Industrial Nanotech Inc., an emerging global leader in nanotechnology based energy saving solutions, reported July 19 that the company's Nansulate thermal insulation and protective coating has been successfully utilized in breweries, food processing facilities and restaurants. Most recently, Nansulate Translucent High Heat was used by a commercial snack food manufacturer to reduce surface temperature of manufacturing equipment, including a commercial fryer, industrial oven and vent duct. The average surface temperature reduction, over all equipment, with a six-coat coverage (approximately 300 microns total thickness) was an average of 17.5 percent, with the highest temperature difference achieved on the exterior of a commercial fryer, reducing the temperature by 48.6 degrees Fahrenheit, from 210.2 degrees F to 161.6 degrees F.
"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, energy expenses rank third among costs for food manufacturers, behind raw materials and labor,” said Francesca Crolley, vice president of business development for Industrial Nanotech. “For many years, energy has been viewed as a fixed expense and one not easily managed due to the difficulty of insulating food manufacturing equipment. Most traditional types of insulation perform poorly in high-humidity environments, cannot protect against contamination by mold and moisture, and do not prevent corrosion. Nansulate provides all of these valuable performance qualities, insulating equipment, reducing energy costs, lowering the surface temperature, preventing the growth of mold and mildew, and preventing corrosion. Additionally, Nansulate has been proven safe for use in these facilities, achieving NSF registration as safe for use in areas where there may be incidental contact with food.”
Nansulate thermal insulation coatings have been used by a growing number of food and beverage manufacturers to insulate equipment and reduce energy and maintenance costs. The coatings were recently highlighted in Dairy Foods magazine in an article titled, “New Technology Helps Food Manufacturers Manage High Energy Costs.” A copy of the article can be found on the Nansulate news page at www.nansulate.com/nansulate_news.htm.
Other examples of the effectiveness of Nansulate include:
Food processing: The objective was to reduce tank surface temperature to safer levels, insulate tank to reduce heat loss. Nansulate Translucent PT was used by a customer on a tank that melts butterfat. The exterior tank temperature was noticeably reduced, creating a safer environment for employees, and the insulation provided by Nansulate increased the melting efficiency of the tank, saving money and energy.
"We used Nansulate last year to paint a 5-cubic-meter heated stainless steel tank which is positioned outdoors at a company on Cobden. This tank is used for melting butterfat. We achieved a measurable difference in the contents of this tank. ...The outside of the tank was previously too hot to touch. With three coats of Nansulate applied, the surface was now warm to touch and there was a visual improvement to the melting efficiency of the product inside. We are very happy with the performance of Nansulate and intend on using it to paint future tanks," said David Morabito, project engineer, Ultraspin Technology Pty Ltd.
Brewery: The objective was to insulate, reduce surface temperature, protect equipment from corrosion and moisture. Nansulate Translucent High Heat was applied to heat interchangers and other equipment to insulate, protect against corrosion, and decrease the amount of energy used for equipment processes. Preliminary results showed a difference of 20 degrees Celsius (36 Fahrenheit) after a three-coat coverage (approximate thickness of 7 mils).
