In the construction of a steel structure brewery, the exterior wall panels are not only the building’s outer garment but also a crucial element in ensuring production safety, energy efficiency, and quality. How to scientifically select the right panels given different climates and regulatory requirements?
Special Needs of Breweries
The beer production environment presents multiple challenges to the building envelope system:
Temperature and Humidity Control: Fermentation and storage areas require stable temperature and humidity; the thermal insulation performance of the exterior walls directly affects energy consumption.
Hygiene and Safety: Frequent cleaning (CIP system), steam, and condensate environments require panels with dense, seamless, corrosion-resistant, and easily disinfectable surfaces.
Fire Safety Standards: Food factories generally require Class A non-combustible materials to avoid fire risks.
Durability and Adaptability: Resistant to UV radiation, salt spray (coastal areas), and acid/alkali cleaning agents.
Sustainability: Global customers are increasingly focused on material recyclability and the carbon footprint throughout the entire life cycle.
Mainstream Recommendation
✅ Rock Wool Sandwich Panels
Core Advantages: Class A fire resistance (melting point over 1000℃), excellent thermal and sound insulation, suitable for high-humidity environments after moisture-proof treatment.
Structural Compatibility: 0.5–0.8mm aluminized zinc-coated steel sheet + 50–100mm rock wool core, efficient installation with steel structure purlins.
Globally Verified: Complies with international standards such as EN 14509 (Europe) and ASTM E84 (North America), widely used in beer projects in Germany, the United States, and Southeast Asia.
Added Value: Optional antibacterial coating on the surface, concealed seams to eliminate hygiene dead spots.
⚠️ Other Options (for reference):
Polyurethane (PU) Sandwich Panels: Superior insulation performance (low thermal conductivity), but local fire rating needs to be confirmed (limited use in some areas).
Single-layer color steel sheet + internal insulation: Lower cost, but prone to condensation, complex maintenance, not recommended for main exterior walls.
Fiber cement board/aluminum composite panel: Suitable for partial decoration, but heavy, with weak insulation, resulting in a low overall cost-effectiveness.
Selection Recommendations
Climate Adaptability: In tropical regions, focus on moisture and corrosion resistance (choose high-zinc coated aluminum-zinc panels), in cold regions, increase insulation thickness.
Compliance First: Confirm the fire resistance and wind pressure requirements of the local building codes (such as IBC, NFPA) in advance.
Details Determine Quality: Pay attention to the edge-locking process of the panels, the design of the gutter drainage, and the sealing of door and window joints to avoid future leaks.
Full-Cycle Perspective: Choose recyclable materials (steel recycling rate exceeding 90%) to reduce long-term operation and maintenance costs.
Conclusion
A high-quality exterior wall is a silent guardian of the brewery’s efficient, safe, and green operation. Rock wool metal sandwich panels with their comprehensive functionality and global applicability, have become the mainstream choice in the industry. It is recommended to collaborate with Canglong, a professional steel structure service provider, for in-depth design to ensure the building truly serves production needs.
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