Inflatable Membrane Coal Storage Structures

　With the rapid development of China’s industrial economy, enclosed coal storage facilities have emerged as a new type of industrial infrastructure. These fully enclosed structures are primarily found in regions rich in coal resources—such as Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Hebei, Shaanxi, Shandong, Hubei, Jiangsu, Ningxia, and Gansu—and are widely used by power plants, coal washing facilities, coking plants, and steel mills. Enclosing coal storage areas helps reduce environmental pollution and improves the visual landscape. As a cutting-edge, high-tech architectural solution, air-supported (inflatable) membrane structures—offered by companies like Zhongke Air-Supported Structures—provide highly efficient, eco-friendly, and “green” building alternatives for various industries. Such inflatable membrane systems are now extensively applied across sectors including sports, entertainment, industry, warehousing, environmental protection, the military, and commerce.

　I. What are the common types of coal storage facilities?

　1. Open-air coal yards

　This was the standard format for traditional Chinese coal enterprises in the 1990s; coal is piled in the open, leading to significant environmental pollution.

　2. Semi-open coal yards

　Emerging around the year 2000, these facilities feature perimeter windbreak walls while remaining open at the top, providing a certain degree of dust control.

　3. Steel-structure coal storage facilities

　Common in recent years, these enclosed facilities typically utilize tubular steel trusses, space frames, or portal frames as the primary structural framework, covered with single-layer colored steel sheets or PVC membranes for the roof and walls. They provide a fully enclosed environment.

　4. Air-supported (inflatable membrane) coal storage structures

　Air-supported coal storage structures offer advantages that traditional building methods cannot match. With their eco-friendly nature, high energy efficiency, massive interior volume, intelligent monitoring systems, remarkably low construction costs, exceptional operational economy, and fully enclosed design, they demonstrate a compelling appeal—combining user-friendliness, convenience, and cost-effectiveness in a modern architectural form. Inflatable Membrane Coal Storage Shed

　II. Main System Components of the Inflatable Membrane Coal Shed:

　1. Material access and gate control system

　2. Architectural membrane material

　3. Steel cable system

　4. Ventilation and dust suppression system

　5. Fire protection system

　6. Electrical control system

　7. Retaining walls and infrastructure

　III. Composition and Structure of the Membrane Material:

　1. The base material consists of polyester or polyamide fiber fabrics.

　2. The coating is primarily composed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin; the coating weight should range from 400 to 1,500 g/m², depending on specific functional requirements.

　3. The surface layer should be made of materials such as polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), acrylic resin, or silicone resin, designed to enhance the self-cleaning properties and aging resistance of the PVC membrane. PVC architectural membranes are classified into strength grades I, II, III, IV, and V. The thickness of the PVC membrane material must exceed 0.5 mm. Throughout its service life, the surface layer must maintain stable resistance to corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) degradation, while also providing self-cleaning capabilities.

　IV. Characteristics of the Membrane Material:

• Mechanical Properties: A medium-strength PVC membrane with a thickness of 1.2 mm possesses a tensile strength equivalent to half that of steel.
• Optical Properties: Light transmittance can reach up to 7%. Transmitted light is diffused evenly throughout the interior, eliminating shadows and glare.
• Fire Performance: The material exhibits excellent flame retardancy and high-temperature resistance, meeting the fire safety standards of various countries, including China, the United States, Japan, France, and Germany. Self-cleaning properties: Stains are easily removed; rainwater forms droplets on the surface and rolls off, providing a natural cleaning effect for the membrane material.
• Corrosion resistance: Highly resistant to various strong acids and alkalis; non-combustible and resistant to aging.
• Operating temperature: -40°C to 70°C

​　If you are interested in air-supported membrane structures for coal storage sheds, or have any related requirements, please feel free to contact us directly via private message. Zhongke Membrane Structure looks forward to the possibility of communicating and collaborating with you.