FROTH-PAK™ FAQTo find answers to frequently asked questions about FROTH-PAK™, choose a question from the list below.
Top What is the operating temperature of FROTH-PAK™?Minimum Temperature: FROTH-PAK should be applied when the ambient temperature is between 60° to 90° Fahrenheit. For best results the tank contents should be at 75°F (24°C) or warmer. FROTH-PAK polyurethane foam can be applied effectively in cold air temperatures or on cool work surfaces (above freezing) provided the kit contents are at least 75° F (24°C). Since two-component foam cures chemically, it does not need moisture to cure. When mixed together, the two chemicals (polyol and isocyanate) start to react and generate heat. Depending on how thick the foam is dispensed, it can take up to a minute or two to cure. Cured foam can withstand extremely cold temperatures. Maximum Temperature: A pressurized container/can should never be exposed to temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C). Warning: The foam produced by FROTH-PAK is organic and combustible and may constitute a fire hazard. Do not expose foam to flame or temperatures above 240°F (116°C). TopWhat is the foam yield for FROTH-PAK?The theoretical yield of FROTH-PAK is as follows:
One board foot is 12" x 12" at a 1" thickness or a square foot at a 1" thickness. This can be translated into cubic feet by simply dividing board feet by 12. For example, a FROTH-PAK 600 is 50 cubic feet. What is the best way to store FROTH-PAK?Store the FROTH-PAK polyurethane foam system at 75°F (24°C), in a clean dry area. DO NOT STORE AT TEMPERATURES ABOVE 120°F (49°C). Avoid prolonged storage in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Store a partially used kit with the safety ON (do not tie trigger down) and valves CLOSED. Remove used nozzle, reapply petroleum jelly to face of INSTA-FLO dispenser, and reinsert the used nozzle prior to storing. Do not bleed pressure off hoses during storage. TopCan FROTH-PAK be reused?Yes, it can be reused. After using the FROTH-PAK Kit, the tank valves should be left in the on or the open position. Remove the nozzle from the gun and apply petroleum jelly (supplied) into the face of the gun. Reinsert the used nozzle back into the gun to block air from getting inside the gun (the "A" chemical is moisture sensitive). This should make the kit reusable for up to two weeks. When the kit is ready to be reused, remove the old nozzle from the gun and insert a new nozzle. NEVER reuse a "spent" nozzle (that had chemical previously sprayed through it). The chemical will backfire into the gun. This will cause the chemical to set up in the hose, causing the entire gun hose assembly useless. Note: The canisters cannot be refilled. When we make the statement "reusable" we are referring to the reuse of the existing product inside the containers. Can FROTH-PAK canisters be recycled?Yes, the canister can be recycled as long as the canister is de-pressurized and completely emptied of its chemical contents. TopWhat are some troubleshooting tips for FROTH-PAK?If your spray pattern becomes noticeably different (eg. cone spray changes to stream), this may be caused by dispensing foam with a used nozzle. Always inspect a nozzle prior to dispensing to make sure you have an unused nozzle mounted in the INSTA-FLO gun dispenser. If the foam or spray pattern does not react properly, replacing the nozzle will usually correct the problem. If the problem persists, remove the nozzle and carefully activate the dispenser (without a nozzle attached) into a waste container. Two chemical streams of approximately equal volume should flow. If streams are unequal, a blockage has occurred. Shut off the tank valve on the side that is flowing properly and activate the trigger full force for 15 seconds. Once the blockage is freed, turn off all tank valves. Use a rag to clean any chemical from the face of the INSTA-FLO dispenser and reapply petroleum jelly. Insert an unused nozzle, open all valves and dispense a test shot into a waste container. After curing check the foam quality. If problems still occur, stop foaming. Turn off chemical tank valves, eject the used nozzle, and release chemical line pressure by activating the dispenser into a waste container. Slowly loosen the hose connections at the tank valves. Clean chemical from the threads and replace with a new INSTA-FLO dispenser/hose assembly. If the replacement of the INSTA-FLO Dispenser/Hose Assembly does not solve the problem, please contact our technical staff at 800-868-1183. To prevent hoses from clogging. If your dispenser has not been used for one week or longer, activate the system for a few seconds by turning on the tank valves and squeezing the trigger fully without a nozzle attached to dispense twin streams into a waste container. This will clear and repressurize the hoses and should be done every week when the system is idle. Reapply petroleum jelly and reinsert used nozzle for storage. If dispensed foam is friable or brittle. The foam is ISO rich, and a partial blockage of the polyol side exists. Clear the blockage from the POLYOL side. If dispensed foam remains soft or mushy, the foam is POLYOL rich and a partial blockage of the ISO side exists. Clear the blockage from the iso side. TopCan FROTH-PAK be used for marine/flotation applications?Yes, it can. The structure of two-component FROTH-PAK foam is closed cell, which makes it water resistant. FROTH-PAK foam will float in water just the same as a paddleboard or buoy. FROTH-PAK 1.75 density foam is recommended for marine/flotation applications. FROTH-PAK has been tested in-house in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard guidelines for flotation. Caution: When filling a high volume of foam such as in a drum, the FROTH-PAK foam can get as hot as 2000°F. Wait for the container to cool down before touching the filled drum. Is FROTH-PAK suitable for outdoor use?Polyurethane foams are very sensitive to UV light. Exposure to UV (even indirect sunlight) will cause the foam to darken to an orange or reddish color in a matter of days or weeks. Constant exposure to direct sunlight will eventually cause the foam to break down and crumble apart. The foam must be painted or coated with UV resistant coating if used outdoors. FROTH-PAK may be used to fill cavities in trees. As with all outside applications, the foam should be coated to protect it from UV and water exposure. TopCan FROTH-PAK be used in a mold?FROTH-PAK can be used inside an open or enclosed mold. A good general mold release for polyurethane foams is paste wax or Teflon®. Is FROTH-PAK compatible with STYROFOAM™ (and other plastics)?FROTH-PAK foam does not contain organic solvents that will dissolve STYROFOAAM or other plastics. Foams bond permanently to all commercially available plastics except for Teflon and lubristic polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene. Is FROTH-PAK suitable for waterfalls and landscaping applications?Yes. The foam should not be exposed to sunlight (UV) or it will break down over time. Coating or painting the foam will protect it from UV degradation. Typically the foam is not harmful to fish or other animals, but Dow has not done specific testing in this area. TopCan FROTH-PAK be injected into an existing wall for insulation or soundproofing?It depends. The quick cure FROTH-PAK foam expands with a lot of force and since the installer cannot see how much foam is injected the expanded foam can "blow out" the wall. FROTH-PAK Slow Rise foam should be used as it expands slower than the standard FROTH-PAK Quick Cure version. It is recommended that foam be applied from the bottom up. "Breather holes" every 12" are recommended to reduce foam pressure. Disclaimer: The Dow Chemical Company has not done any testing to determine suitability of FROTH-PAK for this application and cannot guarantee results. Use FROTH-PAK at your own risk. Can FROTH-PAK be used in pool/spa applications?FROTH-PAK is commonly used in this application to fill a void under a tub to stop flexing, provide structural support, insulate and reduce vibration. However, installers should be aware that the foam will expand 3 to 5 times and will exert a lot of pressure on the tub. Use a brace to secure the tub/spa or fill the tub with water to add weight to keep the tub in place when foaming. TopCan FROTH-PAK be used to build props/models?Yes, FROTH- PAK is commonly used in the entertainment industry to build props. The foam is paintable and can be cut and shaped when hardened. The bat cave on the set for Batman was constructed using two-component foam. Is FROTH-PAK flammable?Cured FROTH-PAK foam itself is NOT flammable, but it is combustible. The foam will burn if exposed to sparks or flames, and it will present a fire hazard if exposed to temperatures above 240°F. See Fire Rating Issues. TopIs FROTH-PAK fire rated?No. FROTH-PAK is not a fire rated foam. FROTH-PAK has not been tested for Fireblock/Firestop applications at this time. Fire rating refers to a specific test in which a barrier, such as foam, is used in a fire rated wall or floor assembly that is a component of a non-combustible construction type (e.g. commercial buildings and high-rise buildings more than three stories). The "configuration" is exposed to fire and then a fire hose stream of water. The FROTH-PAK Class I/MSHA is, however, characterized for flame spread and smoke density per ASTM E84/UL 723 at a two-inch thickness. The Class I/MSHA FROTH-PAK is acceptable for use without a thermal barrier (normally 1/2 inch drywall covering) when used around the "rim joist" component of the floor perimeter in basements or crawl spaces. This is now incorporated into the International Building Code. TopIs FROTH-PAK referenced by building codes or lab testing?Yes, for additional information, see Code Approvals. Disclaimer: The use of FROTH-PAK may be restrictive or prohibited in certain areas by local building codes covering the use of cellular plastics. ALWAYS check local code(s) before using product. Warning: The foam produced by FROTH-PAK is organic and combustible and may constitute a fire hazard. Do not expose foam to flame or temperatures above 240°F (116°C). Always read FROTH-PAK operating instruction and Safety Data Sheet prior to use. What is the proper way to dispose of FROTH-PAK?Since local regulations vary, it is best to contact your local waste disposal facility to inquire about disposal of pressurized aerosol cans. Dow Chemical manufacturing facilities are typically not licensed to receive hazardous waste and therefore cannot take back used canisters. If you have additional questions, call Dow Chemical at 1-888-868-1183. |
For pricing options and packages, contact us at
800.937.9021 Ext - 106, Or Spray Foam Products
More Info
|
|
| © Loyola Construction Products 2005 | ||
Product Info
