Chemical Handling
Always follow the guidelines set forth in the Safety and Chemical Handling section of this app. Never work within proximity of spray foam chemicals without proper PPE.
Equipment Shutdown
Gun:
Close valves on gun and trigger several times to clear residual material. If applicable, connect to flush pot and toggle trigger several times to move glycol ether through the gun. If gun has a grease zerk, connect appropriate grease gun and pump until grease is visibly expelling from the mixing chamber tip.
Proportioner:
Depressurize hose down to 500 psi to keep vapor and moisture out of the system. This will also reduce material fatigue within the system and help extend the hose life. Park/retract proportioner pump so that the pump goes to the ISO side and allows shaft to be coated with TSL fluid. This will prevent oxidation within the ISO side of the pump. Turn off all heaters and power proportioner down, cutting off main breaker. Visually inspect TSL fluid and replace if cloudy.
Transfer Pumps:
Remove air lines from transfer pumps and shut off chemical supply lines to the proportioner.
Compressor:
If compressor does not have a solenoid or auto-dump, crack the release valve to exhaust condensation from within the tank.
Generator:
Ensure main breaker is turned off. Before shutting down generator, allow a few minutes of idle time where the generator is running without a power draw from other equipment. This will reduce the shutdown load and prolong generator life.
Equipment Appearance
Maintaining equipment cleanliness and rig organization also goes a long way when working to operate in the most efficient manner. Knowing where your tools and supplies are stored, allows for quick access. Keeping safety gear and other sensitive items in a clean environment reduces that amount of time needed to clean and prepare equipment for use.
Reduce ISO Crystallization
Sealed Drums:
Never leave drums open longer than needed. When removing or replacing transfer pumps and recirculation lines, do so in an expedited manner, or seal bung holes on drum.
Desiccant Cartridge:
Desiccant cartridges should be replaced when the cartridge indicator turns to the appropriate color. Keeping a fresh cartridge will allow for better dehumidification of make-up air entering the system.
Transfer Pump:
Always make certain the transfer pump collar is properly secured to the drum bung, minimizing air and humidity infiltration into the system.
Air Dryer:
Check air dryer indicators and confirm dryer is in proper working order. Change filters as needed to maintain performance of dryer.
Cleaning Y-Screen:
It is better to clean y-screens at the beginning of the day, not at the end. Opening up the lines allows humidity to enter the system. Purging any unwanted air from the system is recommended before shutting down.
Pour Ups:
Complete pour ups at the end of each day to reduce air volume within drums, thus reducing the amount of humidity and moisture that is present within the drum. Seal drum accordingly after pour up is complete.
Proper Chemical Disposal
Used drums should be empty and drip-dry before being disposed of or recycled. The best way to empty drums is through good pour up procedures. Take time to make certain all chemical has been emptied from the drum before tossing it aside for disposal.
In the case that chemical is contaminated or rendered unusable, it must be disposed of in accordance with the EPA and local regulatory bodies. For local disposal information, contact your local hazardous waste/barrel recycling facility.
Additional Resources:
Guidelines for Management and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes from Polyurethane Processing