PVC is without doubt one of the most diversely used and useful types of plastic in modern manufacture. With applications spanning industries from industrial manufacture to agricultural and even food production, PVC is a material which lends itself to an incredible number of different uses. Thanks to its durability, flexibility and chemical resistance, polyvinyl chloride is found in clothing, flooring, inflatable structures, hosing and strip curtains alongside hundreds if not thousands of other items.

When used in clothing, the main strengths of PVC are its relatively low price in comparison to leather, rubber and latex, the fact that it is waterproof and that when suitably treated it very closely resembles leather. Due to these properties, the polymer is regularly found in jackets, bags, shoes and aprons. Despite the popularity of PVC clothing it is by no means the fashion industry which makes the most use of this popular material, that accolade falls to the manufacturing industry, which relies on PVC items for a number of roles.

PVC strip curtains are an absolute essential in any manufacturing or storage environment which requires closely controlled temperatures, containment of airborne particles or protection from pests. It is particularly useful in locations which experience a high level of motorised or pedestrian traffic and also helps to improve energy efficiency by making a positive impact on heat loss. Due to this series of useful traits and the low cost of PVC strip curtains, they are an ever popular addition to the majority of storage facilities- particularly those which are chilled for such purposes as food storage.

Of equal prevalence in industrial settings is PVC hose. This simple, unassuming item is used for myriad purposes, including but not limited to:

Water and fluid handling
Hydraulics
Food handling
Beverage lines
Coolant lines
Crop spraying
Chemical transfer

Due particularly to PVC’s chemical resilience, low cost and flexibility, PVC hose is incredibly versatile and widely used in a great number of processes and manufacturing techniques. It is equally adept at fulfilling sanitation and suction purposes in the home or business environment and as such is produced in vast quantities to satisfy the worldwide demand. As it does not corrode, is waterproof and with the use of plasticizers: is incredibly flexible, PVC hose is invaluable in all manner of plumbing applications, alongside its numerous other uses.

PVC strip curtains are widely used in industrial and commercial applications. Their affordability, versatility and simplicity mean that although not quite at the cutting edge of technology, their usefulness cannot be played down.


What Are PVC Strip Curtains?

PVC is short for Polyvinyl chloride, which is a thermoplastic polymer derived from hydrogen and chlorine. As the final product is 57% chlorine, the manufacture of PVC uses less petroleum than that of most plastics. PVC in it’s rawest state is relatively stiff and brittle, as such, when used in such items as strip curtains; which demand flexibility; plasticizers are added. In addition to plasticizers, other additives such as UV barriers, pigments and flame retardants can be used to grant the material further beneficial properties. Even without specific additives, PVC is biologically and chemically resistant. As such, PVC strip curtains are ideal in environments in which they may come into contact with substances which are damaging to other plastics and metals.

In terms of the curtains themselves, they simply consist of strips of PVC material attached to a rugged rail. Strips are available in varying widths and lengths to suit different applications and can be used over small or large apertures.

Where Are PVC Strip Curtains Commonly Used?

PVC strip curtains are most prevalent in environments which feature high levels of pedestrian or motor traffic. Whilst they allow easy thoroughfare they also prevent excessive heat from being lost. They are equally useful in conjunction with chilled display cabinets or catering refrigeration units as they prevent temperature changes whilst allowing full visibility due to their transparency. Aside from the insulation benefits, PVC curtains also lower the risk of contamination of produce due to airborne pathogens and contain fumes and toxic particles in situations which necessitate their creation.

Major Benefits

As well as allowing easy passage, insulating and preventing contamination, PVC strip curtains also aid in energy efficiency. By minimising heat loss or temperature rises, they drastically impact upon excessive electricity consumption in temperature regulated areas. As a consequence of this, they help reduce a company or individual’s carbon footprint when appropriately implemented whilst also lowering fuel bills and improving energy efficiency.

To summarise, despite their simplicity, PVC strip curtains facilitate not only more efficient use of resources, but also provide solutions to problems which would otherwise have been addressed using more costly means. Their multitudinous benefits and applications make them an incredibly versatile tool in a wide-ranging array of situations and environments.

Environmental responsibility is something of a buzzword at present and rightly so, as the extent to which our activity has impacted upon the earth has only relatively recently come to light. With individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint and government initiatives established to attempt to reduce motor vehicle usage, it has affected all aspects of life. Businesses, particularly those involved with the manufacturing sector have by no means escaped this concerted push to lower emissions and minimise energy consumption.

In order to meet specific regulations relating to emissions, many companies have had to change their practices and invest in new technology. The laws surrounding energy efficiency however are not as strict and given the cost of replacing all older equipment with new, more efficient machinery, many companies opt to stick with what they have and continue to pay higher fuel bills: as this is cheaper in the short-term than a complete equipment upgrade. Although this is the case in a sizeable percentage of manufacturing industries, some businesses are able to drastically reduce their energy consumption with the implementation of simple and eminently affordable solutions.

A prime example of a way to improve energy efficiency without substantial capital outlay can be found when considering ways to sustain temperature in temperature controlled areas. This requirement is widespread in not only the manufacturing industry but also warehousing of perishable goods and many other industries. One way to reduce energy bills is to invest in cutting edge ventilation and heating systems, which could realistically result in a hefty reduction in electricity consumption: but unfortunately would cost a great deal in the outset. A more affordable approach is the implementation of PVC strip curtains. Used as an alternative to conventional doors and as barriers between different areas, they allow ease of thoroughfare whilst preventing heat loss or temperature increases where appropriate: without using any power.

As well as insulating more effectively than alternative solutions, PVC strip curtains reduce temperature fluctuations: it is these fluctuations that cause peaks in power usage, as the cooling or heating equipment must initiate an intensive burst in order to get the temperature back within the required parameters following a drastic change in temperature: as would result from leaving a door open or similar.
The use of PVC strip curtains is simply a good example of the ways that companies can incorporate affordable low-tech solutions when trying to improve energy efficiency without denting their capital. Very often it is intelligent alterations rather than blind technological overhauls which are most effective for cutting costs and preserving the environment.

The energy saving benefit of PVC strip curtains as a result of their heat retention is well documented. The usefulness of this versatile and simple item extends far beyond the realms of environmental awareness and overhead slashing however. The strip curtain can be implemented in a wide range of circumstances and combats numerous inconveniences and dangers. The following are just a small selection of the benefits offered:

Pest Control

Strip doors provide a physical barrier which prevents the entrance of airborne insects and other contaminant organisms. Although easily moved by humans, the gapless barrier created by a PVC curtain is resilient and robust enough to not only stop insects from passing through but also birds and other small animals. Another benefit of the strip curtain is that due to its transparency and minimal light distortion, this protective function can be capitalised upon for the protection of display units, without compromising an observer’s view of the product itself.

Dust and Fume Containment

Although by no means an airtight seal, PVC barrier curtains are incredibly effective at containing dust and fumes. In conjunction with adequate ventilation, the spread of potentially hazardous airborne particles is drastically reduced when a PVC curtain is used across entrances and exits. This application is particularly beneficial in industrial environments which involve woodcutting, spray painting and other processes likely to generate irritants or fumes. The use of barrier curtains in toxic environments is imperative in some circumstances for the wellbeing of all involved.

Limitation of Sound Pollution

Either used alone or in conjunction with a conventional door, PVC door curtains not only insulate effectively against heat, but also insulate from sound. Admittedly not ideal as a replacement for a heavy duty door in night clubs and the like, door curtains offer discernable reductions in sound in industrial environments: without compromising accessibility. The dampening and reduction of volume is a welcome benefit which is unlikely to be the sole purpose for purchase, but a serious incentive to those already considering the product for its other attributes.

The true value of PVC strip curtains in industrial environments doesn’t necessarily reside in the individual advantages highlighted, but in the cumulative benefit of various functions in conjunction with one another. Other supplementary factors which apply to almost all circumstances include the cost efficiency of PVC strip doors, ease of pedestrian traffic and simplicity of assembly of the units. In short, PVC strip curtains are suitable in an expansive array of scenarios and the advantages are both multitudinous and diverse.

Established in 1979, Capital City Abrasives specialise in abrasive products and work closely with customers on a local, national and international level.

With an extensive range of products including: Cutting and grinding discs; grinding wheels; sandpapers; wire wheels; cup wheels; flap wheels; rolls; angle grinders, and a varied selection of power tools, they aim to help companies and individuals alike to get the job done.

By establishing partnerships with many large suppliers including Tyrolit, Klingspor, Hermes, Bahco, Dewalt, Ryobi, Black & Decker, Capital City Abrasives are perfectly poised to obtain products at the most competitive of prices. In addition, they pride themselves on customer service levels and guarantee a reliable and professional service all-round. Making them the ideal firm to suggest if looking for the necessary tools to fit a PVC strip curtain or undertake significantly bigger tasks.

Capital City is an active member of Link-up, the rail industry scheme and boast customers such as Network Rail; Balfour Beatty; Carillion Rail and Unipart Rail Logistics. Contracts of this size and importance pay testament to the reliability and quality of Capital City Abrasives.

With the snow falling thick and fast across the length and breadth of the country, bringing in tidings of joy and precarious icy highways, the majesty and dangers of this chilly visitor are made apparent. Evidently snow only occurs when the temperature is dancing around zero and as such the air is chilled enough to cut through the thickest of hats and scarves. As we don our extra layers and brace against the frosty spells it is worth considering the implications of these brazen weathers upon heat loss, for failure to curb carbon emissions may well make for ever more inhospitable winters.

With the cavities in walls well stuffed with insulation and energy efficient heaters discreetly whirring at full speed in industrial spaces, the frosty snap is guarded against and it’s impact on fuel guzzling dampened. That is of course except when a trade’s very nature demands a bustling thoroughfare or persistent pedestrian presence. In these cases the services of the durable and economical PVC strip curtain are at their most desired. Creating a permeable barrier against the elements and icy sludge, the strip curtain keeps the inhabitants warm and globe chilled by preventing a gorge on energy resources.

This Christmas consider PVC strip curtains as the guardians of your desired temperature.

With energy bills increasing on a regular basis, and environmental concerns at the forefront of public conscience, many companies are looking to minimise resource wastage as much as possible.

One of the most effective means of reducing energy wastage is the prevention of heat loss in industrial environments. Although the general focus in this field is upon insulation, there are numerous circumstances in which other solutions must be sought to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

In many industrial environments set temperatures need to be maintained, and often these areas encounter a high level of footfall: as a consequence of the comings and goings of personnel, heating or cooling systems regularly must operate above their most efficient levels to maintain a constant temperature. Simply using doors between rooms of different temperature is an ineffective means of maintaining this constant, as every time the door is opened large quantities of cool or warm air enter the controlled temperature zone. With this in mind another solution must be sought to prevent heat loss in regularly accessed areas.

As is often the case, the simplest solution is the most effective means of reducing the impact of the problem of heat loss: PVC strip curtains. Strip curtains allow ease of access for those wishing to pass between temperature controlled zones whilst simultaneously retaining heat and minimising the entry of airborne contaminants.

The ultimate upside of the reduced heat loss attributable to the installation of PVC strip curtains is the environmental benefit. Many industrial processes are by their very nature likely to impact upon the environment, it is however the duty of the manufacturers to ensure that this impact is kept to an absolute minimum. By the implementation of seemingly minor steps against energy wastage, such as the installation of PVC strip curtains, companies can show that they do pay attention to environmental concerns and reduce their carbon footprint as well as their energy overheads.

Written By: Jamie Lyons