The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), Worldwide Olympic Partner, implemented a number of projects to help develop reliable and modern infrastructure in the city of Sochi and Krasnodar Region. Insulation materials - polyurethane systems produced at the Dow Izolan manufacturing facility in Vladimir - have been used to replace old pipes and build pipelines of the central heating system for sport and Olympic Venues in Sochi, a series of infrastructure objects in the coastal and mountain clusters as well as in the Cathedral of the Christ Nativity, the First City Hospital and Drama Theater in Krasnodar.
The Dow Izolan plant, which was built in 2009 using the best available technologies, is among Dow's most modern, safe and competitive blending facilities for polyurethane systems in the world. The plant leverages 60 years of Dow's global technological leadership in PU systems formulations as well as Izolan's scientific capabilities, market experience and strong focus on local customers.
"Izolan 350 systems, used for pipes insulation in Sochi and Krasnodar, passed the MPA Hannover certification of conformance with European Quality Standard EN 253. These systems were developed to meet the requirements of Montreal Protocol and ensure the product does not contain any ozone-depleting blowing agents. Dow Izolan formulated systems are supplied to most manufacturers of insulated, foam polyurethane pipes in Russia and the CIS," said Gennady Vaskov, commercial manager for rigid polyurethane foams at Dow Izolan.
Pipes provided with thermal insulation based on rigid polyurethane foams are used for underground channel-free and over-ground laying of district heating pipelines, allowing for double to three times durability, four times reduction in heat losses, and multiple reductions in maintenance and operating expenses.
Low level of thermal conductivity makes it possible for foam polyurethanes to reduce energy consumption significantly when compared to traditional resources like mineral cotton and foam polystyrene. Pipelines insulated by Dow Izolan "pipe-in-pipe" technology can function more than 25 years, whereas pipes systems insulated with mineral cotton and laid in channels need to be replaced every eight to ten years. Channel-free technology significantly reduces the cost of installing heating systems; whereas the remote control system helps operators immediately identify and solve issues, minimizing time and cost of pipeline repair.
"Being a Worldwide Olympic Partner and relying on Dow's almost 40 years of business experience in Russia, we are excited to create solutions that will power the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. We are committed to supporting the efforts of the Sochi Orhganizing Committee and local authorities to build smart and sustainable infrastructure in the region, help stage the Games at the highest technological level and in accordnace with safety and ecological standards as well as offer a memorable expereince for athlets and fans watching the sport events from all around the world ," said Arthur Eritspokhov, Executive Director of Dow's Olympic Operations in Russia."