Temcor Inc

Source: Manufacturing Digital

Date :04/01/2008 11:03:35

Temcor is the biggest aluminum dome manufacturer and installer in the world, creating a host of superior architectural and environmental enclosures

Written by Ian Armitage and Produced by Brian Malaquias

Founded in 1964, Temcor Inc. designs, manufactures and installs maintenance-free all-aluminum architectural and environmental enclosures. Its structures, which primarily include clear-span domes and related space frames fabricated from aluminum, are used for covering tankage of all types, as well as architectural applications such as gymnasiums, arenas and theatres.

More than 35 years of pioneering design and engineering is built into each and every Temcor product and almost 7,000 Temcor domes have been installed throughout the world, each one standing the test of time in some extremely harsh environments. As a result, Temcor, Inc. has gained a reputation as the best dome manufacturer and installer in the world. It has made domes twice as big as its nearest competitor and never had one fail.

A remarkable story

Behind Temcor’s acclaimed domes and coverings, lies a remarkable story, which began in 1968 when the company built the first aluminum dome for a water storage tank. In 1969, it built the first dome for a wastewater tank and the first system for a petroleum tank followed in 1977. Temcor also went on to construct the world's largest free standing aluminum dome - measuring approximately 127 meters in diameter - in 1982.

All of these extraordinary, pioneering constructions are still in service, as are other Temcor domes that are currently withstanding the heat of a Middle Eastern desert, typhoon winds of 300 kilometers per hour on a Pacific Island and uneven snow loads of 1,500 kilograms per square meter in the Antarctic, to name just a few.

Distinct, not average

Distinctive in appearance, Temcor clear-span aluminum domes are as beautiful as they are efficient and enduring. The dome is secured by a patented Temcor batten closure system, and has the ability to cover large areas. It is typically used on churches, planetariums and observatories, but can be applied wherever clear-span roof systems are needed.

By providing greater stiffness and strength, Temcor clear-span aluminum domes are noted for their ability to meet exacting liveload requirements. The domes have been designed for snow loads of up to 165 pounds per square foot and wind loads of up to 150 mph. They are even engineered to support loads of up to 500 pounds on any one square foot – truly remarkable.

As if it couldn’t get any better, the energy efficiency of Temcor clear-span aluminum domes is superb and results in, amongst other things, reduced operating expenses. Since they're made entirely of aluminum, they have the inherent advantage of high heat reflectivity and low emissions. That means lower heating and cooling costs.

There are maintenance savings to be made too – as the permanent aluminum exterior never rusts, rots, spalls, or solar degrades. Because Temcor clear-span aluminum domes also use less material and labor than conventional constructions, overall costs are lower and construction time is faster.

First choice domes

Temcor aluminum domes, covers and structures are the first choice for thousands of industrial applications worldwide. Featuring all-aluminum construction, Temcor industrial enclosures are lightweight, corrosion-resistant and maintenance-free. This means longer lives and lower costs. They don't rust like steel, they don't degrade with ultraviolet light like fiberglass, and they don't spall like concrete. Their strength and versatility are unmatched.

To offer an example, such domes have revolutionized petroleum tank covers. They protect valuable resources like water and are the ideal environmental enclosure for water treatment, materials processing and bulk storage. Water, wastewater plants and storage facilities are also increasingly turning to Temcor. Temcor aluminum domes are versatile enough to permit a wide range of accessories - important to the water and wastewater industry.

The aluminum advantage

Used for everything from gymnasiums, schools and theme parks to storage facilities, multi-purpose arenas and industrial roof systems, lightweight aluminum components speed fabrication and erection of the dome roof. Aluminum can be finished in a variety of ways, and is virtually maintenance-free, unlike steel or wood, for instance.

So why choose aluminum over wood or steel? Well, as a structural material it offers a very high strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance and manufacturability in numerous forms. In most dome constructions aluminum applications are light enough to be handled by one worker, simplifying the erection and material handling activities during the process.

Temcor aluminum domes are no different and are noted for their ability to meet exacting live load requirements by providing greater stiffness and strength, pound-for-pound, than any other dome geometry system. Yet, they weigh a mere five percent of conventional concrete equivalents.

Temcor domes also promote process efficiency in cold climates, and they can't be beaten for containment of odors and vapors. In fact, their low profile reduces vapor space. What’s more, their all-aluminum construction is completely resistant to hydrogen sulfide, chlorine and other corrosive vapors found in water and wastewater treatment plants.

Aluminum really does add up and has a number of advantages. It is a corrosive-resistant material, won’t chip or rust and does not deteriorate. It doesn’t require a protective coating and is light. It is also strong and durable. In terms of construction, aluminum is cost effective, reduces maintenance costs and can be pre-engineered to reduce construction times.

How to build a dome

The ‘tower erection construction process’ used by Temcor has numerous benefits. The process consists of a dome being erected from the center outward to the perimeter using a center erection tower. Workers assemble the frame on the ground, lifting the dome up as each strut ring is completed. On average, a Temcor Aluminum Dome is assembled using one-third the man hours required for conventional construction.

The ‘crane erection process’ - an alternative, yet equally competitive construction method - consists of a dome being erected on the ground and then lifted into place with a crane. This process can save valuable construction time since the dome and tank or support walls can be built simultaneously. A dome for the water or wastewater industry can be installed without taking the tank out of service.

Where space is limited, the ‘In-Place Erection’ process is a must and consists of a dome being built directly on a tank or building wall. The dome is assembled from the outside toward the center.

Future

Temcor has revolutionized the aluminum dome covering industry since its formation. Expansion is on the cards and the company is expected to grow by around ten percent in 2008. This is an exciting time for Temcor, which has a history of erection that will no doubt put it above numerous competitors, eager to increase their own market share. Indeed, it has built many of the largest domes constructed by man and has a reputation envied by all.