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Autofroth® Systems

The Better Solution

BASF Urethane Specialties

Wyandotte, MI

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Autofroth® Pressurized Systems –

Introduction

What is Autofroth®?

How is Autofroth® dispensed?

What are the advantages of Autofroth®?

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What is Autofroth®?

Definition: Contraction of two words

Auto – Automatic

Froth – Pre-expanding foam

Two component urethane foam systems

Contained in portable, returnable pressurized cylinders

Primarily uses gaseous blowing agents: HCFC R-22, HFC 134a

Can use non-gaseous blowing agents: HFC 245fa, Cyclopentane, Water

Designated Autopour®

Dispensed through BASF-supplied equipment

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Autofroth® Equipment Basics –

How is Autofroth® Dispensed?

System uses nitrogen pressure to “pump” chemicals

through gun at 235 psi.

Flow controllers dispense equal volumes of A-side

Isocyanate and B-side Polyol through the gun manifold.

Products are specifically formulated to run through the

Autofroth® SL guns at 1:1 by volume.

Programmable timers control shot times

Air and water are used to flush the static mixer tube.

Continuous air bleed is used to assist with nucleation of

rigid urethane foam system

How is Autofroth® Dispensed?

B Component

Cylinder

A Component

Cylinder

Nitrogen Supply

Main N2 Regulator

Step Down

Regulator Filter Filter

Ball Valve

Flow Controller

Thermometer

Gun Assembly

Static Mix Tube

Air Purge valve

Air Bleed Valve

Check Valve

Resin Isocyanate

Check Valve Water Supply

Water Purge valve

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Autofroth® Equipment Basics –

Typical Autofroth® Equipment

Typical SL-gun Typical Programmable Timer

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Autofroth® Equipment Basics –

Typical Autofroth® System Set-up

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Autofroth® Equipment Basics –

Flow Controllers

Basic Concept: Different viscosity materials flow into the

flow controller. The controller adjusts so that equal

volumetric flows of both A and B-sides are achieved.

If the chemicals are off-ratio, the foam properties change

dramatically.

Isocyanate-rich (friable) or Polyol-rich (soft)

Flow controller capacities of 6, 17, 30, 45, 60, and 90-

pound per minute outputs.

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Autofroth® Equipment Basics –

Flow Controllers

How Do the Controllers Adjust for Different Conditions?

A Spring Increases/Decreases the Orifice Size (within a

limited viscosity range).

Low

Viscosity

Liquids

Higher

Viscosity

Liquids

Viscosity

Too

High!

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Autofroth® Equipment –

SL Equipment Advantages

Ease of start-up, processing, and maintenance.

Dependability of equipment assembled by BASF.

Proven field performance at hundreds of locations.

Low capital expense, no tanks to purchase.

No solvent flush needed, low-cost disposal of water flush.

Local field technical service for quick response.

Next-day spare parts service.

Development lab continuously working on product

improvements.

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Autofroth® Cylinder Sizes

All cylinders are shipped in sets of A-side and B-side

A-20: 1,000-gallon cylinder on wheels

A-10: 500-gallon cylinder on wheels

A-7: 350-gallon cylinder on skids

A-5: 250-gallon cylinder on skids

A-1: 50-gallon cylinder delivered on pallet

A-300: 15-gallon cylinder (for testing and trials only)

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A300 A1 A5 A7 A10 A20

Autofroth® Cylinder Sizes

1000 gal. 500 gal. 350 gal. 250 gal. 50 gal.

15 gal.

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Autofroth® Bulk Pressurized Tank Trucks

BASF-owned fleet of 10 pressurized tank trucks.

9 split trailers, 1800-gallon capacity each side for A-side

Isocyanate and B-side Polyol System

1 full resin trailer, 4000-gallon capacity

Pressure rated to 150 psig.

Self contained with off-loading pumps, valves, and hoses.

BASF-contracted carrier company delivers using specially

trained drivers

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Autofroth® Bulk Pressurized Tank Truck

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Autofroth® Bulk Customer –

Typical Bulk Delivery System Set-up

A-side

A-side

B-side

B-side

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Autofroth® Advantage –

Summary

Low cost alternative for rigid urethane foam system processing

Capability to handle wide range of blowing agents

Portable, returnable cylinders

Environmentally friendly with no drum or tote disposal needed

No pumps, heat exchangers, or mechanical mixers required

Dispensing equipment is easy to use and maintain

Strong field technical service and support