Effective prevention of condensation water in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems
Selecting the right insulation product
However, there are a few things to consider when selecting the optimal insulation. Both its technical properties as well as the correct insulation thickness play an important role. To insulate refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, closed cell insulation products such as Kaiflex offer a clear advantage over open cell materials.
For example, the insulation product must be resistant to moisture in order to prevent condensation and for it not to become saturated. The barrier effect against the penetration (diffusion) of water vapour is measured by the water vapour transmission factor μ. The greater the resistance – or better said, the higher the µ value – the higher the level of protection. This is where Kaiflex insulation products score with a very good value of up to μ 10,000. As closed cell insulation products, they already come with an integrated “vapour barrier”. In flexible, fine-celled elastomeric foams, this is as thick as the insulation itself. A reliable vapour barrier is thus integrated over the entire insulation thickness and pipework is permanently protected. Open cell structures, that to a large extent consist of air and are not permanently hydrophobic, soak up water like a sponge and consequently lose their insulating properties.