Insulation materials specialist Armacell GmbH (D-48153 Münster; www.armacell.de) has launched “Tubolit Split” and “Tubolit Duosplit” polyethylene insulated copper pipes developed for split air conditioners. The pipes, along with SAE flare fitting and other accessories, are to be shown at “IKK” in Nuremberg in October 2004.

Tubolit products allow internal and external air conditioner parts to be connected quickly and cleanly. The copper pipes are seamless, produced to European standard EN 12735 and comply with current refrigeration piping standards, Armacell says. The pipes are pre-insulated with material manufactured from polyethylene and are suitable for operation at up to 95 °C.

The Duosplit option has liquid and air suction pipes linked using special, patented connectors, allowing both pipes to be laid at the same time and separated and reconnected easily during installation. Split and Duosplit products have been developed for outdoor applications with a white plastic protective foil covering which is UV resistant and provides additional protection against mechanical impact. They are both available as continuous-length material on 20m rolls for cutting to length on site.

SAE flare fittings are an addition to the Split range and allow copper pipes to be connected in a safe, effective and environmentally-friendly way complying with European standards EN 378/1 and EN 378/2. The brass connections are suitable for refrigeration systems and heat pumps.

Also on display at IKK will be Armacell fire protection products – Armaprotect tubes and strips and Okafoam A2 rigid, non-flammable foam, shaped pieces. The products are manufactured in accordance with the requirements of the German guidelines for pipe installations (MLAR) and achieve a fire resistance of 90 minutes.

The new polyethylene insulation material (Photo: Armacell)