What is Nitrile Rubber Insulation?
Nitrile rubber insulation is a specialized insulation material utilized in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems to prevent heat transfer, reduce energy loss, and minimize condensation. It is composed of a synthetic rubber compound known as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR).
This type of insulation is the most prevalent choice for cold applications in the HVAC industry. It is typically available in sheet rolls and tubes, with sheet rolls commonly used for duct insulation and chiller or pipe insulation, while tube insulation is primarily applied to refrigerant piping in air conditioning systems.
Nitrile rubber insulation comes in standard thicknesses ranging from 6mm to 32mm. For duct insulation, popular thicknesses include 9mm, 13mm, 19mm, and 25mm, depending on specific requirements. For refrigerant pipes, 9mm and 13mm thicknesses are typically used, while chiller and chilled water piping may require insulation of 19mm, 25mm, or up to 32mm.
The standard classifications in HVAC are Class ‘O’ for high-quality applications and Class ‘1’ for moderate use.
We recommend the brands Armaflex, Armacell, Aeroflex, and K-Flex for high-quality insulation options.