Storage - Dome Technology & Design

Developed to improve storage conditions, the building process of Dome technology is based on integrating waterproofing and insulation.

The waterproofing of the dome is guaranteed by a PVC membrane that will create the initial forming and the exterior coating. Thermic insulation is guaranteed by the application of a layer of polyurethane foam on the entire inner surface of the dome.

We apply expertise and technology in the design and construction of concrete dome storage structures, allowing us to offer a complete portfolio of bulk storage solutions for the agricultural, industrial, and terminals industries. In 2018, DOMEPIRS technology from PIRS was added to our portfolio to complete our range of products in the domain of storage structures.

With this technology, we provide our customers with state of art storage systems. Our in-house team of dome structure specialists are responsible for building more than 150 projects around the globe including North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Storage should preserve the original quality of a product, not alter it. While it cannot improve agricultural products, proper storage helps maintain their condition and prevents deterioration. Products that enter storage in good condition should remain so over time. Controlling moisture is critical, as it is one of the main factors that can quickly damage stored goods.

The technology used in storage construction is critical, as vapor movement can impact product quality. Concrete is not a true vapor barrier, and damaged seals in steel silos can allow moisture to penetrate. In these conditions, issues such as corn caking may appear, often along metal sheet overlaps, with discolored kernels indicating moisture intrusion.

When product is stored in one of our domes humidity is kept at the original level as there is no water or moisture penetration.

Two waterproofing barriers are installed:

The membrane, which is inflated from the beginning, shows there is no leakage of air, so no water penetration is possible.
The polyurethane foam we use for thermal insulation is also used for roofing over concrete terraces. Furthermore, the vapor drive through our foam is very low as it has been installed for controlled atmosphere rooms.

DOME STORAGE ADVANTAGES

Domes are the ideal solution for the storage of bulk materials that are sensitive to temperature and humidity. The application of 5 cm +/- 0,5 cm of Vethane foam on the inner surface of the airform gives the dome the quality of being equivalent to a controlled atmosphere chamber. Our Vethane foam which is specially formulated to increase adhesiveness on the PVC membrane has a density of 55 kg/m3 and a lambda specification of 0,030 Watt after aging.

The dome structure guarantees the best level of preservation of the product stored even with extreme external conditions.
Domes are a completely sealed storage structure, allowing for better monitoring and dust emissions management.
The dome’s geometry allows a reduction of conveyor’s length and a simplification of the handling equipment. Domes can be filled through a simple opening on the top of the structure.
Reclaiming can be done by gravity or with mechanical/pneumatic systems. Reclaiming systems used within a dome allows a 98% reclaiming
The dome structure is considered the toughest structure with a lifetime up to 50 years. A dome can support very heavy top loads (700 tons). The structure is therefore very well accommodating for seismic and high wind areas.
Domes are cost efficient storage solutions, especially for high unit capacities. It requires mostly superficial foundations, avoiding piling and other expansive soil treatments.

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Storage - Dome Technology & Design

DOME STORAGE ADVANTAGES

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