Continuous lamination processes and large panel presses make it possible to produce laminated panels up to 12 m long. The combination of STYROFOAM™ core and steel surface gives panels structural strength and high insulating performance and enables entire walls to be formed, without the need for horizontal joints.
STYROFOAM solutions:
STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation is widely used as the core material for cold store panels. It provides an ideal bonding surface for lamination to food-safe colour-coated steel.
STYROFOAM offers:
-
water and water vapour resistance: the closed cell structure makes it highly resistant to water in all forms, minimising the risk of ice build up;
-
long-term thermal performance: minimal degradation from repeated freeze/thaw cycles;
-
low thermal conductivity: the required thermal performance can be achieved with minimal thickness of insulation, maximising space utilisation;
-
long-term performance: minimising maintenance and running costs;
-
close dimensional tolerance: STYROFOAM can be supplied cut to accuracies of +/- 0.5mm, making it ideal for precision bonding.
STYROFOAM LB-A is available in widths up to 1200mm for use in panels for chill rooms and mid-range cold stores. Dow manufactures billets of STYROFOAM which are supplied to a network of specialist fabricators. Dow can also supply customers directly with material in bespoke sizes, subject to minimum volume requirements.
Panel design:
The thickness of insulation in the panel core required to achieve a specified thermal performance (D) is calculated by the following equation:
D = λ.∆t/Q
where,
D = thickness of insulation (m)
Λ = lambda value of insulation (W/mK)
∆t = difference between internal and external temperatures
Q = Heat flow (W/m2)
Commonly used values for heat flow (Q) range from 8 - 10 W/m2.
Panel span capabilities:
The spanning capabilities of panels with cores of STYROFOAM are determined from known bending and I-beam principles. The theoretical deflection (d) of a panel supported at both ends with evenly distributed load is calculated from:
d = 5.P.l3/384.E.I + P.l/8.A.G
where,
d = deflection (mm)
P = load (N/mm) x Span (mm)
l = span (mm)
E = modulus of elasticity of the skin material (N/mm2)
I = moment of inertia of the panel (mm4)
A = distance between neutral axes of the facings x panel width (mm2)
G = shear modulus of the core