Refrigeration Pipe Insulation

Refrigeration and air conditioning pipework operates at low temperatures, making it highly susceptible to condensation, heat gain and energy loss. Standard foam pipe insulation is not suitable for refrigeration applications — only closed-cell elastomeric insulation, such as Armaflex, provides the combination of low thermal conductivity and vapour resistance needed to protect refrigerant pipework reliably.

Why Refrigeration Pipework Needs Specialist Insulation

Condensation control — closed-cell structure prevents moisture from reaching the cold pipe surface
Low thermal conductivity — minimises heat gain on suction lines and chilled water pipes
Vapour resistance — prevents water vapour diffusion through the insulation wall
Flexibility — wraps around bends, valves and fittings on complex refrigeration circuits
Wide temperature range — Armaflex is rated from -200°C to +105°C, covering all standard refrigeration applications

Applications

Air conditioning refrigerant pipework (split systems, VRF, chillers)
Chilled water flow and return pipework
Cold room and food storage refrigeration circuits
Industrial refrigeration systems
Ammonia refrigeration (use NH Armaflex Smart for ammonia systems)
Fan coil unit connections

Choosing the Right Insulation Thickness

For refrigeration pipework, wall thickness must be sufficient to prevent condensation under the worst-case ambient conditions. In standard UK commercial environments, 19mm wall is typically the minimum for chilled water pipework. For lower temperature refrigerant lines or high-humidity environments, 25mm or 32mm wall is recommended. Read our Armaflex thickness guide and our condensation prevention guide for full details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use standard foam pipe insulation on refrigeration pipework?
No. Standard polyethylene foam is open-cell and allows water vapour to pass through, leading to condensation on the pipe surface. Closed-cell elastomeric insulation such as Armaflex is required for refrigeration and chilled water applications.

What insulation is used on air conditioning pipes?
Armaflex elastomeric rubber insulation is the industry standard for air conditioning refrigerant pipework in the UK. It is specified by most AC manufacturers and contractors for both split systems and VRF installations.

What thickness do I need for refrigeration pipe insulation?
This depends on pipe temperature and ambient conditions. As a minimum, 19mm wall for chilled water and 25mm for lower-temperature refrigerant lines. See our thickness guide for full guidance.

Is Armaflex suitable for ammonia refrigeration systems?
Standard Armaflex is not compatible with ammonia. For ammonia refrigeration systems, use NH Armaflex Smart, which is specifically formulated to resist ammonia degradation.