipe insulation from market leaders like K Flex and Armacell Insulation at highly competitive prices. These are some reliable pipe insulating options, trusted by most insulation contractors and have been around for many years now.

We do not have a minimum order on Armacell or KFlex pipe lagging, so it does not matter if you are a DIYer looking to insulate some freezing pipe work at home or a trade person looking for some cheap rubber pipe for your next project. If you have any questions when you rubber foam insulation from us, we are just a click away.

Why should you insulate pipe work?

Listed below are a few benefits of insulating your pipes in your facility:

• It saves energy and therefore money
• Pipe insulation keeps the water hot, so you do not have to re-heat it and waste energy
• Lagging chilled water lines will protect them from freezing, which in turn avoids costly problems like burst pipes, floods etc
• Pipe insulation offers reliable protection against condensation and pipe sweating
• Insulating pipes protects them from corrosion and rust thereby improving their longevity.
• It is pipe insulation that offers reliable protection from harmful bacteria like the Legionaries bacterium.

Now that we know why we need to insulate pipes, let's discuss black rubber pipe insulation in a little more in detail:

What is nitrile rubber?

Nitrile rubber is a synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. Nitrile rubber is sometimes referred to as NBR, Buna-N, and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

Is Nitrile Rubber better?

Simply put, nitrile rubber is a step up from normal synthetic rubber. It is tougher, more flexible, has better physical and chemical properties, plus is more resistant to oils and chemicals.

The physical and chemical properties of nitrile rubber vary with the composition of the polymer. The best and a more common example of a product demonstrating the resilient properties of nitrile rubber would be the nitrile rubber gloves.

What is nitrile Rubber insulation?

In simplest terms, the insulation provided by nitrile rubber is nitrile rubber insulation. But how does it work? Black foam insulation is an extremely adaptable, elastomeric and flexible form of protection. It allows for low thermal conductivity making foamed nitrile rubber excellent in restricting heat loss, no matter where they are used. This rubber foam is fire-resistant, low smoke and non-toxic.

Nitrile rubber has improved physical and chemical features. These rubber insulation properties are what make them better suitable for insulating both hot and cold applications, be it for domestic pipe insulation or industrial setting. Additionally, it has excellent resistance to oil, chemical solvents and abrasion.

Is Nitrile Rubber good for insulating?

Yes, nitrile foam rubber is an excellent insulating product, mainly because foamed nitrile rubber has a thermal conductivity of 0.033 W/(m·K), which makes it a good insulating material by nature. Plus, its elastomeric and closed-cell structure creates exceptional thermal properties. In fact, it has a better K-value when compared to polyethylene foam insulation.

Furthermore, rubber foam insulation used for pipe or duct insulation has an inherent vapour barrier, which aids to conserve energy and prevent condensation in every application. Armacell lagging has been the go-to product, especially for cold pipe insulation.

What is rubber pipe insulation used for?

Rubber foam pipe lagging is a flexible insulating material that can be used for both hot and chilled water applications. It is multipurpose, generally used in plumbing, air-conditioning and HVAC systems.  Rubber pipe cover is also ideal to insulate external condensate pipes. The same foam rubber is also manufactured as sheets called nitrile rubber sheets are used for insulating tanks, large pipes, vessels and much more.

The flexible design of Kflex lagging allows it to fit around curved or irregularly shaped surfaces without the need for specialist supports or fasteners. The product can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications, making it a great choice for commercial and residential buildings alike. 

Different forms of Nitrile Rubber:

For insulating purposes, foamed nitrile rubber is used. This rubber insulation is manufactured in different shapes and forms for different uses, like:

Insulating pipework:

K-Flex and Armaflex insulation make black insulation tubes in 2M lengths. These are ideal for insulating hot, chilled and cold water lines in air-conditioning, plumbing and HVAC systems. This rubber foam lagging is supplied in two forms:

Self seal pipe insulating sections: Self seal pipe insulation is a type of insulating material used to protect pipes from extreme temperatures and reduce condensation. It is made of closed-cell, flexible rubber foam that can be cut to size and then sealed together with an adhesive strip.

The Armaflex pipe lagging insulation is designed to help keep pipes from freezing or sweating, as well as reduce noise caused by water flow through the pipes. Self-seal pipe insulation is a pre-split tube that can be applied directly onto the surface of a pipe or wrapped around it for extra protection rather quickly.

This K flex lagging is ideal for those looking for some DIY pipe insulation. Since this black pipe lagging allows quick installation and reduces installation by half. Armaflex pipe insulation's Self-seal variant is one of the best sellers at Buy Insulation Online.

Nitrile Foam Tubing: Armacell and K Flex insulation also make unspilt, tubular nitrile foam insulation. This ST rubber pipe cover is also supplied in 2M lengths. The unspilt black foam tubing is easily cut with a sharp utility knife, for wrapping around the pipe work.

Duct/tank Insulation: Along with pipe insulation lagging, both K-Flex and Armacell insulation make nitrile rubber sheets to allow for easy insulation of ducts, water tanks, vessels and more. This nitrile insulation sheet is supplied in both self-sealing and plain variants and is a perfect product for insulating the large surfaces of tanks or ducts.

Why use rubber pipe insulation?

Some of the major benefits of nitrile foam pipe lagging include:

1. Freeze prevention:

When Armaflex pipe insulation of an appropriate thickness is used to insulate chilled water lines, it prevents freezing. How? When a rubber pipe cover, is securely wrapped around the pipes they help increase the dew point as the pipes will no longer be in direct contact with their surroundings.

This in turn minimises or delays freezing in the pipework. When freezing is delayed it allows pipes to maintain the temperature and function, as usual, thereby reducing risks of pipe bursts.

2. Class O Insulation:

Class O insulation for pipe and ductwork is the recommended standard required to meet the regulations. Class O rated insulation ensures reduced energy expenses and also gives extra safety with its improved fire resistance.

Black foam insulation is rated Class "O", meaning it reduces the amount of heat released during a fire while also shielding the pipe or duct surface from spreading flames. By insulating pipes with these flexible rubber pipe lagging, you easily meet the required building regulations.

3. Water-resistant pipe insulation:

Nitrile sheets and Black rubber pipe lagging are naturally water-resistant. In fact, both Armaflex and K-Flex pipe insulation have an inherent vapour barrier that can prevent condensation on piping applications

This feature of K flex pipe lagging comes in handy especially if you looking to prevent condensing in hot water pipes and sweating in cold water pipes. Since it prevents water ingress this elastomeric insulation helps keep corrosion away, thereby protecting pipes, especially copper pipelines.

4. Versatile Applications:

Nitrile foam rubber insulation comes in different variants like Self-sealing pipe insulation, Class O rubber tube and also as sheets. They are compatible with plastic, condensate, copper, metal and other types of pipes and ducts

With a service temperature range of -50 °C to +110 °C, they can be used to insulate all kinds of cold and hot water pipes, ductwork, including vessels and tanks. No matter what your assembly is rubber foam insulation might just be the right product for you.

5. Nitrile rubber pipe insulation is flexible.

Black foam rubber pipe insulation is very flexible and easy to use. Both the nitrile foam tubing and the self-seal variants are very easy to install.

Nitrile insulation sheet is very flexible which makes insulating large pipes or ducts that much easy. The insulation rolls are about 500mm or 1M wide and are very easy to cut, mould and install around the uneven surfaces of ducts or vessels using foam tape or nitrile rubber adhesives.

6. Microbe protection:

Since nitrile pipe lagging gives such good resistance to moisture, it also restricts the growth of moulds, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms in the assembly.

In fact, Armaflex rubber insulation has a unique in-built Microban antimicrobial protection that protects the water in your pipes from being an easy medium for the growth of harmful bacteria. Therefore Armacell lagging protects your family from the harmful effects of legionnaires disease as well as from other harm-causing microorganisms.

Buy Insulation Online's collection of nitrile rubber insulation:

At Buy Insulation online we stock cheap rubber pipe and duct insulation from leading brands like Aramflex and K-Flex. We supply nitrile pipe insulation in both types - the self-sealing insulation and the rubber tube. This 2M long rubber pipe wrap can easily cover pipes and protect them from cold and losing heat.

In addition to these, we also stock K flex lagging for ducts, tanks etc in the form of nitrile rubber sheets. Nitrile rubber sheets are supplied in two dimensions or sizes - 2M long rubber sheets that are 500mm wide and 1M wide nitrile sheets that can be cut to size as per your requirements.

Cut-to-size K-Flex rubber is a part of a continuous rubber sheet and is ideal for insulating anything including large pipes, ducts etc.

Cost of Rubber Pipe insulation

Nitrile pipe lagging is one of the cheapest pipe-insulating materials you can find. Each length of rubber insulation Armaflex and K flex tube is priced at a reasonable £3-£4 pound. The self-sealing variant is a little costlier but is worth its value considering it comes with a self-adhesive and hence saves on the additional expense of foam tape or nitrile rubber adhesive.

Can ribber pipe insulation be used on pipes located outside?

Armaflex lagging of the appropriate thickness can be used to protect pipework located outside. However, proper cladding insulation like Stucco or PIB insulation or pipe jacketing systems like Klasse Clad must be used to protect the assembly from damaging external conditions.

Care must also be taken to see that you choose a minimum of 19mm wall thickness when considering using nitrile foam insulation tubes to insulate outdoor pipes.

Is Rubber a good insulator of cold?

Yes, nitrile rubber gives the best defence against the cold. When K-Flex rubber of an appropriate thickness is used to insulate chilled or cold water systems, its closed cell nature delays freezing, therefore, protecting them.

However, when you used it externally we recommend putting appropriate cladding like PIB insulation or at least UV paint for shielding them from harmful external conditions.

How long does Nitrile Rubber last?

Rubber foam pipe insulation can last up to 10 years under ideal conditions.

Is Nitrile rubber waterproof?

Nitrile rubber has good moisture resistance. As mentioned above, both Armacell pipe insulation and Kflex lagging come with an inherent vapour barrier that protects pipes from condensing. Just ensure you select the appropriate wall thickness or insulation thickness for your assembly.

What is rubber pipe insulation best used for?

Black armaflex insulation and Kflex pipe lagging can be used to insulate all kinds of pipe and ductwork. It works well on kinds of pipework including steel, copper and copper. Ideally, a nitrile foam insulation tube is best used to insulate cold water pipes, however, it also works for heating applications.

Can K Flex pipe insulation be used to insulate condensate pipes?

Both armaflex and Kflex pipe insulation can be used for condensate pipe insulation. We also recommend using Condensate pro pipe lagging which is specially made for insulating external condensate pipes.

Which is better rubber or foam pipe insulation?

PE foam, phenolic foam and rubber foam as some finest examples of foam pipe insulation, but which is better? While flexible rubber foam pipe insulation has a better K-value compared to PE foam it gives better shielding to external pipe fittings.

Black foam insulation is cheaper compared to phenolic foam whilst phenolic foam has a much better K-value in comparison. So the right pipe insulation for you will depend on your application and also your budget.

How to order foam rubber insulation online?

If you are after some black insulation tubes, then you have come to the right place. We stock most sizes of black pipe lagging. To choose the right size for your assembly, first off measure the outer diameter of the pipe you want to insulate. Then choose a pipe size slightly bigger from the dropdowns on the product page. For eg: if the outer diameter of your pipe is 20mm, then the right size for your application would be 22mm. Similarly, select the thickness of the pipe insulation you require.

How to Install Nitrile rubber pipe insulation:

Nitrile rubber pipe insulation, which we supply here at Buy Insulation Online is supplied in 2M lengths. 

Installing K-Flex Self-Seal Pipe insulation:

Installing self-seal rubber insulation is a very easy DIY task and is ideal for those looking to take up the task of installing nitrile rubber tubing in their homes.

To install self-sealing K-flex pipe lagging first clean the pipe surface and get rid of any dirt or oil. Cut the rubber pipe cover to size and cover them around the pipe you want to insulate. Remove the backing paper on the adhesive and press the K Flex rubber insulation together. Armaflex insulation also makes self-sealing pipe insulation which is installed in the same way.

To insulate bends, 90-degree and Tees on the pipeline, kindly refer to our blog for exact measurements and instructions. Also, ensure you refer to the manufacturer's guidelines when installing foam pipe insulation.

To install elastomeric nitrile rubber insulation tubes, you will have to first cut the insulation in the centre to allow easy overlap around the pipes, after cleaning the pipe surface. The rubber foam pipe lagging is secured around the pipeline using rubber pipe insulation tape commonly called foam tape or nitrile rubber adhesives like Armaflex 520, for example.

Installing nitrile rubber sheets:

Rubber sheets are a great way to insulate large pipes, tanks or ductwork that are generally found in industries or commercial settings. Though K-flex lagging is available as self-adhesive sheets, we recommend calling on professional thermal insulation contractors for the job.

In Conclusion:

Rubber foam pipe insulation is ideal is you are looking for some DIY pipe insulation that will protect the pipes from freezing. It is also the go-to product for commercial and industrial pipe insulation applications.

Should you have any questions about nitrile rubber sheets or Armaflex pipe insulation, please do not hesitate to call, email, WhatsApp or chat with us!