Building renovations are an excellent time to increase energy efficiency and make critical upgrades to systems. Project managers working at a leading Texas-based supermarket chain, H-E-B, took their insulation installation efforts to the next level during renovations and new construction. By utilizing our Solutions Portfolio and technical teams for proper insulation inspection, H-E-B and BT Services created a successful partnership with Armacell.
Trusted Insulation, Trusted Support
There are more than 63,000 supermarkets in the US and each one has dozens of walk-in coolers, deli display refrigerators, and glass door freezer and refrigeration units. These chilled continuous service temperatures are a constant target of moisture causing surface condensation and vapor permeation. Condensation is a refrigerant system’s enemy and can cause decreased thermal efficiency, pipe corrosion under insulation, icing, mold or mildew growth, system failure, safety issues (wet floors), and most importantly system downtime. In addition, refrigeration units must run 24/7 to maintain food quality and inventory, so finding strategies to control cost and optimize energy use while avoiding surface condensation starts with system design and superior insulation installation.
One trusted and easy strategy is installing flexible, elastomeric insulation on refrigerated pipes and systems. These below-ambient systems can vary by application, temperature requirements, refrigerant types, and operating environments, but commercial and industrial refrigeration systems are all designed to operate in typically the 20°F to -50°F range. Supermarkets tend to focus on refrigeration energy efficiency during renovations or new store openings as was the case with the Texas-based chain, H-E-B. With over 400 locations, H-E-B is a major link in the grocery supply chain system, and they are constantly looking for ways to drive continuous improvement. In 2022 when H-E-B engineering teams contracted BT Services, they explained H-E-B’s sustainability mission of ensuring their facilities are designed to save energy, reuse materials, reduce harmful pollutants, and conserve natural resources. H-E-B specified insulation with this in mind and discussed Armacell’s Solutions Portfolio benefits with our technical teams. The solution was a customer-focused effort that supported construction projects with superior products, advanced training, and hands-on inspection during renovations or new builds.
H-E-B contractors previously used other insulation with mixed results. Another sticking point with H-E-B was proper installation training. Understandably, H-E-B was selective when choosing new suppliers and materials. Eddie Gonzalez, Director of Engineering at H-E-B commented, “The Solutions Portfolio insulation system provides a cost-efficient path to improving energy-efficiency and sustainability of refrigeration systems, and it goes well with our progression of improving the specification process, methods of installation, and long-term cost of ownership. All these factors contributed to how we got here and Armacell is a piece of our program."
What sealed the deal, was Armacell’s customer support. Not only were installers provided with free AQIP training to ensure proper insulation installation, but both H-E-B and BT Services gained piece of mind by having our Armacell’s technical experts survey job sites to inspect contractors during and after project completion. "As part of the Solutions Portfolio program, customers receive hands-on service from Armacell. Each project is inspected by an Armacell representative making sure that the right products are installed in the right way, and in the right place. I've personally inspected new H-E-B grocery stores since they signed on with the program where I am in PPE, up on a scissor lift 20 feet in the air, getting a close-up look at the insulation on the refrigerant systems. This level of detail gives customers the satisfaction of knowing that our products are being correctly installed and specifications are being followed," remarked Luke Rogers, Market Development Manager at Armacell.
Now, all new and renovated H-E-B grocery stores will only specify and install AP/ArmaFlex® insulation, ArmaFlex 520 Adhesive, and ArmaFix® Insuguard pipe saddles on refrigeration lines, pipes, and systems. And Armacell will be there to review and support their successes.