Tech Update

For its new 60,000-sq.-ft. plant, Coleman specified air curtains, above two 16 by 16-ft. and one 12 by 12-ft. overhead doors. The curtains retain heat while the doors are open, allowing the irm to maintain a 60 F wintertime temperature generated purely from the waste heat of its industrial welding processes. Previously, in its older plant, the company used supplemental heaters, kept the shipping doors open more frequently, and used exhaust fans to expel welding fumes—and wintertime heat. Now the company incurs no supplemental winter heating costs, significantly reduces heat loss during open-door periods, and recirculates heated air through the air curtains.

The air curtains activate manually or with a limit switch triggered by a door opening. They draw interior air from the facility and discharge it through field-adjustable nozzles.

Berner Intl.: 724/658-3551; www.berner.com