Description

ArmaSound Barrier HC is a high-performance mass-loaded acoustic barrier from Armacell, developed for demanding industrial noise-control applications where effective sound reduction and low-temperature flexibility are important.

The product is manufactured as a mineral-loaded vinyl (MLV) sound barrier containing barium sulphate. Its high mass helps improve sound insulation performance, while its formulation is designed to remain more flexible at low temperatures than conventional MLV barriers. Armacell specifically identifies ArmaSound Barrier HC for effective acoustic pipe-wrap applications in the oil and gas industry and for other structures requiring noise control.

ArmaSound Barrier HC can be incorporated into acoustic insulation systems as a flexible mass layer to enhance sound reduction. Armacell states that the product is designed to reduce pipework noise and improve sound insulation systems, including applications designed around ISO 15665 requirements.

The product is available in nominal thicknesses of 2.30 mm, 3.40 mm and 4.50 mm, with self-adhesive and aluminium foil-faced options also available. Other dimensions and formats can be provided on request.

For industrial facilities, oil and gas plants, process pipework and other demanding environments, ArmaSound Barrier HC provides a dedicated acoustic barrier layer that can be incorporated into a complete sound insulation system.

Key Features and Benefits

High-Mass Acoustic Barrier

ArmaSound Barrier HC is a mineral-loaded vinyl sound barrier designed with high mass to help reduce airborne sound transmission. Its mass-loaded construction makes it suitable as a barrier layer within acoustic insulation systems.

Designed for Oil & Gas Applications

Armacell specifically identifies the product for effective acoustic pipe-wrap applications in the oil and gas industry. This makes it relevant to process piping, industrial equipment and facilities where controlling pipework noise is part of the acoustic design.

Excellent Low-Temperature Performance

The HC formulation is designed to remain more flexible at very low temperatures than conventional MLV materials. Armacell specifies a service temperature range from -50°C to +93°C, making the product suitable for demanding low-temperature applications when the complete system is properly designed.

Sound Reduction Performance

Armacell’s published data gives weighted sound reduction index values of:

• 26 dB Rw for the 2.30 mm / 5 kg/m² configuration
• 29 dB Rw for the 3.40 mm / 7.5 kg/m² configuration
• 31 dB Rw for the 4.50 mm / 10 kg/m² configuration

These values are reported according to ISO 10140-2 and EN ISO 717-1. Actual installed acoustic performance depends on the complete system design and installation.

Flexible at Low Temperatures

The material is designed with lower stiffness at ultra-low temperatures compared with conventional MLV, helping it remain suitable for cold-temperature acoustic applications.

Multiple Thickness Options

The product range includes 2.30 mm, 3.40 mm and 4.50 mm nominal thicknesses, allowing acoustic system designers to select an appropriate mass level for the project.

Self-Adhesive and Foil-Faced Options

Armacell states that ArmaSound Barrier HC is available with self-adhesive backing or aluminium foil facings, depending on the required product configuration.

Lead, Bitumen and Unrefined Aromatic Oil Free

Armacell’s technical datasheet identifies ArmaSound Barrier HC as free of lead, unrefined aromatic oils and bitumen.

Strong and Flexible

The material has a published tensile strength of at least 1.3 MPa and elongation of at least 60%, according to ISO 37.

Applications

Oil & Gas Pipework

ArmaSound Barrier HC is particularly suited to acoustic pipe wrapping in oil and gas facilities, where process pipework can generate and transmit significant noise.

Industrial Process Pipework

The material can be incorporated into sound insulation systems around process pipework where reducing transmitted noise is required.

Acoustic Pipe Wrapping

Its flexible sheet construction allows the material to be incorporated into suitable pipe acoustic systems as a mass-loaded sound barrier layer.

Industrial Equipment

ArmaSound Barrier HC can be used within appropriate acoustic systems for industrial equipment and structures where sound transmission needs to be controlled.

Low-Temperature and Cryogenic-Related Applications

Its flexibility at very low temperatures makes it relevant to applications where conventional MLV barriers may become excessively stiff. Armacell specifically positions the product for cryogenic-temperature performance.

Industrial Acoustic Systems

The product can be incorporated as a flexible mass layer within broader sound insulation systems designed to improve acoustic performance.

Other Structures Requiring Noise Control

Armacell’s technical documentation states that the material is intended for pipework noise reduction and other structures requiring improved sound insulation.

Installation and Usage Recommendations

1. Design the Complete Acoustic System

ArmaSound Barrier HC should be considered as part of a complete acoustic insulation system rather than as a standalone solution.

The final noise reduction performance depends on the complete assembly, including the pipe, insulation, acoustic barrier, jacketing and installation details.

2. Check the Product Configuration

Before installation, confirm the required thickness and product configuration.

Available nominal thicknesses include:

• 2.30 mm
• 3.40 mm
• 4.50 mm

Self-adhesive and aluminium foil-faced configurations are also available depending on the product specification.

3. Prepare the Installation Surface

Ensure the relevant substrate and surrounding system components are clean, dry and suitable for installation.

Remove contamination that could interfere with the fixing method.

For self-adhesive configurations, follow the manufacturer’s requirements for surface preparation and application conditions.

4. Follow the ArmaSound Installation Manual

Armacell recommends referring to the ArmaSound Industrial Systems application manual before installation and contacting Technical Services where necessary.

5. Observe Installation Temperature

For the product’s stated application conditions, Armacell specifies an application temperature of +5°C to +35°C and a maximum relative humidity of 80%.

6. Use Correct Fixing Method

Armacell states that the self-adhesive version can be applied using the adhesive backing on the rear side of the metal cladding layer.

For non-self-adhesive barrier configurations, Armacell specifies fixing with metal banding and recommends contacting Technical Services for further details.

7. Avoid Uncontrolled Field Modifications

Do not substitute adhesives, fixing methods or system components without confirming compatibility with the Armacell system requirements.

For project-specific acoustic systems, especially oil and gas and low-temperature applications, follow the approved project specification and manufacturer’s installation documentation.

Technical Specifications

Technical values are based on Armacell’s published technical information and should be checked against the latest applicable datasheet before project specification or approval.

Why ArmaSound Barrier HC for Industrial Acoustic Control?

Industrial facilities often require acoustic systems that can perform under demanding environmental conditions. ArmaSound Barrier HC combines high mass, flexibility and low-temperature performance in a single MLV sound barrier.

Its design is particularly relevant where acoustic treatment is required around process pipework and equipment in the oil and gas sector. Armacell positions the material as a high-performance noise barrier capable of operating at temperatures down to -50°C.

For engineers and contractors, the product can be incorporated into a properly designed acoustic insulation system to improve sound reduction while accommodating demanding temperature conditions.

ArmaSound Barrier HC in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait

Gitco supplies acoustic and technical insulation solutions for industrial, HVAC, MEP and oil and gas applications.

ArmaSound Barrier HC is particularly relevant for:

• Oil & gas companies
• EPC contractors
• Industrial plants
• Process piping contractors
• Mechanical insulation contractors
• Acoustic consultants
• MEP contractors
• Industrial maintenance companies
• Refineries and petrochemical facilities

Gitco serves customers across Saudi Arabia / KSA, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Contact Gitco for product availability, technical documentation, pricing and project requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Gitco ArmaSound Barrier HC?

A: ArmaSound Barrier HC is a premium, high-density mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) sound barrier mat loaded with barium sulphate. Supplied across KSA by Gitco, it is specifically engineered to block airborne noise, reduce acoustic transmission, and withstand severe thermal and cryogenic conditions in oil, gas, and industrial processing facilities.

Q2: What does the “HC” stand for in ArmaSound Barrier HC?

A: “HC” stands for High Cold / Cryogenic Performance. The material is formulated with specialized polymer additives to maintain flexibility and acoustic damping properties at extreme sub-zero and cryogenic temperatures without cracking or embrittlement.

Q3: How does ArmaSound Barrier HC differ from standard MLV noise barriers?

A: Standard MLV barriers stiffen and fracture in cold environments. ArmaSound Barrier HC uses a high-density, lead-free barium sulphate formulation that delivers superior low-temperature flexibility while maintaining high mass for maximum sound attenuation.

Acoustic & Technical Performance FAQs

Q4: What is the primary acoustic function of ArmaSound Barrier HC?

A: It functions as a mass-loaded sound transmission loss barrier. By adding high surface mass to piping, ductwork, and equipment casings, it prevents breakout noise generated by high-velocity gas, fluid turbulence, and compressors.

Q5: Is ArmaSound Barrier HC compliant with international acoustic standards?

A: Yes. When installed as part of a complete Armacell industrial acoustic system, it meets stringent international noise isolation standards, including ISO 15665 (Classes A through C and Class D for offshore/cryogenic specifications) and Shell DEP 31.46.00.31-Gen requirements.

Q6: Does ArmaSound Barrier HC contain lead or bitumen?

A: No. ArmaSound Barrier HC is completely free of lead, bitumen, unrefined aromatic oils, and halogenated compounds, making it safe for indoor plant rooms, offshore platforms, and strict environmental specifications.

Applications & Industry Use FAQs

Q7: What are the main applications for ArmaSound Barrier HC in Saudi Arabia?

A: Key applications across KSA and GCC industrial sectors include:

• Cryogenic piping (LNG/LPG lines)

• High-pressure gas release and flare piping

• Offshore oil & gas platforms and refineries

• Heavy-duty industrial compressor, turbine, and generator enclosures

• Chilled water and process piping in petrochemical plants

Q8: Can ArmaSound Barrier HC be used on cryogenic and sub-zero piping?

A: Yes. It is engineered specifically for sub-zero and cryogenic systems, performing reliably when combined with Armacell thermal insulation layers (such as ArmaFlex LT or ArmaGel) to mitigate thermal bridging and sound transmission simultaneously.

Q9: Does ArmaSound Barrier HC provide thermal insulation on its own?

A: No. ArmaSound Barrier HC is purely a high-mass acoustic barrier. For combined thermal and acoustic insulation, it must be installed as part of a multi-layer system layered over thermal insulation (such as ArmaFlex or ArmaGel DT).

Installation & System Compatibility FAQs

Q10: What adhesives are recommended for installing ArmaSound Barrier HC?

A: Armacell recommends using high-performance contact adhesives like ArmaFlex Adhesive 520 or high-temperature ArmaFlex HT625 Adhesive, along with mechanical fasteners, stainless steel banding, and aluminum jacketing for outdoor installations.

Q11: How is ArmaSound Barrier HC secured on vertical pipes and heavy industrial equipment?

A: Due to its heavy mass, seam joints should be bonded with approved Armacell contact adhesives, reinforced with self-adhesive acoustic tape, and mechanically supported using stainless steel bands and clips at regular intervals.

Q12: Can ArmaSound Barrier HC be installed under metal cladding/jacketing?

A: Yes. It is frequently installed beneath stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized sheet metal jacketing to complete industrial acoustic insulation specifications (such as ISO 15665 Class C/D setups).

Procurement & Supply FAQs

Q13: What forms and sizes is ArmaSound Barrier HC available in?

A: It is typically supplied in continuous rolls or flat sheets in various nominal surface weights (e.g., 5 kg m2, 8 kg m2, or 10 kg/m2) to match precise project acoustic decibel drop targets.

Q14: How does Gitco assist with project submittals for ArmaSound products in KSA?

A: As a supplier of Armacell solutions in Saudi Arabia, Gitco provides official technical datasheets, acoustic submittal packages, compliance certificates (ISO/Shell DEP), and contractor project pricing.

Q15: Where can I request a quote for ArmaSound Barrier HC in Saudi Arabia?

A: You can request commercial quotations, stock availability, and technical support directly through Gitco Saudi Arabia.

Available through Gitco across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Contact us for pricing, availability, and technical information.