Welcome to Foam Fact Friday
CORRECTION TO Foam Fact #4 (12/4/20)
We apologize for error. Please note that Vermont we inadvertently omitted from the Foam Fact #4
and Wyoming was listed in error. This has been corrected below:
Next month, foam systems manufactured after 1/1/2021 and applied in CO, NY, VT and MD can no longer contain HFC’s. Eleven more states are developing similar regulations. Keep up-to-date with these changes at this link: State Phase-Down of HFCs in the Polyurethanes Industry (americanchemistry.com) The transition to HFO technology in closed cell foams is underway. Understand the regulations and not only the phase out dates but how it impacts your business. SPFA is here to help.
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Foam Fact #5
It’s getting cold outside - Be sure your hose is properly insulated, especially around the fluid temperature sensor
If you have noticed uneven chemical temperatures (hot and cold slugs of material) being dispensed at the gun, many times this problem can be resolved with a simple fix.
When using a fluid temperature sensor (FTS) to monitor and control hose fluid temperatures, it is common practice to install the FTS in the hose near the gun. This is also the area of hose that frequently is missing hose insulation due to this section of hose also getting the most wear and abuse. When the FTS is in an uninsulated section of hose it makes it very difficult to measure an accurate fluid temperature.
Areas of hose without insulation will quickly lose fluid heat to atmosphere. If the FTS is in an uninsulated section of hose the FTS may think the material is cold and will signal for more hose heat. When the FTS signals for hose heat, the entire hose continues to heat. This may cause other sections of the hose to get too hot since the rest of the hose is probably still well insulated. This problem can be made worse if some hose is still coiled on the hose rack in the rig. The hose coiled on the rack will quickly build heat and insulate itself from heat lose.
With these conditions, when you pull the trigger you may see a cold slug of material dispensed followed by hot slugs of material. The cold material is from the uninsulated section of hose near the gun and the hot material from the sections of hose that may have been getting too hot. These temperature fluctuations may negatively affect the spray pattern, the quality of the foam and yield.
A good analogy to illustrate the importance of hose insulation around the FTS, this would be like trying to regulate the temperature of your home in the winter when the thermostat is located outside on the porch…the thermostat will keep calling for heat because that area is cold while the inside of you home is getting way too hot from the heat continuously running.
The solution is easy. Be sure to replace missing hose insulation with new foam pipe insulation. You can buy this type of insulation at any hardware store or through your equipment distributor. Replacing the insulation around the FTS is the most important area to keep insulated to be sure the fluid temperature being monitored is accurate. Remember not to wrap the new insulation with tape too tight. When you compress the foam insulation you are reducing the insulating value of the insulation.
