How to Fix your Transfer Pump – Before you Replace it

PMC GHO, IPM OP series, Graco T2 Transfer Air motor performance

After use, the transfer pump air motor starts operating sluggish and leaks air. This is generally due to deforming (wear) of the upper reversing spring and the upper air valve gasket. You can notice the spring wear off in two ways. The first being the pump fails to return to the down stroke and secondly the pump will pause momentarily when reversing to the down stroke which appears as a cavitation type action. In this situation, hanging the spring is the best solution, but when in a pinch, stretching the spring to its near original length can get you through the day.

Continue reading

Changing the Temperature Sensing Unit on Heated Hose

EL-51A-4-2TThe equipment used today for spraying plural component urethane foam and coatings provide the means to preheat the A and R chemicals, pressurize the chemical to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI and deliver that conditioned and heated chemical to the gun via a heated hose. Most units today utilize a system which provides automatic hose heat. The proportioners are equipped with a controller which receives a signal from a temperature sensing unit. The signal indicates the temperature of the chemical in the hose from a remote distance from the proportioner and ideally just before the gun.

Continue reading

Use the Correct Mixing Chamber & PCT Combo

AP-EXWhen using the AP-EX extension gun in 16” on center stud wall type spray application – try using PMCs – 00X Mixing Chamber and PCT combination. (PN# KT-814-00X) Set your spray foam machine around 1,000 PSI on you’re A and B gauges. This will allow for further extended control of the AP-2s quick change mixing spray head.

Check Equipment for Moisture Buildup

Checking air valveGenerally, when you check equipment for moisture buildup – you’re bleeding your pressure system and tanks. However, over time, moisture sometimes builds up in your spray foam hose air line. Periodic maintenance of the air line is required.

To safely remove moisture, complete these steps; place a fitting/dump valve into the air line that normally connects to the spray gun, turn on your air system, open the dump valve, then run the system wide open for 15 minutes or until moisture is displaced. These steps should be done in a safe area, suitable to rapid air release.

Watch for Crystals Forming in your Hose

When winterizing and storing hoses over an extended amount of time, be sure to clean the system thoroughly. Often, the flush and remaining isocyanate will separate over time. With the isocyanate clinging to the hose walls, fittings and various locations throughout the equipment doesn’t come out 100% with an initial flush. As a result, when the hose is put back in service, the heating required will cause expansion – dis-bonding the settled isocyanate. To help prevent this, be sure to thoroughly flush the system and follow up with a second flush within 3-4 days. This action will allow time for the remaining isocyanate to settle and be cleared with clean flush.

Prepare for Cold Weather

With the cold weather quickly approaching and roughly 20 good working days between now and Thanksgiving, it’s important to make the most of product yield and production by being prepared. Make sure drums are warm and ready for the job by keeping them heated with products such as the Barrel Blazer heating system. Temps are dropping in evening, so container temps are going to drop. Plan ahead and be effective!

Inspect Your Hoses

Over a short period of time, ISO material can accumulate on the pump – preventing the equipment from working correctly and causing potential damage. A quick daily inspection and removal of crystallization can prevent costly down time and will extend the life of your pump.

Follow this daily check with inspecting the bottom foot valve housing from potential obstruction. Lastly, color code the transfer pump ‘red’ for isocyanate and ‘blue’ for resin.

Weather Conditions

As seasons begin to change, it’s easy to overlook the still-frigid-nights with the sunny days. Temperatures fluctuate from day to night, even in the spring and summer, so I recommend keeping your material stored and warm overnight. Don’t let the sun fool you!

Making a Record of Your Parts

Proper part identification is extremely important to ensure you are receiving the correct part for your machine. If a part is ordered by the wrong number, the wrong part is shipped and extra shipping charges are incurred for returns. But more important than the extra shipping involved, is the possible loss of production time that this unnecessary delay may cause you.

I recommend making a record of all part numbers, as equipment is purchased. This will help prevent delays and added expense.