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Title: Urethane insulation of storage tanks provides precise temperature control. [Wine industry]

Journal Article · · Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States)
OSTI ID:5801016

Efficiency of urethane insulation is causing it to be used widely on the West coast in the wine industry on tanks, piping, chillers and warehouses. Insulation maintains an even temperature in the tank, assisting the refrigeration units. An uninsulated 350,000 gal storage tank with an inside temperature of 35/sup 0/F will gain 2/sup 0/ to 4/sup 0/F per day with an ambient temperature of 100/sup 0/F. A tank insulated with 3'' of urethane insulation will gain only 1/8 to 1/4 degree per day. The urethane insulation is applied by spraying a 2-lb nominal density foam and 30 mils of a waterproof protective coating. Adhesion occurs immediately on surface contact as the foam expands up to 30 times its original liquid volume. It is not difficult to insulate various areas regardless of configuration and accessibility. Insulation as a percentage of tank cost varies with size of tank. With a 350,000-gal tank, cost is 3 to 4 cents per gallon of capacity. Rigid urethane bunstock is used to fabricate interlocking half-pipe sections. Bunstock 2 1/2'' thick is also used to insulate chillers, which are protected with a vapor barrier and aluminum jacketing.

OSTI ID:
5801016
Journal Information:
Chem. Process. (Chicago); (United States), Vol. 42:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English