The Urethane Blog
Everchem Updates
VOLUME XXI
September 14, 2023
Everchem’s exclusive Closers Only Club is reserved for only the highest caliber brass-baller salesmen in the chemical industry. Watch the hype video and be introduced to the top of the league: — read more
October 19, 2020
TSA Passenger Traffic Tops One Million Sunday As Return To Normalcy Continues
by Tyler Durden Mon, 10/19/2020 – 15:35
Shares of US airlines lifted off Monday morning after data this past weekend showed passenger numbers hit seven-month highs as air travelers take advantage of super low-cost airfare despite the reemergence of COVID-19.
TSA published a press release early Monday saying it “screened over 1 million passengers Sunday, representing the highest number of passengers screened at TSA checkpoints since March 17, 2020.”
The release continued: “In addition to screening one million passengers in a single day, TSA screened 6.1 million passengers at checkpoints nationwide during the week (Mon., October 12 through Sun., October 18). That weekly volume also represents the highest weekly volume for TSA since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.”h/t Reuters
According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, airport security checkpoints nationwide screened 1,031,505 people on Sunday – this is still 60% lower than one year ago. https://platform.twitter.com/embed/index.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1318157136602550274&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fpersonal-finance%2Ftsa-passenger-traffic-tops-million-sunday-return-normalcy-continues&siteScreenName=zerohedge&theme=light&widgetsVersion=ed20a2b%3A1601588405575&width=550px
TSA numbers this month show a return to normalcy, about eight months since the virus pandemic began. So far, the numbers this month show a rapid increase in travelers:
- Oct. 18 – 1,031,505 people screened
- October 14 – 717,940 people screened
- October 7 – 668,519 people screened
Readers may recall the lowest number of people screened at US airports was 87,534 on April 14, during lockdowns, where much of the airline and travel and tourism industry ground to a halt.
The increase in air travel has occurred as US virus cases topped 70,000 last Friday, the highest level since July. Single-day caseload records were seen in Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, North Dakota, Indiana, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
As we’ve pointed out to our millennial readership, roundtrip airfare has never been cheaper – and with the virus mainly affecting the older segments of the population – now could be the time to travel.
Goldman Sach’s Jan Hatzius compiled travel and tourism high-frequency data that suggests US air travel is steadily increasing from the April-May trough. US international passenger arrivals at the top five airports are also rising. Global air travel has rebounded as well.
Another proxy of the travel and tourism rebound is Airbnb searches, which rebounded and recovered back to the February baseline but have since slumped into fall.
Robinhood traders have spent the last seven months panic buying JETS ETF, with hopes the airline industry will recover in a “V-shaped” fashion.
The question traders have on their mind: How long will it take for the airline industry to recover?
October 19, 2020
TSA Passenger Traffic Tops One Million Sunday As Return To Normalcy Continues
by Tyler Durden Mon, 10/19/2020 – 15:35
Shares of US airlines lifted off Monday morning after data this past weekend showed passenger numbers hit seven-month highs as air travelers take advantage of super low-cost airfare despite the reemergence of COVID-19.
TSA published a press release early Monday saying it “screened over 1 million passengers Sunday, representing the highest number of passengers screened at TSA checkpoints since March 17, 2020.”
The release continued: “In addition to screening one million passengers in a single day, TSA screened 6.1 million passengers at checkpoints nationwide during the week (Mon., October 12 through Sun., October 18). That weekly volume also represents the highest weekly volume for TSA since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.”h/t Reuters
According to TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein, airport security checkpoints nationwide screened 1,031,505 people on Sunday – this is still 60% lower than one year ago. https://platform.twitter.com/embed/index.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=1318157136602550274&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerohedge.com%2Fpersonal-finance%2Ftsa-passenger-traffic-tops-million-sunday-return-normalcy-continues&siteScreenName=zerohedge&theme=light&widgetsVersion=ed20a2b%3A1601588405575&width=550px
TSA numbers this month show a return to normalcy, about eight months since the virus pandemic began. So far, the numbers this month show a rapid increase in travelers:
- Oct. 18 – 1,031,505 people screened
- October 14 – 717,940 people screened
- October 7 – 668,519 people screened
Readers may recall the lowest number of people screened at US airports was 87,534 on April 14, during lockdowns, where much of the airline and travel and tourism industry ground to a halt.
The increase in air travel has occurred as US virus cases topped 70,000 last Friday, the highest level since July. Single-day caseload records were seen in Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, West Virginia, North Dakota, Indiana, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado.
As we’ve pointed out to our millennial readership, roundtrip airfare has never been cheaper – and with the virus mainly affecting the older segments of the population – now could be the time to travel.
Goldman Sach’s Jan Hatzius compiled travel and tourism high-frequency data that suggests US air travel is steadily increasing from the April-May trough. US international passenger arrivals at the top five airports are also rising. Global air travel has rebounded as well.
Another proxy of the travel and tourism rebound is Airbnb searches, which rebounded and recovered back to the February baseline but have since slumped into fall.
Robinhood traders have spent the last seven months panic buying JETS ETF, with hopes the airline industry will recover in a “V-shaped” fashion.
The question traders have on their mind: How long will it take for the airline industry to recover?
October 17, 2020
US MDI markets tightening on shortages for isocyanate precursors
Author: Zachary Moore
2020/10/16
HOUSTON (ICIS)–US methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) supplies are facing further tightening amid shortages of precursors used in isocyanate production.
Dow and Covestro have recently declared force majeure at their US MDI plants while Huntsman is experiencing a partial shutdown at its MDI plant in Geismar, Louisiana, with all three producers pointing to raw material shortages as the main cause of their reduced operating rates.
HURRICANE LAURA, DELTA IMPACTS
The impacts of hurricanes Laura and Delta on the US Gulf has resulted in some tightness for some MDI intermediates.
While the hurricanes brought about no major impacts on any US Gulf MDI sites, plants producing intermediate chemicals such as aniline, nitrobenzene and chlorine were impacted.
Logistics were also interrupted due to closures at railyards and waterways, which also resulted in limitations to intermediate supply to isocyanate plants.
According to data from the Chlorine Institute, operating rates at US chlor-alkali plants have been at multi-year lows since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, with operating rates turning lower in September from August.
Westlake’s 1.29m tonnes/year chlorine plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana has experienced a prolonged outage owing to the disruption to chemical operations in the Lake Charles area caused by the impact of Hurricane Laura, which left much of the area without electricity for several weeks.
CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUES
Shortages of carbon monoxide (CO) have also played a role in the recent tightness in the MDI industry.
Chlorine is combined with CO to produce phosgene, which is reacted with methylenedianiline (MDA) to produce MDI.
Shortages impacting these intermediate chemicals have pressured MDI operating rates in North America lower even as demand for MDI and downstream polyurethane systems has been strengthening.
RECOVERING DEMAND
MDI demand recorded a strong recovery in the third quarter after a sharp decline in consumption during the second quarter during the period of strictest coronavirus-related restrictions on economic activity.
The automotive sector has seen a significant rise in operating rates in recent months as producers of vehicles and vehicle components are working to refill their supply chains after operating rates throughout the industry were reduced to record low levels in April and May.
Demand for home appliances has also moved higher in recent months as consumers are spending much of their disposable income on home improvements as travel and entertainment spending has been deferred.
The construction sector has also been a strong spot for MDI demand, with residential construction activity seeing an uptick as some home buyers are opting to larger homes in the suburbs in preference for urban housing.
MDI is consumed mainly in polyurethane foams, which account for about 80% of global consumption. Rigid foams, the largest outlet for MDI, are used mostly in construction, refrigeration, packaging and insulation. MDI is also used to make binders, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, coatings and fibres.
Major US MDI producers include BASF, Covestro, Dow and Huntsman.
Focus article by Zachary Moore
October 17, 2020
US MDI markets tightening on shortages for isocyanate precursors
Author: Zachary Moore
2020/10/16
HOUSTON (ICIS)–US methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) supplies are facing further tightening amid shortages of precursors used in isocyanate production.
Dow and Covestro have recently declared force majeure at their US MDI plants while Huntsman is experiencing a partial shutdown at its MDI plant in Geismar, Louisiana, with all three producers pointing to raw material shortages as the main cause of their reduced operating rates.
HURRICANE LAURA, DELTA IMPACTS
The impacts of hurricanes Laura and Delta on the US Gulf has resulted in some tightness for some MDI intermediates.
While the hurricanes brought about no major impacts on any US Gulf MDI sites, plants producing intermediate chemicals such as aniline, nitrobenzene and chlorine were impacted.
Logistics were also interrupted due to closures at railyards and waterways, which also resulted in limitations to intermediate supply to isocyanate plants.
According to data from the Chlorine Institute, operating rates at US chlor-alkali plants have been at multi-year lows since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, with operating rates turning lower in September from August.
Westlake’s 1.29m tonnes/year chlorine plant in Lake Charles, Louisiana has experienced a prolonged outage owing to the disruption to chemical operations in the Lake Charles area caused by the impact of Hurricane Laura, which left much of the area without electricity for several weeks.
CARBON MONOXIDE ISSUES
Shortages of carbon monoxide (CO) have also played a role in the recent tightness in the MDI industry.
Chlorine is combined with CO to produce phosgene, which is reacted with methylenedianiline (MDA) to produce MDI.
Shortages impacting these intermediate chemicals have pressured MDI operating rates in North America lower even as demand for MDI and downstream polyurethane systems has been strengthening.
RECOVERING DEMAND
MDI demand recorded a strong recovery in the third quarter after a sharp decline in consumption during the second quarter during the period of strictest coronavirus-related restrictions on economic activity.
The automotive sector has seen a significant rise in operating rates in recent months as producers of vehicles and vehicle components are working to refill their supply chains after operating rates throughout the industry were reduced to record low levels in April and May.
Demand for home appliances has also moved higher in recent months as consumers are spending much of their disposable income on home improvements as travel and entertainment spending has been deferred.
The construction sector has also been a strong spot for MDI demand, with residential construction activity seeing an uptick as some home buyers are opting to larger homes in the suburbs in preference for urban housing.
MDI is consumed mainly in polyurethane foams, which account for about 80% of global consumption. Rigid foams, the largest outlet for MDI, are used mostly in construction, refrigeration, packaging and insulation. MDI is also used to make binders, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, coatings and fibres.
Major US MDI producers include BASF, Covestro, Dow and Huntsman.
Focus article by Zachary Moore
October 16, 2020
Barndominiums Are Big In Texas
Countless options are available when building a barndominium, like this custom luxury barndominium complete with pool and fire pit. Photo Courtesy of Erik Contina
Spray Foam Magazine – Fall 2020 – Texas, the second largest state in the U.S., is known for its wide-open spaces and for “Everything is bigger in Texas.” A trendy building concept is sweeping the state: a multi-purpose style of housing termed barndominiums or barndos. Over the last decade, these unique live-work spaces are becoming more prevalent in many rural areas of America.
There are lots of benefits to owning one of these buildings over and above the fact that they are multi-functional. The barndo owner has the flexibility to complete the interior space as budget allows. The other numerous benefits include quick build times, compared to conventional homes, possible lower construction costs, fire, pest and allergen resistance, lower maintenance costs, and energy efficiency. To ensure most of these benefits, spray foam insulation is the number one choice among barndominium builders.
A play on the words “barn” and “condominium” describes the combination of the two structures. Need a residence? Need a barn, studio, stable, or shop space? By putting the two together you can build a multi-use structure and typically get the square footage for less money. Rural-inspired, farmhouse style home designs are one of the hottest trends in design these days. Using steel-framed construction with unending design options, you can create your own totally unique home and workspace together under one roof. These barndos can range from homes with stables attached to a building that is half kitchen, half workshop, with bedrooms above. They can be used not only for everyday living and work, but also as entertainment venues or party spaces, making barndominium options very diverse and creative.
A barndominium can either be a barn with living space added, or a house with a barn, stable, or workshop attached. They can also be built from the ground up to serve any purpose and meet unique needs making no two ever alike and the possibilities endless. While some owners like to keep them simple and affordable, others like to add upgrades such as brick or stone facades with elaborate interior finishes often making the cost per square foot far exceed that of traditional homes.
Texas general contractor Shane Ward, owner of Shane Ward Construction, in Amarillo, has a passion for building multi-purpose homes. Shane, a former Marine, has been in the construction industry for 22 years and has built over a dozen barndominiums over the last 10 years. He started building them before they were ever termed, barndominiums. Shane liked the idea of building these multi-functional dwellings so much that he built one as a hunting lodge and getaway retreat for himself and his family.
The Edwards family took a 60 x 60 x 12 barn and converted it into a 2,900 sq. ft. living space.
Photo provided by Billy Edwards, Thermo Dynamic Insualtion
Farmhouse-style finishes to the interior of the Edwards’ barndominium. Barndo life can be cozy and serve other functional purposes at the same time.
On the “barn side” of the structure, he keeps tractors, ATVs, and other equipment. He says, “The concept of house and barn together is very convenient, and the metal shell is almost no maintenance.” When it comes to insulating all of the barndos he builds, Shane states, “Using spray foam is a no brainer. My experience has been that it provides a very substantial savings in heating and cooling costs.” Shane says that when customers come to him and they’re on the fence about whether to build a home and a barn or barndominium, he always suggests they go with the barndominium. And when it comes to insulating their barndo, in Shane’s straightforward Texas style, he tells all of his customers, “I am not a salesman, but if you don’t use foam, you’re foolish.” When it comes to choosing a spray foam insulation contractor, Shane’s go-to in Texas is, Thermo Dynamic Insulation. He states, “They have been very dependable and stay competitively priced. They understand the foam science very well and continually educate themselves within their profession.”
With the use of spray foam insulation to the walls of this 4,000 sq.ft. barndo, the building owner has reported improved energy efficiency and very substantial savings in heating and cooling costs.
Photo provided by Leroy Henry
In business since 1999, Thermo Dynamic Insulation, owned by Warren Merrell, is an award-winning company with six locations throughout Texas and were the first SPFA PCP member in Texas. Clay Merrell, Warren’s brother and owner of the Amarillo branch, sprays all of Shane Ward’s barndominiums. Clay states, “We run three rigs, two with open-cell foam and one with closed-cell foam. Both rigs have single proportioners with dual hoses. For metal buildings, (Shane’s barndominiums included) we use 1″ closed cell foam on the exterior to stop any type of leaks and infiltration and then spray 5 1/2″ in the roof and 3 1/2″ in the walls with open-cell foam.” Their preferred brands of foam are, Gaco Western and SES foams, which they spray with Graco CS Fusion guns for closed-cell and PMC’s newest gun, the AP 3 for open-cell. Their hydraulic proportioners are also from Graco and PMC.
The company’s VP of Sales, Billy Edwards, located at the Idalou/Lubbock, Texas branch, liked the idea of barndominiums so much that he built one as a permanent residence for himself and his family. Billy took an existing 60 x 60 x 12 barn located on 4.3 acres and converted it into 2,900 sq. ft. of living space. Being in the business and being able to spray his own barndominium definitely had its advantages. Energy efficiency is a big deal for these Texas steel buildings, due to the brutal summer temperatures. Billy leaves his A/C on 68 degrees all day long. He states, “Our electric bill averages around $250 a month and that includes us watering our yard every day.” Another added plus, according to Billy, is that his wife rarely has to dust.
When contractors foam a barndominium they have a variety of options available for applying foam. Of course, they consult with the owner first and agree upon a preferred method of application. The application of spray foam on barndominiums can be as unique as the barndos themselves. One thing is for certain, the more R-value for heating and cooling and sound proofing on these metal structures the better.
Whether hiring a contractor to build your barndominium or even purchasing a DIY Barndominium Kit, the options are limitless and as big as the Texas sky. One thing is for sure, in order to keep these unique mulit-use, cost-effective structures energy efficient, and comfortable, for countless years to come, spray foam insulation is a must according to contractors and barndominium owners.
https://www.sprayfoam.com/foam-news/barndominiums-are-big-in-texas/3686
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