Yet again, the walk-in cooler and freezer industry has another DOE requirement deadline. Even though the R-value requirements have not changed since the original rule-making, the panel testing procedure has been clarified. Previously, the thermal resistance could be measured as a fresh R-value. With the new testing methodology, the insulation must be tested in “final chemical form”.
“For foam produced inside of a panel (“foam-in-place”), “final chemical form” means the foam is cured as intended and ready for use as a finished panel. For foam produced as board stock (typically polystyrene), “final chemical form” means after extrusion and ready for assembly into a panel or after assembly into a panel.” DOE 431.304
This means that sample pieces are taken from the center of a panel and measured for thermal resistance in final panel form rather than immediately after the insulation was blown or extruded. The specified ASTM C518 testing method has created an even playing field for all panel manufacturers by having to test the foam in the same time frame and in the final chemical form.
All U.S. Cooler products have been tested according to the ASTM C518 testing procedure and exceed the specifications with our 4” panels. Both Extruded and Foamed-In-Place panels have been tested and meet the DOE requirements.
More information on the test procedures and DOE’s Federal Regulations can be found here: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=dfdf7e682b2b726c81d85d76170027ce&mc=true&node=sp10.3.431.r&rgn=div6
A list of certified manufacturers with the DOE can be found here: https://www.regulations.doe.gov/certification-data/CCMS-4-Walk-In_Coolers_and_Freezers_-_Panels.html#q=Product_Group_s%3A%22Walk-In%20Coolers%20and%20Freezers%20-%20Panels%22
