Controlling potato store environments with polyurethane insulation

Controlling a potato store environment can be a risky business – with farmers running the risk of ruined crops. During spells of cold, wintry weather the internal surfaces of agricultural buildings can become wet with condensation and severely damage the potato harvest. By insulating the building this risk can be substantially reduced.

A closed-cell spray applied polyurethane foam insulant can be used directly onto the internal surfaces of the building façade. This will insulate the building and help to regulate the temperature so that sudden hot or cold temperature variations are not so likely. As the insulant is sprayed straight on to the building substrate this helps to seal the building and control internal temperatures.

Insulating the agricultural building allows the sugar levels of stored crops to be maintained for longer and lower temperatures can preserve potato quality.

Sprayed polyurethane foam is a simple task for a professionally trained installer. The association representing spray foam installers for agriculture and other sectors is the British Urethane Foam Contractors Association. The association has a list of registered installers at www.bufca.co.uk.

Application is a speedy process as installers are adept at installing large areas very quickly. The insulant is sprayed on and cures to form a robust, rigid layer of highly efficient insulation.

Closed cell polyurethane foam has been around for over 40 years. The polyurethane insulant is a two-component liquid system which produces a highly-efficient blanket of insulation with an exceptional thermal conductivity figure. Systems can be applied to various depths and have K-values in the range of 0.025 to 0.028W/mK.

Farmers know that the risk of condensation, freezing temperatures or the lack of a controlled temperature environment may be disastrous for potato crops. However, there is no longer any need to run this risk as a simple application of sprayed foam can help to maintain a healthy potato stock.

www.bufca.co.uk.