From small-scale home spray polyurethane foam (SPF) insulation projects to large-scale commercial spray operations, today’s cutting-edge spray foam machines have the dependability and power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Spray foam machines, also known as proportioners, are high-tech pieces of spray foam equipment that need specialised training. These insulation foam machines are essential for both the insulation and roofing industries, since they serve as the backbone of any SPF work site. Independent of the size of the task, SPF insulation foam machines are preferred by many contractors because of their reliability, productivity, and great performance.
A high-pressure, plural-component proportioning system is used to apply SPF insulation, which is readily accessible on the market. SPF insulation may also be used in small-scale projects by using low-pressure, single-component cans or two-component pressurised systems, depending on the application. Insulation foam machines are critical to the whole SPF application process, from taking components out of material drums to appropriately heating and pressurising the ingredients, pumping them via hoses, and mixing and spraying the components, to name a few tasks.
There are various aspects to consider when purchasing a spray foam machine, including the following:
System for Providing Power to a Pump
For your foam insulation machine, you have a number of various pump drive choices to choose from. Spray foam proportioners are available from Intech Equipment and Supply in three different configurations: air-driven, electric, and hydraulic.
- Air-powered spray foam machines use less electrical power and are often more cheap than other types.
- Electric spray foam machines demand more power, but they are capable of producing a larger output than their gas counterparts.
Because these insulating foam machines provide constant performance on high-demand operations while needing minimum downtime and maintenance, hydraulic spray foam machines are becoming more popular.
Output
The quantity of mixed material that a foam insulation machine can produce in a given length of time is referred to as output. It is a crucial factor to consider since it has an influence on the efficiency of your business and helps decide how fast you can accomplish projects on time. In general, the bigger the capacity of a spray foam machine’s production, the more costly the machine is to purchase. Why? In order to attain a greater output, larger heaters and pumps with higher power are necessary.
In order to achieve high output performance, many of today’s spray foam machine manufacturers develop their newer, hydraulic versions for high output. In operations that handle big, commercial projects or other high-volume works, a high-output spray foam proportioner is particularly beneficial, and they are often required.
Rating of the pressure
In order to determine the degree of pressure generated by an insulating foam machine during the process of mixing the components, you must first determine the pressure rating of the machine. Always double-check that the output and pressure parameters on your proportioner are compatible with those on your spray foam cannon, as well as the components you want to spray. When it comes to the pressure settings of the chemicals you want to employ, we suggest consulting the manufacturer’s technical data sheet.
Capacity for Heating
When working with spray foam or polyurea materials, temperature is another significant consideration since it has an impact on the viscosity of the materials. You must distribute these components at the right temperature in order to produce the desired viscosity and to assure the best quality and consistency of the finished product.
System of Electricity
Spray foam proportioners feature a large number of different components that all need electricity to operate. It is necessary to provide adequate power to the insulation foam machines’ electrical systems, which may be supplied by either a shore power source or a mobile power source, such as a generator, to satisfy the electric loads placed on these components. When working on a project site that includes the use of a generator, such as a mobile spray rig, it is critical to ensure that the electrical system specifications of the generator meet the needs of the proportioning machine.
Spray Foam is a kind of foam that is sprayed on surfaces.
As a result, we at Spray-Quip recognise that your spray foam equipment is the foundation of your business. As a result, we offer high-quality standard and custom-built spray foam equipment packages, as well as related repair parts and accessories, for the application of open- and closed-cell spray polyurethane foam. Our knowledgeable team can assist you in navigating the complicated world of spray polyurethane foam, including proportioners, heated hoses, guns, and other equipment. We can match you with the most appropriate configuration for your job. Our technical experience and high-quality equipment will enable you to get the most out of your investment, whether you are looking for a full self-contained trailer system, an in-plant integrated system, or anything in between. Don’t get trapped with spray foam equipment that is either inadequate or unreliable. Contact us and let our knowledgeable team to assist you in identifying the most appropriate spray foam equipment for your needs!
As a spray foam machine operator, your primary aim is to keep cavitation to a bare minimum. Regardless of whether or not cavitation occurs, it will cause significant damage to your multiple component spray equipment machine. Additionally, it will have a detrimental influence on the spray foam insulation or polyurea coatings application that you are presently working on as well.
Here are some pointers on how a spray foam contractor or a polyurea coatings contractor may minimise cavitation in your spray equipment proportioner by following the guidelines below. Cavitation may occur owing to a shortage of chemicals, and PMC has created a list of Do’s and Don’ts to reduce the danger of cavitation.
Do’s
- Check to see that the intake screen at the Y Strainer is clean and clear of any debris before using it.
You should have enough material in the drum to complete the task at hand. The proportioner from PMC is equipped with a Count Down Pre Set Timer as standard. This monitoring tool is really important!
- Adjust the air pressure supplied to the drum pumps in order to get the 200-250psi material pressure necessary for feeding the machine into operation.
- Verify that the incoming material meets the temperature requirements specified by the supplier. Lower than ideal material temperature results in greater than usual viscosity, as well as cavitation and imbalanced operating pressures, as compared to optimal material temperature.
Inspect all supply ball valves and the air supply to drum pumps to ensure that they are fully operational.
- Make certain that both drums, particularly the “A” side, are equipped with a desiccant moisture cartridge filter that fits into the 1′′ opening. There are two main causes behind this.
- To provide “makeup” air to the drum in order to prevent it from collapsing.
- Introduces dry air into the drum in order to prevent crystallisation.
Utilize your PMC Count Down Counter by specifying the amount of cycles to go through (found in the manual). The machine will pump for a short period of time before shutting off.
- When the barrel is almost empty, the machine should shut off automatically.
- Prevent empty barrels and cavitation in the pump.
Don’ts
- Don’t have your supply hoses coming from drum pumps that are too short in length – make sure you have enough line to reach from the spray foam machine to the drum pump. When putting drums and pumps into place, using this method will avoid your hose from kinking and fraying.
- Do not insert the transfer pumps into the chemical barrels unless they are equipped with the appropriate bung adapter. Putting the pumps into the drums without the bung adapter will result in the following problems:
Moisture will seep through the A-side, where it will create a coating of crystallised material to grow on the surface. It is possible that the crystallised material will be drawn up into the drum pump. A considerable obstruction in the Inlet/Y Strainer screen, and later in the spray gun screens, might result from crystallisation.
The excessive crystallised material might also clog the spray foam insulation proportioner and the high-pressure polyurea coating proportioner, resulting in substantial system pressure imbalances in the spray equipment machines, as well as the associated heated hoses.
One disadvantage of using Closed Cell Foam with an open drum on the B side is that the blowing agents may escape from the drum, resulting in reduced product yields and probably increased chemical viscosity during the summer months.
If you want to extract “every last drop” of material out of your chemical drums, you should not prop them up. Use the PMC Count Down Counter to your advantage. The PMC spray foam equipment’s count-down clock is designed to shut off BEFORE the drums are completely depleted. The ideal technique is to leave just a limited amount of chemicals in the drums and transfer them to a fresh drum using a funnel with a screen to prevent contamination.
The Count Down Counter from PMC offers a number of distinct benefits to spray foam and polyurea applicators. Ensure that the drum is never completely empty by setting the counter to the right cycle count (which can be found in the handbook for each machine), avoiding damage to your transfer pump, and preventing cavitation from occurring. A cavitating pump may cause seal degradation and pressure imbalance, which can result in off-ratio spraying, which necessitates the need for a pump rebuild to correct. Downtime is avoided and efficiency is increased by the proper usage of the PMC’s Count Down Timer.
With the current push from the highest levels of government, there has never been a time when the need for more energy efficient and ecologically friendly constructions has been greater than it is now. Most people are aware of the $1,500 tax credit given to homeowners that make energy-efficient modifications; but, there are several more rebates, incentives, and credits available around the nation. This week, CPi would like to provide our readers with an introduction to the developing world of federal and state incentives for the adoption of renewable and energy-efficient goods such as spray foam insulation, which are becoming more popular.
The variety of programmes that are accessible is fairly extensive, and those who take advantage of them get significant benefits. Currently there are several programmes accessible to customers, builders, architects, and others, and the number of programmes available is expanding practically daily at all levels of government, from the federal level down to the local. Keeping up with and researching the enormous number of chances available may be a difficult process, therefore CPi has compiled a list of the most popular incentives, as well as a collection of websites that can assist you in determining which programmes are open to you.
A Roof with Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most frequent kind of roofing on most homes in any particular community. Shingle roofing has long been the standard for homes since it is both affordable and durable. Small square sheets of shingles, made of a combination of asphalt and fibreglass, are placed over the outside of the structure and help protect it from rain and other natural weather patterns.
The cost of the shingles may be recouped by the amount of time and effort required to maintain them. In comparison to some of the newer or more costly roofing options, asphalt shingle roofing takes more upkeep and doesn’t hold up for as long. In the long run, homeowners and business owners whose primary concern is cost will benefit most from shingle roofing since it is both weather resistant and dependable.
The most affordable form of roofing on the market, asphalt shingles are a great option. Because of this, shingle-style roofing tends to predominate. However, the long-term costs are higher. Shingle type roofing might end up costing more in the long run due to the additional upkeep it requires.
In terms of accessibility to most homeowners and business owners, shingle roofing is one of the most cost-effective options out there. Asphalt shingle roofing is still quite dependable, despite the fact that it requires regular maintenance. A shingle-style roof may endure up to twenty years with adequate maintenance and care. Even after factoring in maintenance, shingle roofing remains one of the most cost-effective options.
Roofing Made of Metal
Metal roofing, which was formerly utilised mostly in commercial and industrial applications, has recently become more popular with homeowners. With the flexibility to be made any colour and the capacity to construct metal roofing that replicates other popular roofing types while yet preserving the durability of metal roofing, metal roofing has shown its versatility in many scenarios.
In terms of roofing types, metal roofing has shown itself to be one of the most reliable. In terms of longevity, metal roofing is only exceeded by ceramic tile roofing. Most metal roofs come with at least a fifty year guarantee. Metal roofing may be used in every region, from the sweltering heat of Phoenix to the heavy snowfall of Denver. Coastal locations are the only place where metal roofing should not be used. Metal roofs have a tendency to corrode more readily in coastal climates due to the salt content in the air.
Metal roofing, like ceramic tile, is among the most costly options on the market. This expense, however, is countered by the roof’s extended life duration and little care. Metal roofing isn’t much more expensive to maintain than a shingle type roof, but instead of paying for care over time, practically all of the expense is incurred up front with metal roofing. Metal roofs have an average lifespan of more than fifty years. A metal roof can survive some of the most erratic and extreme weather conditions seen in most regions. Metal roofing also improves energy efficiency.
