Warehouse and Factory Energy Efficiency
The energy audit services we perform in
warehouses and factories are as varied as the types of structures and
the intended use of the facilities. We have worked with pre-engineered
steel buildings, wood pole buildings and conventional masonry buildings
with wood or metal decks. We have also done concrete tilt up buildings
as well as buildings utilizing structural steel with curtain walls and
precast or poured in place concrete floors.
Facility
types include conventional warehouses, refrigeration warehouses,
freezer facilities, manufacturing facilities, fabrication shops,
computer rooms and a myriad of others to numerous to mention. In most
cases we are approached with a simple need to control heat transfer,
air infiltration and condensation. We select the most appropriate
materials and methods on a case by case basis. In some cases,
insulating from the interior makes the most sense. In others using
spray applied polyurethane foam with an elastomeric coating can solve
an insulation problem and a roofing problem at the same time. Other
owners may have a need for fire-proofing or sound control. We offer a
variety of systems that can address all of these problems. In some
cases, owners present us with a very complicated problem specific to
their facility.
HEC TECHNOLOGIES greatest
strength is the ability to analyze the problem and come up with a
solution based on sound building science. (See example energy efficiency - condensation)
Specific Sound Problems
Sound traveling from a
noisy production area to a quiet office area is a common problem. We
have solved this problem in many facilities. Reduction of reverberant
noise is another common problem. Large volume buildings are very
reverberant. In loud production facilities, the sound grows
exponentially. When sound levels get above 85 db, employers are
required to provide hearing protection and regular hearing test. There
are obvious benefits in getting the sound levels below 85 db.
Inability to converse normally and inability to hear important P.A.
announcements also creates safety concerns. An application of K13
spray-on thermal/acoustical treatment can do the following:
1. Reduce reverberant noise
2. Lower db levels
3. Improve speech intelligibility
4. Improve comfort
5. Reduce energy bills
6. Reduce the amount of heating, cooling and/or refrigeration equipment needed
7. Provide a clean, bright, aesthetically pleasing finish
8. Reduce fatigue and improve productivity
9. Improve employee morale
Case Study Illustrating Problem Solving Techniques
The Cook County Morgue located in Chicago, Illinois has a ground level, refrigerated room, large enough to store 400 bodies. Below that room is a mechanical room and record storage. For years, moisture of some kind leaked out of the ceiling on to the occupants in the mechanical room below. HEC Technologies was given an architectural specification to spray the ceiling with K 13 spray on cellulose to warm the surface above dew point temperatures to avoid condensation. Our investigation showed that hair line cracks had open in the concrete ceiling. We also tested and found that mechanical room was under a positive pressure, forcing warm, moist air through the cracks. As the air got closer to the cold temperatures in the room above, it condensed and leaked into the room below. We recommended a change in the specification and sprayed one inch closed cell polyurethane foam to air seal the entire ceiling. This was followed by a one inch application of K 13 UreK to provide the required thermal barrier for the foam. Had we simply followed the original specification, the client would have spent a lot of money without resolving the problem. HEC Technologies examines every job to make sure the solution proposed will achieve the desired outcome. We have saved numerous building owners a lot of grief and money by insuring that they get the most appropriate solution for their facility.