Formalphen Insulation Foam

Class ‘O’ CFC Free Phenolic Foam

Class ‘O’ CFC Free Phenolic Foam

An Introduction to Formalphen

There are many insulation products in the market that meet all the existing performance standards, but there is none that would meet all the standards set by Formalphen.

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Formalphen
Product Description

• Pre-insulated ductwork and accessories
• Insulation for rise floor panel, 600mm x 600 mm
• Phenolic slab panel
• Pipe section

Formalphen Features

Closed Cell

Formalphen is produced with a closed cell structure in excess of 90%. This feature assures a product with an exceptionally low thermal conductivity (k-value). Formalphen’s closed cell structure limits any direct moisture absorption (and subsequent insulation failure), should a cold system’s vapour seal be damaged. This type of failure is a major weakness of open cell and fibrous systems.

Availability

Formalphen is produced in block foam and the cutting process is computer-controlled to ensure absolute accuracy for most complex shape specifications. We supply in a variety of ensities like 40kg/m3, 60kg/3, 80kg/3 and 120kg/3.

Physical Properties

Density 40kg/m3

Thermal Conductivity at 10°C 0.018W/mK

Closed Cell Content 90% (minimum)

Moisture Vapour Transmission 10μgm/Nh

Water Absorption (To ISO2896) 5%

Temperature Limit -180°C to 120°C

Compressive Strength
Parallel to rise 172kPa
Perpendicular to rise 84kPa

Tensile Strength
Parallel to rise 210kPa
Perpendicular to rise 150kPa

Cross Break Strength
Parallel to rise 210kPa
Perpendicular to rise 140kPa

Fire Properties

BS 476 Part 5 Class P not easily ignitable
BS 476 part 6 Fire propogation I<12, i<6
BS 476 part 7 Surface spread of Flame Class 1

Other Properties

Oxygen Index 45%
Smoke Obscuration (To BS 5111) Negligible

The combination of the above results means that the material meets the Class ‘O’ requirements of the Building Regulations.

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Withstands Extreme Temperature

Formalphen is a phenolic thermoset foam material which exhibits excellent fire performance. This foam achieved class ‘O” requirement of building regulations when tested in accordance to BS476 part 5, 6, 7, which are the safest rating possible.

Comparison of Formalphen
Against Some Common
Insulation Materials

FORMALPHEN

Advantages

Good fire resistance
Very low smoke emission
Low ‘K” value
Easy to handle
Excellent moisture resistance
High compression strength
Resistance to wicking
Low chlorine content
Durable

Disadvantages

Upper temperature limit 120°C

POLYURETHANE

Advantages

Reasonable low ‘K” value
Good moisture resistance
High compression strength
Resistance to wicking

Disadvantages

High chlorine content

FIBREGLASS

Advantages

Non-combustible
Resin bounded section

Disadvantages

Poor moisture resistance
Absorbs oil and chemical leaks
Poor appearance when fitted
Irritating, unpleasant to work with

MINERAL WOOL

Advantages

Non-combustible
High temperature limit

Disadvantages

Poor moisture resistance
Absorbs oil and chemical leaks
High ‘K’ value

POLYSTYRENE

Advantages

Good moisture resistance
Cheap

Disadvantages

Poor fire resistance
Melts and drips at 180°C
Poor chemical resistance
High smoke emission

EXPANDED RUBBER

Advantages

Clean and easy to fit

Disadvantages

High ‘K’ value
Limited range of sizes and thickness
Used up to 105°C
Smoke emission

FOAM GLASS

Advantages

Wide temperature range
Non-combustible
High compression strength
Water resistance
Chemical resistance

Disadvantages

High ‘K’ value
Expensive
Poor moisture resistance

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Formalphen Application

Formalphen phenolic foam insulation products can be widely used in many applications, such as insulation and fire protection in the A/C ducting and ventilation systems in hotel, hospital, sports hall, high-rise buildings, steam-pipe lines and tank insulation; fire protection in the chemical and petrochemical industries; power station insulation; internal and external wall insulation; sandwich panels, fire doors; roof insulation, prefab modular panel housing and cold storage facilities, insulation, etc.