Having consolidated itself in the HVACR (heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration) market in the region, Armacell Zamil Middle East Company (Azmec) has now set its sights on gaining a foothold in the IMPS/ES (industrial, marine, and petrochemical environments/engineered systems) sector of the GCC market.

Established in May 2008 as a joint venture between Armacell International Holding, a global manufacturing organisation based in Germany, and Zamil Industrial, a leading manufacturing conglomerate in Saudi Arabia, Azmec is one of the 19 manufacturing facilities of Armacell in 13 countries worldwide and was set up to supply the entire Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region with thermal and acoustic insulation products.

Armaflex Cryogenic Systems … used in an LNG project.

Azmec is a world-class manufacturer of elastomeric nitrile rubber as a thermal and acoustic insulation. Its factory in Dammam produces variants of the world-renowned brand of thermal insulation Armaflex – which includes products like Armaflex AC and AP Armaflex – and the acoustic insulation product ArmaSound ductliner with Microban.

Armaflex is a highly flexible, closed-cell elastomeric insulation while ArmaSound offers acoustic insulation products and systems.

Armacell is a global innovator in foam technologies and a world leader in the market for flexible technical insulation materials. The company has a track record of proven performance, says Misbah Khan, Azmec general manager. “Half a century ago, when Armacell invented the first flexible insulation product Armaflex, it founded a new branch of industry: flexible technical insulation. Armacell has been shaping the industry ever since. Armaflex is now the world’s best known brand for flexible pipe and duct insulation.”

Armaflex is particularly effective at preventing moisture ingress due to its exceptional built-in water vapour barrier formed by a structure of thousands interconnected closed cells, thus ensuring long-term thermal efficiency and life expectancy of the installation. In addition, Armaflex is dust and fibre free, and can be easily installed.

Where industries have specific requirements, Armaflex is often available in specialised variants manufactured to the highest levels of quality. These include Armaflex DuoSolar, which is a dedicated pre-insulated pipe system with patented join split technology for solar thermal systems; NH/Armaflex, a halogen-free, flexible elastomeric, insulation material especially designed for clean rooms, laboratories, etc; HT/Armaflex, which is a high temperature insulation material used on heating and process lines up to 150 deg C; Armaflex Rail SD, the first flexible closed-cell insulation material with built-in fire protection for railway vehicles; and Armaflex Ultima, described as the first flexible technical insulation material with extremely low smoke density – Euroclass B-s1, d0.

Armaflex with metal cladding … designed for cryogenic applications.

Armaflex insulation materials also have an in-built passive antimicrobial protection. “Armacell products with Microban antimicrobial technology offer additional levels of protection, preventing mould and bacteria from settling throughout the life of the installation. These products are especially suited for use in public buildings such as healthcare and educational facilities, but also in process industries such as food and beverage industry,” Khan says.

As noise influences the comfort and well-being of building’s occupants, Armacell products play also a role in greatly absorbing noise from HVAC systems, contributing to an improved acoustic comfort.

“As the inventor of flexible elastomeric foams for insulation, Armacell is focused on developing safe, innovative thermal, acoustic and mechanical solutions and systems that create value for its customers in a sustainable way,” Khan stresses.
In addition to its renowned package of thermal insulation materials for HVACR systems and solar installations, the company offers a reliable range of fire, acoustic and mechanical protection solutions as well as special insulation systems for industrial applications and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) segments. The pipes, ducts, vessels and tanks of these systems are insulated to prevent condensation forming, absorb sound and vibrations and reduce energy loss.

As a technology leader, Armacell offers an unrivalled range of innovative materials. In the past five years alone, the company has registered 15 patents and expanded its product range with breakthrough innovations.

“A recent example of Armacell’s leading innovation is ArmaSound Industrial Systems, the first high-performance thermal-acoustic insulation systems for industrial, marine and offshore environments. The sandwich system of Armaflex, ArmaSound RD 240 and ArmaChek R dramatically reduces the risk of corrosion under insulation (CUI) and provides exceptional noise reduction,” he explains.

ArmaSound Industrial Systems provide a higher level of human and environmental comfort while reducing the cost of installation and maintenance.

“One of the greatest challenges of insulation in oil and gas, marine and petrochemical industrial environments is presented by CUI. System failure and standstill times cause huge losses and must be avoided at all costs in this type of industry. In addition, security, control of noise and protection of surrounding ecosystems are of highest importance,” Khan adds.

Aware of the high risk and harsh conditions, Armacell has partners in all phases of the project and has developed dedicated insulation systems for these industries. Its systems reduce the risk of CUI, without the need for additional vapour barriers or contraction joints. Different Armaflex products are designed for distinct requirements, such as NH/Armaflex, the non-halogen insulation solution.

For extreme low temperatures, Armaflex Cryogenic Systems stay flexible down to 200 deg C. This flexibility provides a system that inherently absorbs vibrations and impact, with a reduced risk of crack development and propagation, providing long-term thermal stability, he points out.

The company also acts responsibly while contributing to sustainable growth, and holds the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates in quality and environmental management. In this regard, Armacell has created environmental guidelines, which are based on the following principles, among other initiatives. These include only manufacturing products that pose no hazard to the environment when used as intended by customers and consumers; conserving natural resources by using raw materials and energy responsibly; and using environment-friendly technology in research and production. By doing so, the company also increases safety in the workplace, whilst protecting the community and environment. It also recycles and uses environment-friendly disposal methods; takes steps to minimise the risk of pollution to air, land and water; and prepares for potential dangerous situations in order to protect both people and the environment.

Besides, the company is the first manufacturer of flexible technical insulation materials to carry out an eco balance analysis (Life Cycle Assessment), he says.

“The study revealed that 140 times more energy is saved through the use of Armaflex products than is needed for its production, transport and disposal. In the production of the elastomeric material approximately 0.5 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted per running metre of Armaflex; however the product prevents the emission of 80 kg of CO2 over a service life of 20 years. This means that Armaflex saves 150 times more greenhouse gas emissions than what is used in its production.”

The Saudi joint venture of Armacell has supplied to a diverse range of projects in Saudi Arabia including King Abdullah Financial District, Princess Nora University for Women, ITCC project, Olaya Towers (Gosi building), King Saud University, King Khalid University Hospital, Rafal Hotel Tower, all in Riyadh; Al Jawhara Tower in Jeddah; and Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) district cooling plant in Jubail.

It has also provided its services to several projects in the UAE including Burj Dubai Downtown, Dubai Festival City, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Emirates Tower, National Bank of Abu Dhabi headquarters, Mina Musaffa port facilities, Marina Mall, Atlantis, The Palm hotel, Fairmont Residences, Palm Jumeirah and Madinat Jumeirah Hotel.