INSULATION ALTERNATIVES
TECHNICAL BULLETIN: 201212B-AQTTB
Date issued: 27 Dec. 2012
Recently Aquatherm announced that Aquatherm Advanced (Reflectix) was being discontinued. Aquatherm is getting out of the insulation business. In the meantime, it is recognized that an alternative to Aquathem Advanced needs to be provided. While Aquatherm does not promote one brand of insulation over another, the accompanying table lists several pipe insulation manufacturers offered as suggestions of products that meet ASTM E84 and CAN/UL S102.2 flame/smoke requirements. The insulations all meet the plenum rating requirements and may be used in plenum rated situations. Where insulation may not be required, but a plenum rating is required, a rated wrap may be used.
Listed below is a table showing suggested alternative insulation/wrap manufacturers.
| Manufacturer | Thermal Conductivity K- Value @ 75oF (Btu.in/hr.ft2.oF) | ASTM E84 CAN/UL C-S102.2 Flame | ASTM E84 CAN/UL C-S102.2 Smoke |
| AP Armaflex (800)866-5638 | 0.25 | 25 | 50 |
| Johns Manville Micro-Lok (800)654-3103 | 0.23 | 25 | 50 |
| Manson Alley-K (450)659-4715 | 0.231 | 25 | 50 |
| Owens Corning (800)GET-PINK | 0.23 | 25 | 50 |
| 3M Fire Barrier Plenum Wrap 5A+ (800)328-1687 | – | 0 | 5 |
| ETS Schaefer Plenumshield Blanket (PSB) (800)863-5400 | – | 0 | 0 |
Note: While the thermal conductivity meets the applicable energy conservation codes, the thickness must be determined based on the pipe size and application per code.
See technical bulletin 201210B – AQTTB for pipe insulation sizes that fit Aquatherm pipe.