APPLICATION AND MIXING
Download EPX Application and Mixing Instructions
Q: What are the appropriate application temperatures?
A: Nansulate EPX should be applied at temperatures between 40F to 110F (4C to 43C)
Q: What is the mix ratio of Part A to Part B?
A: Nansulate EPX is packaged specifically for the appropriate mix ratio. Use all material in container Part A with all material in container Part B.
Q: How long should I mix Part A and Part B?
A: It is important to adhere to the specific step-by-step mixing instructions which are included in the EPX Application Instructions.
1.Open Part B container, mix at high speed with high speed metal mixing paddle. (High speed = 401 to 1500 RPM)
2. Open Part A container, mix at low speed with low speed metal mixing paddle. (Low speed = less than 400 RPM)
3. After mixing each part separately, as stated above, pour stirred contents of container B into stirred container with Part A.
Mix Parts A and B together at low speed (less than 400 RPM) with metal mixing blade (Warner Hurricane Mixer, or equivalent) for 5-6 minutes at slow speed until the material is thoroughly blended.
4. Allow mixed components to set for 10 minutes before applying.
To mix 5 gallon kit: use the same procedure as 2 gallon kit except a larger blade (hurricane mixer designated for 5-gallon container).
An indicator that you have thoroughly mixed Part A and Part B is to observe the color, and verify that there are no ribbons of dark color from Part B in the mixed pail.
Q: Can I use a brush to apply Nansulate EPX?
A: We do have a brushable version of EPX, which is our EPX-K. This product contains higher thermal resistance, corrosion resistance, and chemical resistance, and can be applied by brush or industrial sprayer.
Q: I want to use EPX outdoors, and use Nansulate GP coating to protect it from chalking due to U/V exposure. How many coats of GP should I use?
A: Two coats of Nansulate Translucent GP coating are recommended as an overcoat to protect Nansulate EPX from U/V exposure.
Category 2 - Performance
Q: What is the R-value and Thermal conductivity of Nansulate EPX?
A: Nansulate EPX has a thermal conductivity of 0.03 W/mK @ 20C @ 1/8”. R-value will be available soon.
Q: Will Nansulate EPX make my material fire proof?
A: Nansulate EPX itself is extremely fire resistant, and therefore can offer fire protection to surfaces to which it is applied. It will not change the flammability or fire rating of the underlying material.
Q: To which chemicals is Nansulate EPX resistant to? Can it be immersed in fuels?
A: Nansulate EPX is resistant to contact by acids, bases, and fuels. It is not meant to be in an immersed environment, however can stand up to splash contact.
Q: Can Nansulate EPX be used on underground pipelines? How long after application should one wait before burying?
A: Yes, Nansulate EPX can be used on underground pipelines. It should be allowed to hard dry for at least 48 hours before being buried.
Q: Does Nansulate EPX protect against corrosion?
A: Yes, Nansulate EPX provides excellent corrosion resistance, and helps eliminate problems with CUI (corrosion under insulation).
Category 3 - Safety
Q: What safety precautions should be taken when applying?
A: Nansulate EPX does not contain any toxic ingredients. We recommend good ventilation, and protective gloves, googles, clothing as needed for application. You can review all recommended safety precautions on our MSDS which can be found here:
MSDS - EPX-4, Part A, MSDS - EPX-K, Part A, MSDS - EPX-4/EPX-K, Part B.
Q: Is Nansulate EPX considered high or low VOC?
A: Nansulate EPX is considered low VOC. Its VOCs are 60 grams/litre
Category 4 - Plant Solutions
Q: What applications would be most suitable to help me save energy in my plant or factory?
A: Nansulate EPX is well suited for use as a pipe and pipeline insulation. It can be applied at thicknesses between 1/8” to 1” or more and will provide dramatic thermal resistance plus corrosion resistance.
Another application would be on areas that need protection from fire, like fuel holding tanks, or equipment or circuit rooms. Nansulate EPX flame resistant properties can be seen in this demonstration video.
Nansulate EPX has many applications for thermal insulation, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance and flame resistance, a few others to explore would be refrigerated areas, cold storage, ductwork, boilers, LNG tanks, high chemical or corrosive environments.
Q: Would Nansulate EPX be useful for insulating refrigerated areas?
A: Yes, because Nansulate EPX can be applied at thicknesses between 1/8” to 1” or more, and is higher vapor barrier than our other coatings, it is very useful as insulation for refrigerated or cold storage applications. The insulation thickness can be varied according to space and thermal insulation needs.
Q: I need a specified color on my tanks, can Nansulate EPX be painted over with a color or tinted?
A: We do not recommend tinting Nansulate EPX, however it can be painted over with our Nansulate Top Coat, which can be tinted, or another colored paint. It should be allowed to dry thoroughly for 48 hours before being painted over. We do take special order requests if you would like EPX in a specific color. To request a special order please contact our Customer Service Team.
Q: What kind of energy savings can I expect and in what timeframe?
A: Energy savings and ROI are of course dependent upon each application. Most of our customers see return on investment in less than 1 year. We our currently running case studies for Nansulate EPX and will be providing that information soon. Currently you can refer to case studies done on our other coatings, which utilize the same technology. Click here to read our Industrial Case Studies - and our Industrial Testimonials.
Q: Could Nansulate EPX replace Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) and Polyurethane Foam in my current pipeline coating system?
A: Yes - Because Nansulate EPX offers corrosion resistance and excellent thermal insulation, this one product can be used in a pipeline coating system as a replacement for FBE and Polyurethane.
Category 5 - Miscellaneous Questions
Q: What is the Pot Life of Nansulate EPX?
A: The Pot Life of Nansulate EPX is 2 hours.
Q: I would rather have a brushable product, and do not need the flame resistance property? Do you have another version of EPX?
A: Yes, we have another version which is Nansulate EPX-K. It has increased thermal resistance, does not include flame resistance, and is lower viscosity so it can be applied with a brush.
Q: I have an aluminum surface, is there any special prep needed to be done on that?
A: Yes, aluminum does need additional surface prep. Follow same instructions as for Metal surfaces (found in the application instructions) and in addition: Pretreat with conversion coating or Alkaline etching cleaner. Chromium Phosphate cleaner may also be used. Be sure any residue from cleaner is thoroughly rinsed.
