When starting your own spray foam company, it is important to have high quality equipment from reputable manufacturers. Companies like PMC and Graco have products that are quality tested and built to last. By spending more money on quality equipment now or buying new instead of used, you can save on having to replace less quality products more frequently. Oftentimes, used equipment is less costly than new because all the parts are brand new.
Category Archives: Proportioners & Reactors
Using New Spray Foam Material
When using new material, always check the manufacturer’s SDS for recommendations on spraying. Every material sprays differently in different environments and by following recommendations provided, you will be able to spend less time making adjustments and increase material yield.
When to Perform Maintenance Checks
Avoid unnecessary down time by performing maintenance checks before you start your day. It is easier to perform these checks while the system is cool and pressure free. Taking this step saves you downtime later if something was wrong.
Cleaning your Rig to Save Money
How often do you give your rig a good thorough cleaning? You should do a thorough cleaning and inspection a few times a year. Taking the time to clean your rig from top to bottom will help you see any regular wear and tear from use and be able to address those areas before they become a costly problem. Be sure to address any rust areas or leaky zones to help keep your rig spraying for a long time to come.
Continue readingHow to test an FTS Wire
Perform Equipment Shutdown Procedures.
- Disconnect FTS cable at proportioner.
- Test with ohmmeter between pins of cable connector.
- If cable fails test, Repair Fluid Temperature Sensor (FTS)
- Disconnect FTS Cable
Changing Hydraulic Oil in your Spray Foam Machine
What you need to know before changing hydraulic oil is when operating in ambient temperature recommendations of 0 to 90°F (-17 to 32°C) frequency is about 1000 hours or 12 months, whichever comes first and/or in 90°F and above (32°C and above) 500 hours or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Recommended Oils:
Citgo A/W ISO Grade 46 Amsoil AWI ISO Grade 46 (synthetic*) BP Oil International Energol® HLP-HM, ISO Grade 46 Carl Bechem GmbH Staroil HVI 46 Castrol Hyspin AWS 46 Chevron Rykon® AW, ISO 46 Exxon Humble Hydraulic H, ISO Grade 46 Mobil Mobil DTE 25, ISO Grade 46 Shell Shell Tellus, ISO Grade 46 Texaco Texaco AW Hydraulic, ISO Grade 46 *
NOTE: After changing hydraulic oil and upon starting motor, hydraulic pumps may make a screeching noise until primed. If this noise continues for more than 30 seconds, switch off motor control and contact your machine manufacturer.
Material Spraying Issues
It’s less common when material will not spray on the ‘A’ side and ‘B’ side at the same time, but when it happens, there could be a number of factors at play. If you find yourself in this position, take a look at these common reasons;
- Proper operation of the pumping system. (execute initial startup checks)
- The product cold, it doesn’t flow properly.
- Failing delivery supply like transfer pump wear or neglect.
- Your regulator could be malfunctioning; Are you getting enough air supply to your Transfer Pump?
- Failing packings from wear or neglect.
- Clogged screens can also cause major issues in proper flow.
- Recent crossover in hose or contamination within the gun itself.
Keep Your B-Side Going
The B Side, in general, is less likely to cause contamination in the screens. As a result, B Side screens are often neglected.
One possible cause of B Side pressure loss is the collection of paint chips over time. Spray foam drums are recyclable and during the recycling process, some of the drums are repainted inside. Over time, the B component can soften the paint in the drum, causing it to flake off and collect in the Y-filter assembly – restricting flow to the machine. Making the Y-filter assembly a priority to clean can help prevent the collection of paint chips.
Electrical Connections
Often overlooked when owning and operating spray foam equipment, is the electrical system. When transporting to and from projects, the spray equipment takes its share of bumps and vibrations that can loosen electrical connections. I recommended rechecking all of the electrical connections at least once every three months. Weak connections can prematurely short circuit or shorten the life of the electrical components.
Best Tool to Have
As Spray Foam Technicians, we recommend one tool you should have on hand that can keep you and your crew up and running. When you suspect that you may have an electrical issue and need to contact a tech for help, one of the first things you may be asked is to confirm voltage’s through the spray system. Having a Multi-Meter on hand in your spray rig will help you to easily determine the answers you need to get your system up and running asap.
