Ted TALK #2: “Honest Talk”

Ted TALK: "Honest Talk"

Okay, yes, a rather direct statement - - yet more-so a promise from Dyplast to customers and others in the industry. You’re receiving this message either because we’ve either worked together in the past, may work together in the future, or you have somehow followed us. In my first Ted TALK I jumped into the fray with the “Mechanical Insulation Value Chain” blog assuming you knew me and understood the context. The responses were positive but I wanted to step back and explain where I was coming from. 

Dyplast is entrenched in Mechanical (pipe/equipment) Insulation and Panel Insulation, indeed mostly for temperatures less than ambient, yet we’re also innovative in Composite and Core Foams. Within those product/market contexts, you can expect to hear honest comments about issues and trends that affect us.  To the extent that you disagree with me, I welcome your input. In this highly technical and complex industry, I have heard that you feel many suppliers misrepresent or do-not-disclose the real story which is why I will be offering you my honest opinion to help inform you.

In my next Ted TALK I’ll get back to meat-and-potatoes issues.

Approaching the Holiday season, everyone at Dyplast extends to you our best wishes!

Respectfully

Ted Berglund

President

Dyplast Products

www.dyplast.com

Dyplast Products attending NIA's 2016 Fall Summit

Dyplast Products invites you to join us November 2-3 2016 at the NIA Fall Summit, at the Hilton Crystal City in Arlington Virginia. NIA’s Fall Summit is an annual 2-day members-only event that includes topical speakers, open committee meetings, tailored industry sessions, and networking opportunities to develop new business relationships. Designed to “Educate, Engage, and Elevate,” the goal of the Fall Summit meeting is to provide actionable content for attendees that companies can implement immediately to improve their businesses.

Joe Hughes (VP Sales & Marketing ) will be representing Dyplast to discuss the latest in polyurethanes technology used in the Dyplast Products family of polyisocyanurate rigid core foam insulation. The ISO-C1 products are an integral part of the design and successful operation of refrigeration systems and mechanical pipe insulation systems.

We look forward to participating and seeing you at this important event!

Dyplast publishes New "Ted TALK" series of Insulation industry conversations

Ted TALK:

Mechanical Insulation Value Chain:

I actively encourage my staff's dialogues with individuals and companies up, down, and across the value chain for mechanical insulation for low-temperature pipe and equipment. ISO-C1® polyisocyanurate is of course Dyplast's brand, yet this blog is generic. You may ask me "why exert so much effort to engage all these conversations?" My answer, which I hope is echoed below, is we each benefit and the industry benefits!

The value chain for the End-User (typically the Asset Owner) ends when the optimal insulation system is finally installed. Yet where does it begin, and where can it be broken? Frankly, the value chain has many participants and the more players there are, the higher the risk.

This first Ted Talk blog on the subject of Value Chain focuses on Installation Contractors, who clearly play key roles and each of whom can be considered the last cog in this value chain. They are often the final contractors squeezed by schedules, blamed for late commissioning, and when a system's thermal performance is "less than design" can be sued.

When Dyplast calls or visits an Installation Contractor we're almost always welcomed openly and with respect. Then when the conversation is all business we hear:

"We only "put on" what we're told"

"We're just basically a middleman"

"We do not actually buy the insulation"

"We don't write the specs"

"But what can we do?"

My general response is:

"Like it or not you each know you have potential liability!"

"Wouldn't it be better to know that what you are putting on is of the highest quality?"

I relate the story when I was asked by an "old time" player "why did Dyplast do all that testing?" My reply was "I really like to sleep at night."

If you've been so kind to read my blog thus far, I guess you know I can be a bit long on words. Indeed!  Yet in my own defense - - this is a complex subject. I will strive to use more sound-bites. Don't hold your breath!

Respectfully

Ted Berglund

President

Dyplast Products

www.dyplast.com

Dyplast Products attending 2016 Polyurethanes Technical Conference

Dyplast Products is proud to announce we will be attending the 2016 Polyurethanes Technical Conference at the Hilton Baltimore - Baltimore, Maryland from September 26 – 28 2016.

Fostering both technical and professional development, the Polyurethanes Technical Conference is the premier destination to learn about the latest in polyurethanes technology used in the Dyplast Products family of ISO-C1® polyiso insulation. The ISO-C1 products are an integral part of the design and successful operation of refrigeration systems and mechanical pipe insulation systems.

We look forward to participating and seeing you at this important event!

Dyplast Products exhibiting at 2016 CAMX – Composites and Advanced Materials Expo

Dyplast Products is proud to announce we will be exhibiting at the 2016 CAMX – Composites and Advanced Materials Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center – Anaheim, California from September 26 – 29 2016.

CAMX is the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event for products, solutions, networking, and advanced industry thinking. Joe Hughes (VP Sales & Marketing) and Tom McGettigan (Sr. Account Manager) will be talking about the latest in polyurethanes technology used in the Dyplast Products family of polyisocyanurate rigid core foam insulation in the EXPO Hall at our exhibit (J92).

We look forward to participating and seeing you at this important event!

Dyplast Products attending the Thermal Insulation Association of Canada’s 2016

Dyplast Products will be attending the Thermal Insulation Association of Canada’s (TIAC) 2016 Annual Conference at Delta Bessborough Hotel Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from September 17 – 20, 2016.

The 2016 Conference program will feature timely presentations by industry experts and leaders, business meetings where you can engage in sector-specific discussions and networking opportunities to connect with friends new and old.

The Thermal Insulation Association of Canada is the national industry association for contractors, distributors and manufacturers of commercial, industrial and institutional thermal insulation, asbestos abatement and firestop. Dyplast Products has been an active supporter of TIAC for many years and is eager to be a part of this Annual Conference.

Claude Hartdegen will be representing Dyplast to discuss the ISO-C1® ASTM C591 and CINI 2014 results and other topics related to polyisocyanurate insulation. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dyplast Products attending CSIA/ESICA 2016 Fall Conference

Dyplast Products will be attending CSIA/ESICA Fall Conference 2016 at Marriott Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from September 8 – 10 2016

ESICA represents both small and large mechanical, commercial, industrial and asbestos abatement contractors as well as various suppliers and distributors of products and services to the industry. CSIA is a non-profit trade association working with member firms to insure customers get the best mechanical insulation systems. Dyplast has been supporting CSIA and ESICA over many years, and is eager to again be part of this valuable Conference.

The Dyplast family of ISO-C1® polyiso insulation mechanical pipe insulation system is an integral part of the design and successful operation of mechanical pipe insulation and refrigeration systems. ISO-C1® has been successfully used for many years as mechanical pipe insulation and is a proven economic insulation technology.

Dyplast Senior Account manager, Tom McGettigan will be attending this year. He will be looking forward to meeting all those attending this important event!

Dyplast Products receives Mica’s Platinum Level “Safety Best Practices Award”

At Mica’s 58^thAnnual Spring Convention, Dyplast Products was presented the Platinum Level “Safety Best Practices Award”. Tom McGettigan shown in the photo received the award on Dyplast’s behalf. Tom said, “ It is with great pride and pleasure that I accept this prestigious safety award on behalf of Dyplast Products”.

Also shown below is a photo of Ted Berglund, President and CEO presenting the MICA Platinum award to Ramon Betancourt, Safety Manager.

Safety is recognized by MICA as a vital part of the insulation industry and a key success factor in any organization. Dyplast Products was recognized at the opening breakfast meeting for members and spouses. MICA also set aside a “Safety Roundtable Discussion” session at which the participating companies shared their “Safety Best Practices” with the general membership.

The grading process for the “Best Practices in Safety” Award Program uses a grading system that recognizes each applicant’s achievement in developing a quality safety program. The award levels are: Platinum: 95 to 100% Gold: 88 to 94% Silver: 80 to 87% Bronze: 70 to 79%.

This is the 5^th industry Safety award that Dyplast has received since 2012. The National Insulation Association has awarded Dyplast 4 times previously for their stellar Safety Perormance. 

Dyplast publishes 3rd article in LNG magazine "Risk mitigation, Beyond Standards"

The third Dyplast article published in the LNG Industry magazine July- August 2016 issue is entitled “Risk Mitigation Beyond Standards”. The article looks at LNG insulation systems risk mitigation, making sure that the insulant materials comply with ASTM C591 and CINI 2014 standards. The engineer and asset owner must identify which physical properties are the most pertinent, establish minimum and maximum values as dictated by ASTM and or EN test methods and require that they be tested at cryogenic temperatures. Good risk mitigation should track, anticipate, and plan for failure and problems that should not occur.  

Click here to read full Article LNG Magazine (Risk Mitigation Beyond Standards) July 2016

Please visit Dyplast’s web-site www.dyplast.com to read the article.

Dyplast attending SEICA Spring Meeting

Dyplast Products will be attending the 2016 SEICA Spring Meeting from 26-28 June at The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The Southeastern Insulation Contractors Association, SEICA, is an organization interested in promoting better relations between private owners and public bodies, their architects, engineers, mechanical contractors and insulation contractors. Dyplast has been a member of SEICA for many years and looks forward to being a part of this important meeting.

Robert Sanchinel will be the Dyplast representative and looks forward to discussing the ISO-C1® ASTM C591-15 and CINI 2014 results. We forward to seeing you there!

Dyplast attending SEICA Spring Meeting

Dyplast Products will be attending the 2016 SEICA Spring Meeting from 26-28 June at The King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The Southeastern Insulation Contractors Association, SEICA, is an organization interested in promoting better relations between private owners and public bodies, their architects, engineers, mechanical contractors and insulation contractors. Dyplast has been a member of SEICA for many years and looks forward to being a part of this important meeting.

Robert Sanchinel will be the Dyplast representative and looks forward to discussing the ISO-C1® ASTM C591-15 and CINI 2014 results. We forward to seeing you there!

Dyplast attending 58th Annual Spring Convention of MICA

Dyplast Products is pleased to be attending the upcoming 58th Annual Spring Convention of MICA (Midwest Insulation Contractors Association) at the Chateau on the Lake, Branson Missouri from June 20 – 23 2016. A highlight of the conference will be MICA presenting their 11^th annual “Best Practices in Safety” Awards of which Dyplast is proudly participating.

Since 2007, Dyplast Products’ has been a member of this professional and dynamic association of commercial and industrial insulation contractors. Tom McGettigan, Sr. Account Manager will be representing Dyplast. He is looking forward to meeting all the attendees to renew acquaintances and meeting Dyplast’s customers to discuss the ISO-C1® ASTM C591-15 and CINI 2014 results.

Dyplast Products’ Ted Berglund participates in NIA Insulation Industry Panel

Ted Berglund of Dyplast Products was a panelist in a Manufacturers VIP Panel hosted by NIA during their 61^st Annual Convention this year in Boca Raton, Florida. Ted was among a group of executives from global manufacturing companies addressing the many different opportunities and challenges within todays insulation industry. Panel discussions took place April 21–22, 2016, and topics included industry growth, supply versus demand, globalization, industry consolidation, energy conservation, life-cycle analysis, holistic code development, labor force issues, and strategic initiatives within the mechanical insulation industry.

I enjoyed participating in NIA’s Insulation Industry Panel and found that it was great vehicle to engage and respond to some of the most important and relevant issues concerning the insulation industry today.

-Ted Berglund, President & CEO, Dyplast Products, LLC.

Both panels were moderated by Ron King, a NIA consultant and 50-year veteran of the insulation industry. Michele Jones, NIA’s Executive Vice President/CEO, commented on the panel, “I am thrilled we were able to gather some of the top executives from the manufacturing sector to give an insight into the most pressing issues for the insulation industry. Their expertise made for an incredibly valuable session for our attendees and I am grateful to all the panelists for giving their time to participate in this important panel.”

Panelists included:

Ted Berglund—President and CEO, Dyplast Products, LLC
Marta Brozzi—President and CEO, DUNA-Group
Patrick Mathieu—President and CEO, Armacell             
Dr. Pawat Vitoorapakorn—CEO and Vice Chairman, Eastern Polymer Group, Aeroflex USA, Inc. (subsidiary of Eastern Polymer Group)
Donald (Don) Young—President and CEO, Aspen Aerogels, Inc.

Click to View Video of NIA Manufacturers VIP Panel

NIA Awards Dyplast Products 4th Theodore H. Brodie Safety Award

The National Insulation Association (NIA) presented Dyplast Products with the 2015 Theodore H. Brodie Distinguished Platinum Safety Award at its 61st Annual Convention/WIACO in Boca Raton, Florida, on April 21, 2016. Dyplast received its first Silver Award in 2012 and from 2013-15 received 3 Platinum Awards.

“Our Safety Team is excited to receive this award for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition highlights the dedication of our Team in maintaining an exemplary safety program and promoting a proactive safety culture that impacts each employee at Dyplast!”

-Ted Berglund, President & CEO, Dyplast Products, LLC.

“It is really rewarding when all the efforts put into this program from throughout the organization not only gives us the satisfaction of receiving the highest safety award in the industry but, that we are confident that all of our employees can return home safe to their families. It was a great pleasure to receive the Theodore H. Brodie award at the NIA convention on behalf of the entire team. Special merit to our Safety Committee and the “leader of the pack” Mr. Ramon Betancourt for making this program really work and setting the example out on the manufacturing floor.”

-Vincent Fuster, Senior Vice President & CFO, Dyplast Products, LLC.

NIA’s Safety Award is the only national award for outstanding safety performance in the mechanical insulation industry. NIA created the award program in 2004 to recognize top companies that have established structured safety programs to ensure the well-being of their employees and create safe working environments.

Dyplast Products attending 2016 SWICA 58th Annual Conference

Dyplast Products will be attending the Southwest Insulation Contractors Association (SWICA) Conference June 5-7 2016 at the Golden Nugget Casino and Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. SWICA is comprised of industrial and commercial insulation and asbestos abatement contractors and their product manufacturers, distributors and suppliers throughout the southwestern United States. Current President, David Patrick, will be talking about SWICA initiatives along with a variety timely topics from industry leaders.

Dyplast has been an active supporter of SWICA for many years and is eager to again be a part of this Annual Conference.

On a lighter note, authentic Cajun cuisines will be served at the Opening Reception by renowned Pats of Henderson. There will also be a 58^th Presidents Gala in Louisiana style with Mardi Gras dress! We look forward to seeing you there!

Claude Hartdegen will be representing Dyplast to discuss the ISO-C1® ASTM C591 and CINI 2014 results and other topics related to polyisocyanurate insulation.

Dyplast publishes new article, "Logical Thinking" in LNG Industry Magazine

Dyplast Products’ new article in LNG Industry Magazine titled "Logical Thinking" is an examination of the complexities surrounding insulant performance at cryogenic temperatures.

Physical properties of a particular insulant are often measured only at ambient temperatures. This article aims to use logical thinking to examine the performance of insulants at LNG (cryogenic) temperatures.

Fortunately, standards such as ASTM and CINI increasingly require physical properties to be measured at cryogenic temperatures, so that in the future such logical extrapolations may be less necessary.

Click the below link to read the full article...

Dyplast LNG Article Logical Thinking

Dyplast attending ESICA Spring Conference

Dyplast will be attending the Eastern States Insulation Contractors Association Conference at the Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia from May 4-6 2016.

ESICA represents both small and large mechanical, commercial, industrial and asbestos abatement contractors as well as various suppliers and distributors of products and services to the industry. Dyplast has been supporting ESICA over many years, and is eager to again be part of this valuable Conference.

The Dyplast family of ISO-C1® polyiso insulation mechanical pipe insulation system is an integral part of the design and successful operation of mechanical pipe insulation and refrigeration systems. ISO-C1® has been successfully used for many years as mechanical pipe insulation and is a proven economic insulation technology.

Dyplast New Senior Account manager, Tom McGettigan will be attending this year. He will be looking forward to meeting all those attending this important event!

Dyplast Products attending NIA's 61st Annual Convention

Dyplast Products invites you to join us April 20–23, 2016 at the NIA 61^st Annual Convention, in the beautiful city of Boca Raton on Florida's Atlantic coast. During this year's Annual Convention, NIA is is hosting WIACO and welcome members of the European Federation of Associations of Insulation Contractors (FESI) to the event.

Dyplast Products CEO, Ted Berglund, among several CEOs and executives from global manufacturers will participate in the Manufacturers VIP Panels: The Mechanical Insulation Industry—A Global Perspective.  The Panel will discuss opportunities and challenges within the industry such as…

Projected industry growth over the next 5 years; Supply versus demand; Globalization of the industry; Industry consolidation within various industry segments;

Value of continued and increased focus on energy conservation and the environment; Life-cycle analysis; Prescriptive versus holistic code development (sustainable design); and Strategic initiatives that industry participants should be focused upon in the ever-changing mechanical insulation industry.

Immediately following the Welcome Reception comes one of the highlights of NIA's Convention—the Dessert Hospitality Suites. NIA's (Associate) manufacturer member companies will host a room with delicious treats and beverages. Plan to take advantage of this opportunity to extend your time networking with industry friends while enjoying the sweetest event of the week. Dyplast invites all the participants to Dyplast Suite 10 featuring the Chef’s Special Crème Brule desserts PLUS since it is in Florida, Dyplast’s backyard, we will have a special “Latino Dessert”, Tres Leches

NIA will again recognize the winners of the 2015 Theodore H. Brodie Distinguished Safety Award. Dyplast submitted an application for the 2015 Associates (Manufacturers) category. Dyplast was the recipient of the Silver award in 2012, and the Platinum award in 2013 & 2014.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Dyplast Products attending ASTM Committee C16 Meeting

Dyplast Products will be attending the ASTM Committee C16 Meeting on Thermal Insulation at its bi-annual meeting at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas from Sunday April 10 to Wednesday April 13, 2016.

ASTM represents both small and large mechanical, commercial, industrial and asbestos abatement contractors as well as various suppliers and distributors of products and services to the industry. The Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Volume 04.06 C16 continues to play a preeminent role in all aspects important to the industry of thermal insulation.

Dyplast has been supporting ASTM over many years, and is eager to again be part of this valuable Committee Meetings

Dyplast Blog: Clarity in IIAR 2016 Conference Technical Papers

One of Dyplast's efforts over the past years has been to advocate for clarity and full disclosure of technical and empirical information - - not only in Dyplast literature but also in literature generally within the public domain. Dyplast's recent Technical Bulletins, Qwik Guides, and Articles (e.g. LNG Industry Magazine) set good examples.

Thus we feel we must comment on a Technical Paper presented at the recent IIAR Conference in Orlando titled: "Hygrothermal Analyses of Ammonia Refrigeration Pipe Insulation Systems" which contains misinformation. The Paper represents that it used computer modeling to predict moisture content that would accumulate in various insulation materials on ammonia refrigeration pipe over long periods, up to 10 years. Pipe insulation scenarios with and without vapor retarders were modeled.

In general, we offer that readers should always be cautious when evaluating conclusions from computer modeling software that are contrary to empirical evidence and logical thought processes.

Dyplast's most pertinent comments include:

 

Point #1: The Paper states it used 1.8 lb/ft3 polyisocyanurate (PIR) as its test specimen; to our knowledge this density of PIR is very rarely, if ever, used in ammonia refrigeration pipe applications. More commonly it is 2.0 or 2.5.

Point #2: The Paper predicts that over ten years, without a vapor retarder, the moisture content of the PIR insulant would be about 90% by volume. First of all, ammonia refrigeration systems present challenging problems, and the installation guidelines for virtually ALL insulants require a vapor retarder - - and more often a vapor barrier. Yet even without a vapor retarder, the claim of 90% moisture by volume lacks credibility. 90% by volume is over 3000% by weight, meaning the 1.8 lb/ft3 insulant would weight 56 lb/ft3. To our knowledge, a moisture content at this absurd level has never been recorded, and frankly appears impossible.

Point #3: The Paper indicates a thermal conductivity of 0.187 Btu.in/hr.ft2°F at 10°C was utilized in the calculations, which does not even meet ASTM C591 Standards (≤ 0.18), and thus could not be used on an ammonia refrigeration system. The k-factors of ISO-C1/2.0 and 2.5 meet ASTM C591 requirements.

Point #4: The Paper does not explain how the computer model works or to what extent the outputs have been validated against real-life scenarios. Dyplast may address this in a future Technical Bulletin.

For more information please contact us at info@dyplast.com

Dyplast Products releases Qwik Guides for Polyisocyanurate and Extruded Polystyrene

Dyplast uses Qwik Guides to condense into one page the information otherwise contained in DataSheets and longer technical materials. Dyplast’s latest release is a Qwik Guide for Polyisocyanurate and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS). 

Other Qwik Guides are available at www.dyplastproducts. com/resources/qwik-guides. The latest Qwik Guide offers information on comparisons between polyisocyanurate (PIR) and XPS. Click on the link below to view the Qwik Guide on XPS or to view the other Qwik Guides Dyplast has released to date.

Qwik Guide: Polyisocyanurate and Extruded Polystyrene

 

Dyplast Website Qwik Guides Page

 

If you have any questions please contact our professional Sales Team at sales@dyplast.com

Dyplast exhibiting at the 2016 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition

The 2016 IIAR Industrial Refrigeration Conference & Exhibition scheduled March 20-23 2016 at the Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida offers an unrivaled opportunity for companies to showcase their latest products, services innovations and technologies and for attendees to meet, network and learn from others who are interested in the same professional opportunities.

 “IIAR provides advocacy, education, and standards for the benefit of the global community in the safe and sustainable design, installation and operation of ammonia and other natural refrigerant systems.” Dyplast exhibits at the IIAR Exhibition because our ISO-C1® family of polyiso insulation mechanical pipe insulation system is an integral part of the design and successful operation of the refrigeration systems. ISO-C1® has been successfully used for many years as mechanical pipe insulationand is a proven economic insulation technology. Exhibiting at IIAR allows Dyplast personnel to discuss first hand with the engineers, designers, and owners attending, the economic value that ISO-C1® imparts to their operations. 

Come visit Dyplast at (Booth #302) where our industry experts will be ready to provide more information on full product range of polyisocyanurate insulation for both mechanical insulation and architectural panel applications.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Tom McGettigan joins Dyplast Products as Senior Account Manager

Dyplast Products, LLC is pleased to announce the newest member of the Dyplast team, Tom McGettigan. Tom joined Dyplast on January 25th as Senior Account Manager and is responsible for handling customer relationships, customer and market education and specifications for Dyplast products, and driving new business opportunities for our ISO-C1® family of products. 

Tom comes to Dyplast well recommended with more than 20+ years of experience in the fiberglass insulation industry.  Tom received a bachelor's degree in Science from The University of Florida.

Join us in celebrating this new addition to the Dyplast Products Team!

Tom will be reporting to Joe Hughes, VP Sales and Marketing.