Why Closed-Cell Elastomeric Foam Insulation Supports More Efficient Data Center Cooling

Guest Armacell Blog

As AI, cloud computing and edge computing drive higher data center capacity, cooling systems are working harder to manage increasing thermal loads. While advanced cooling technologies often get the spotlight, insulation is an essential part of the cooling system itself. Properly specified elastomeric insulation helps control heat gain, manage condensation and maintain design temperatures, supporting more efficient and reliable data center operations.

Cooling Efficiency Starts with Thermal Control

Data centers rely on a variety of cooling systems to maintain precise operating conditions and protect mission-critical equipment. Whether using forced air, chilled water, direct expansion, evaporative cooling, or newer liquid submersion cooling technologies, these systems depend on efficient thermal management. Poorly insulated piping, valves, fittings, pumps, and air-handling equipment can allow unwanted temperature changes and heat gain into chilled systems. As cooling equipment works harder to compensate, energy consumption and operating costs can increase. High-performance closed-cell elastomeric foam insulation helps maintain design temperatures throughout the cooling distribution system, supporting overall energy efficiency.

Why Closed-Cell Elastomeric Foam?

Closed-cell elastomeric foam has long been used for chilled water and refrigeration applications because it addresses both thermal performance and moisture control in a single insulation system. Unlike fibrous insulation, which can be compromised by moisture and typically requires a separate vapor retarder, closed-cell elastomeric foam provides integrated water vapor resistance. Its closed-cell structure helps resist moisture penetration, which is particularly important when chilled surfaces are exposed to humid conditions often found in data center mechanical rooms. The importance of thermal management and condensation control is becoming even more apparent as data center cooling demands increase. Matt Tempelis, President of Engineered Materials, a fabrication and converting partner working with Armacell, explains, “In our work with data center cooling OEMs, we see thermal management, condensation control, and sealing becoming increasingly critical as cooling demands rise. We work with Armacell as a trusted partner. Their elastomeric materials and expertise give us a proven platform to engineer insulation and sealing solutions for these demanding applications.”

Beyond Thermal and Moisture Control

Insulation selection can also contribute to a cleaner indoor environment. Fiber shedding and airborne contaminants can be concerns in ductwork or rooms housing sensitive electronic equipment. Fiber-free elastomeric insulation can help minimize the introduction of insulation fibers into the surrounding environment. ArmaFlex® elastomeric foam is fiber-free and available in low-VOC formulations. Select ArmaFlex products also incorporate MICROBAN® antimicrobial technology to help protect the insulation surface against the growth of certain microorganisms.

Fire performance is another important consideration in data center design. ArmaFlex® Ultima offers ultra-low smoke performance and is classified by UL to UL 723 at 25/50. It is also FM Approved to FM 4924, helping support fire-safety requirements for critical cooling infrastructure.

ArmaFlex Insulation Benefits

  • Supports data center green building and sustainability goals

  • Excellent thermal performance for chilled water and refrigeration systems

  • Integrated vapor resistance to help control condensation

  • Flexible construction for installation around complex piping and fittings

  • Durable performance with low maintenance requirements

  • GREENGUARD GOLD certified, low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

  • Manufactured using nitrile rubber and polyvinyl chloride (NBR/PVC) formulations for insulation thickness up to and including one-inch wall thickness.

  • Manufactured using ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) formulations for insulation thickness greater than one-inch wall thickness.

Complete Cooling System Protection

Effective insulation goes beyond straight pipe runs. Valves, fittings, supports, equipment connections, and other components can all create opportunities for heat gain and thermal bridging. Armacell offers a comprehensive portfolio of mechanical insulation solutions for data center cooling applications, including ArmaFlex pipe insulation, sheets and rolls, fabricated fittings, insulation tape, ArmaFix® Insuguard pipe saddles and shields, and ArmaFix EcoLight pipe supports.

As data centers evolve to support AI workloads, higher rack densities and increasingly sophisticated cooling technologies, insulation remains a fundamental part of thermal management. For engineers and facility managers, specifying the right insulation is a practical step toward more efficient, reliable cooling infrastructure. With Armacell's mechanical insulation solutions, data center designers can take performance BEYOND BETTER, helping improve cooling efficiency, manage moisture and support more reliable operations.

Matt Tempelis