Storage

Spray Foam insulation is processed in the field by combining a polymeric isocyanate (A-side) and a resin blend (B-side).  The liquid components shall be stored in 55-gallon (208 L) drums at temperatures between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C).  When A and B side components are stored in factory-sealed containers at the recommended temperatures, the maximum shelf life is six months.

Mixing

Mixing only applies to the B-side (resin) for open cell products. The resin formulation is a blend of different chemicals that can separate inside the drum during storage. For reference, imagine a jug of orange juice that has been sitting inside your refrigerator. It is very important to agitate the mixture before putting it through the system. If the resin is not blended prior to install, the foam product will not install to the designed specs. Proper blending can be achieved by using one of several drum mixer options. These are outlined below.

Due to the chemistry of different foam chemicals, mixing guidelines vary. It is important to know when to mix resin and for how long.

When to Mix Resin

It is critical to mix the SucraSeal resin component very thoroughly before and during application. Graco helical screw type mixers are the minimum recommended type.

EasySeal does not require mixing during install, but it is recommended that EasySeal resin be mixed for 15 minutes prior to beginning application. It is also advisable to mix briefly prior to recirculation. This can help with chemical viscosity before it is cycled through the heaters. When it is time to commence the install application process, turn off the mixer. Do not continue mixing EasySeal while spray foam is being installed.

In colder conditioned, it may be necessary to mix resin during the entire preheating stage. This assist in getting the chemicals prepared for application. Once the proper temperature is achieved, the mixer should be cut off and you are ready to spray.

Do not mix NEXSEAL and NEXSEAL LE. Closed cell resins do not require mixing, nor is it recommended to do so. Closed cell resin chemical can froth up when agitated.

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Pro Tip:

If the system is shut down for a period of time during the day (i.e. lunch break) take the opportunity to freshly mix open cell resin before restarting the install process. Make certain to turn off the mixer before pulling the trigger for EasySeal. Keep mixing SucraSeal. Do not mix NEXSEAL.

There are several types of mixers available for processing spray foam insulation. Certain considerations need to be taken when selecting your mixer. You must first select the power supply that best fits your needs: Electric, Air or Hydraulic. Secondly, you need to select the proper impeller. "Expanding blades" and "helical screw" are 2 common styles. SES recommends an expanding blade impeller to achieve the best mix.

Electric Mixers

Electric motor mixers are a popular option because they do not increase demand on your air compressor, and they can provide a powerful and effective mixing solution. The downside is that they are quite heavy and can be difficult to transfer between drums. The below Fusion Fluid Mixer includes an electric motor head, drum-mounted gear box and expanding blade impellers.

Air Mixers

Air mixers are your least expensive option when selecting a mixer. However, this can be deceiving because of the air requirements. You may need to invest in a higher capacity compressor to power your mixer, along with your transfer pumps and other ancillary air tools you may use. See more about selecting a compressor below. Servicing and repairing an air mixer can be relatively easy compared to other options. Below are two air mixer options available from Graco. The mixer on the left includes expanding blades, while the mixer on the right uses a helical screw.

Hydraulic Mixers

Hydraulic mixers use electricity to power a hydraulic pump that pushes fluid through the mixer head to spin the impeller. This solution requires no air and uses less electricity than your typical electric motor mixer. The design also allows for a smaller mixer head that is easily moved between drums. Repairs to these mixers are usually relatively easy as well. However, these mixers require additional space for the hydraulic unit to be mounted to the wall. The entire setup can also be costly.

Regardless of what type of mixer you choose, it is important to understand the total air requirements on your rig. When selecting a compressor, determine the total CFM requirements for all air driven equipment on your rig. You must consider the CFM air draw on every item you are using, along with the likelihood of all items being used at the same time. Size your compressor accordingly, with enough air flow to handle the entire load. Below are several examples of common equipment that require air during the spray foam application process. CFM requirements for each item will be noted in the equipment manuals.

• Pneumatic Proportioning Machines
• Transfer Pumps
• Spray Guns
• Air Mixers
• Supplied Fresh Air Systems
• Air Powered Foam Shaving Tools