Insulation materials on passenger, military, cargo or transport ships need to meet extremely high requirements. On intercontinental crossings, they need to cope with freezing temperatures in Nordic waters and with tropical environmental conditions within a short space of time, all without losing their insulating ability. The insulation materials need to work as effectively in hot and damp/moist conditions (e.g. ships’ galleys) as they do when exposed to aggressive operating materials in the engine room. In the technical insulation of on-board systems that are continuously in operation and which carry liquids that are chilled (fresh water) or extremely cold (refrigerant and liquefied gas), particular attention must also be paid to ensure that no condensation or corrosion forms on surfaces.

In addition, fire and personal safety measures are also of vital importance due to the often limited options and delays that can occur in rescue situations. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) stipulates that, for the technical insulation of marine applications, preferred insulation materials should be used that have s2 classification, offering maximum fire protection. They should also be free of halogens and PVC. The latter guarantees low opacity and aggressiveness of the fumes emitted during the combustion phase – thus creating favourable conditions to ensure people can locate escape routes more easily if a fire breaks out on board, and chlorine gas poisoning can be avoided.

Based on these diverse requirements, Kaimann has developed a suitable system that is optimally adapted for the shipbuilding industry and offshore installations. The result: Kaiflex HFplus s2 combined with Kaiflex HFplus Alu-NET SK, a highly flexible foam based on synthetic rubber with an aluminium functional coating that reliably protects against mechanical damage. The insulation material is s2 classified and is also free of halogens. The Kaiflex insulation system thus meets the strict requirements of SOLAS.

The closed-cell structure of the synthetic rubber insulation material also makes it particularly suitable for thermal insulation on ships. Thanks to the low thermal conductivity up to λ _≤ 0.040 W/(m·K) by 0 °C, the medium to be cooled remains at a constant low temperature; it is not heated up by a higher ambient temperature. At the same time, the insulation system protects against condensation on the pipe surface and thus against rust and corrosion. As a closed-cell insulation material, it already provides an integrated ‘water vapour barrier’, i.e. it is resistant to moisture. Kaiflex HFplus Alu-NET SK has an extremely high water vapour diffusion resistance of μ ≥30,000, which enables system performance to be maintained in the long term.

The high level of flexibility and adaptability of this system proves to be a huge advantage particularly in cramped installation locations and for complex, closely integrated plant components, which are found as standard in water-borne vehicles. Kaiflex HFplus Alu Net SK is available in the new Kaimann size of 1.20 m in an insulation thickness of 3 mm. It is therefore ideal for both initial installations and for conversions. Due to the coating, the insulation material is also easy to clean, which is very important especially for water-borne vehicles.