Polyurethane panels ... safe and
environment-friendly.
Polyurethane panels ‘preferred choice’
01 December 2009
SET up a decade ago to meet the growing demand for polyurethane insulation panels in the local market, Jeddah-based Sandwich Panel Factory (SPF) has seen exponential growth over the years with its products now destined for markets as far apart as Lebanon and Sudan.
Polyurethane insulation panels are increasingly becoming the preferred choice of panels thanks to the various advantages they offer, says Mohammed Al Khateeb, factory manager.
“Polyurethane is among the best and safest insulation materials due to its high thermal and environment-friendly properties. It doesn’t emit gases or impurities or rot and is mould-resistant. It is also a lightweight high-performance thermal insulation material possessing good mechanical properties and its closed-cell structure prevents the ingress of water,” he says.
“This apart, it has the lowest thermal conductivity among all insulation materials, hence it is used in the form of panels of different thicknesses in the construction of cold rooms and warehouses, where it helps reduce heat transfer from the outside and lowers the consumption of energy required to keep these structures and their contents cool. In terms of installation of the SPF panels, the connection between tongue and groove has almost ‘zero’ clearance, ensuring the air-tightness of the room and eliminating the risk of heat penetration and bacterial growth,” says Al Khateeb.
“In addition, these panels are easy to re-locate, involving low installation costs,” he adds.
SPF panels are one-piece units comprising polyurethane sandwiched between galvanised steel sheets, which are primed and protected with durable coatings on both faces – one surface with a PE/PVDF top coat and a protective layer and the other with an epoxy. They also use a meshing system comprising epoxy-coated plates as well as corner braces that provide support and ensure the durability of cold rooms and warehouses.
 |
|
SPF panels ... help reduce heat transfer from the outside. |
SPF does not use a CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) blowing agent and therefore does not contribute to the ozone depletion problem, says the company, adding that the chemicals used are polyol and isocyanate.
Furthermore, the technologies utilised at SPF’s production line have been acquired from leading international companies in the world, including three well-known manufacturers from Finland.
These panels are widely used in cold stores and warehouses, cabins, pre-engineered buildings, residential complexes, factories, schools, central industrial kitchens, poultry farms and petrol stations.
The company also produces wall and ceilings panels for warehouses and hangars, as well as prefabricated panels made of steel, wood, or melamine for residential units.
Al Khateeb attributes the success of SPF products in the market to their high quality, variety, performance and timely delivery, with many leading companies having opted to use its panels in various prestigious projects in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Ahsa, Tabuk and Qassim. In response to the growing demand, SPF has expanded its capacity in phases, with its first expansion having been implemented in 2003 to cover all the requirements of the local and Arab markets. In 2004, a new production line was added which boosted the company’s total annual production capacity to 1 million sq m of insulation panels in various sizes and types.
 |
|
SPF products ... now destined for foreign markets. |
Established in the industrial area of Jeddah as part of the Supply Trading Group, SFP has been keen to maintain the highest standards of quality and technical specifications. This policy has enabled it to achieve ISO 9001 certification as well as expand in local, regional and international markets, says Al Khateeb.
Apart from its domestic market, the company has exported prefabricated panels to Lebanon as well as Sudan to be used in villas complexes. It has also supplied complete cold storage facilities to Sudan, cladding panels for hangars in Iraq and insulation panels for cold stores in Jordan.
Staffed by a team of highly-trained and experienced engineers, SPF can also provide design services and local technical support for these panels.
The company employs more than 90 highly experienced executives, engineers, support services and production staff who are keen to attain high quality standards and fulfil clients’ requirements as well as provide efficient after-sales services, he concludes.
- Foam spray ‘saves more energy’
- RWI buoyant with Yas Island order
- Polyurethane panels ‘preferred choice’
- IIC specialises in complex tasks
