THE ULTIMATE INTERVIEW ABOUT THE THERMAL INSULATION MARKET IN LATIN AMERICA

Saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are two essential requirements that insulated panel systems for cold rooms must offer today. This niche is growing and vital for properly performing food storage spaces, warehouses, and process plants. We consider it essential to know the current state of this industry in Latin America and its main advances in installation, maintenance, monitoring, and regulatory applications. Alberto Adriano, Sales Director of Globe Panels, is our guest in this article. He has worked in this industry since 2006 and knows thermal insulation panel technologies and their application in Latin America.

Below is the interview.

ACR: HOW IS THE THERMAL INSULATION MARKET FOR AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION CURRENTLY IN LATIN AMERICA?

Alberto Adriano: The thermal insulation market in Latin America is receiving strong interest from all kinds of investors. In the end, thermal insulation means energy and maintenance savings, which translates into significant financial savings in the long term. For example, in recent years, we have seen that the average thickness of the insulated panel for cold rooms has increased. Why so?Because it benefits the refrigeration equipment that will require less maintenance.

Regarding air conditioning, we have seen a continuous increase in the pre-insulated PIR sheet throughout Latin America, including in countries like Mexico, where its use was minimal until recently. The rise in the price of the galvanized sheet has contributed significantly, but I am convinced that the trend will continue, even if there is a price correction in the future. There is a constant search for products that improve energy efficiency. The pre-insulated sheet satisfies these requirements as a product and alternative to traditional galvanized sheet ducts. I am sure that we will soon find these products on the US market.

THERMAL INSULATION: REDUCES ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND PREVENTS FOOD WASTE

It is essential to think of thermal insulation as the invisible hand of Adam Smith, that is, as a product that fulfills a double function: the first, explicit, is to reduce energy consumption, while the second, which is hidden, is to reduce emissions greenhouse gases, which derive from non-renewable energy sources, such as the prevention of food waste at the origin, which accounts for 30% of total annual CO2 emissions. If we consider that Latin America is one of the largest producers and exporters of fruits and vegetables and that these foods are in strong demand by countries worldwide, I see a path of assured growth. Another issue is the availability of thermal insulation products in Latin American countries, which suffer from bottlenecks that sometimes create product shortages.

ACR: WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION HAS THIS SECTOR HAD IN RECENT YEARS?

Alberto: The main thermal insulation products have been known in materials science for several decades: technological development has focused on making the production process more efficient and gradually adapting thermal insulation to the installation process. Two examples below may clarify what I mean: Concerning AC, I believe that the continuous improvement of PIR foams to achieve better fire behavior today is a fact and excellent news for the market. The issues of fire and energy efficiency are the two most relevant topics, and it is normal for companies to invest, at this time, in their R&D resources in this regard. In this direction, I recommend carefully evaluating, considering the subject so sensitive that in the phase of choosing the installation product, the certifications and credentials of the regulatory controllers of the products.

Regarding industrial refrigeration, the most emblematic case is the joint evolution between panels, which is the weak point of each refrigeration installation. Today, gaskets are available that significantly increase the tightness of a cold room, thus allowing the construction of fully automatic self-supported low-temperature vertical warehouses that reach heights unattainable with traditional gaskets.

ACR: ON THE INSTALLATION ISSUE, DO YOU THINK THAT IN OUR REGION, THEY COMPLY WITH THE REGULATIONS OR THERE IS STILL NO TRAINING FOR IT (WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW)?

Alberto: Complying with regulations presupposes uncertainty and confusion about which rules to follow. This is probably due to the lack of local rules that can consider Latin American countries’ peculiarities regarding temperature, humidity, and risk of fire and translate them into clear regulations that are easy to understand and act respectfully.

ACR: WHAT ASPECTS MUST WE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF INSULATED PANELS IN COLD ROOMS?

Alberto: Several aspects must be taken into consideration when choosing insulated panels for a cold room, but the most important are two:

1. The type of insulation: the materials that best insulate thermally, that is, that guarantee the maximum insulation with the lowest thickness, are polyurethanes, of which it is essential to know the class of behavior in case of fire. Among the polyurethanes, those that ensure better fire behavior are insulated panels with a PIR (Polyisocyanurate) core.

It is essential to mention that rock wool is the only insulating that guarantees a higher-class fire behavior panel, which loses much thermal insulation power compared to the PIR and PUR foam panels. PIR and PUR have 40% higher thermal insulation than rock wool, but rock wool has a superior fire behavior to PIR and is highly superior to PUR.

2. The thickness of the insulation: choosing low insulation thickness means saving money on the purchase and spending more on energy costs.

Choosing thicker insulation means saving gradually in the years in which the cold room is operating due to lower energy expenditure and lower maintenance cost of the refrigeration equipment because the equipment will work in a less stressful regime.

ACR: HOW IS THE MAINTENANCE OF INSULATED PANELS, AND WHAT FACTORS GENERATE POOR CARE OF THE PANELS?

Alberto: The maintenance of insulated panels is simple, but it depends on the type of finish or coating the steel or aluminum sheet has. The finish is a paint that protects the metal from aggressive agents and the aesthetic function of offering different colors. The paint, or coating, can be different depending on where we place the insulating panels. Whether in a coastal or internal area, tropical or Nordic region, or for use in aggressive or everyday environments. There are very resistant paints and others less.

It is essential to know what type of paint or coating the panel has to understand how to clean it from the dirt that accumulates because dirt can cause oxidation and reduce the useful life of the insulating panel. Usually, we can clean the surface with a damp cloth and ordinary detergent in low concentrations. We recommend keeping the water warm and the pressure low if using a pressure washer. For roof panels, maintenance must be annual or semi-annual. It must include the removal of dry leaves or anything that lays on the roof. In the case of roof coverings with solar panels, it is essential to eliminate any element between the solar panel and the sandwich panel roof. Consequently, it will minimize the risk of fire on the roof.

ACR: WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF INSULATED PANELS FOR COLD ROOMS?

Alberto: The future of insulated panels for cold rooms is exciting because demand increases with the development of the cold chain. The change in our diet toward fresh products has triggered the need for process plants and refrigerated warehouses worldwide, from the origin, where Latin America plays a key role, to distribution. Each cold room reduces water and food waste and CO2 emissions. Their future will grow once public opinion realizes the importance of insulated cold room panels.

ACR: HOW HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED THIS BUSINESS COMMERCIALLY?

Alberto: The arrival of the Covid pandemic has caused a product shortage in all world markets, accompanied by a monthly price increase, both for the product and for maritime transport, causing increases of up to 150% in the price of thermal insulation and waiting times that can reach six months.

ACR: HOW DO INSULATED PANELS BENEFIT FROM REDUCING THE IMPACT OF COVID?

Alberto: The most critical contribution of insulated panels to reducing the impact of COVID-19 is the construction of refrigerated ones, which have reduced the food waste in the HORECA channel while being closed and directed to warehouses, which are used for large food distribution.