January 2009 – Monolithic’s Energy Efficient Freezer Storage

Carol Lanham • Published • Press Release Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Carol Lanham
BWG Agency
972/818-0895

Monolithic Inc. Energy Efficient Freezer Storage
Unique, Insulated Dome-Shaped Building Equipped with Automated Storage and Retrieval Material Handling System (AS/RS)

ITALY, Texas (January 29, 2008) – Monolithic Inc., a Texas-based company that specializes in the construction of energy-efficient Monolithic Domes that can be used as freezer storage facilities, is proud to introduce an innovative new structure equipped with an automated storage and retrieval material handling system (AS/RS). The introduction of the new handling system makes it possible to build larger, more cost-effective domes for storage of frozen foods.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced, super insulated, concrete structures that can cost as much as 50 percent less to cool than traditional structures of the same size. The domes also are fire safe, which eliminates the need for a fire sprinkler system in most cases, and meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s criteria for near-absolute protection from tornadoes and hurricanes.

“We’ve been building freezer storage domes since 1979, but the introduction of the AS/RS system will enable us to construct larger domes that store significantly more product with only a marginal increase in cost,” said David South, who along with his brothers invented and patented the process for building Monolithic Domes and now heads Monolithic Inc.

Because the buildings have a clear-span interior and are sturdy enough for condensers to hang from the ceiling, they can now feature a rail-running AS/RS designed specifically for the dome’s round configuration. This will make it possible to build much taller domes that make more efficient use of space. With domes as tall as 250 feet, it will be possible to make better use of land, which is especially important in areas near ports where sites are limited.

The domes will continue to be as energy efficient as before because of their unique design. As the name implies, the building is one piece or monolithic. This means the structures are air tight and do not leak, resulting in less condensation. The buildings are also super-insulated with up to five inches of polyurethane foam sandwiched between its tough outer layer and several inches of steel-reinforced concrete.

The thermal properties of the concrete contribute to the dome’s energy efficiency as well because the building can be cooled during off-peak night-time hours and maintain its temperature throughout the day.

“If a Monolithic Dome is cooled to –5 degrees F at night, the temperature will only rise 2 degrees during the day when electricity prices are at their highest,” South said. “The compressor can then be turned back on again at night to achieve the desired temperature.”

For more information about Monolithic Dome freezer storage facilities, visit HYPERLINK http://www.monolithic.com.

###