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SSM-3 Rental Machine

Operating Manual

Meter Mix equipment for Spraying SWORL 2 Part Silicones for use in fabricating reusable vacuum bags.

The SSM-3 is powered by an air cylinder operating two single acting piston pumps which supplies each measured component to the static mixer at a 10:1 ratio. The static mixer blends the material as it is dispensed and an adjustable head controls the spray pattern. This system requires an air supply at least 80 PSI. The information in this manual is provided for your convenience, you may also call us for technical support at (512) 846-2444.

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Table of Contents SSM-3 Manual

Title page Page: 1

Table of Contents Page: 2

Assembly of the SSM-3

1. Remove Kit Contents Page: 3

2. Required tools Page: 3

3. Reservoir assembly Page: 3

4. Hose connections Page: 4

5. Air supply connections Page: 4

6. Filling the reservoirs Page: 5

7. Priming the SSM-3 Page: 5

8. Machine Timing Page: 6-8

Check valve verification

Timing Check

Timing adjustment

9. Ratio check Page: 9

Operating the SSM-3

Air bubble removal Page: 10

Static mixer Page: 10

Running machine Page: 10

Pump speed Page: 11

Spray pattern adjustments/factors Page: 11

Extrusion Application Page: 11

Shut down Page: 11

Maintenance Page: 12

Start-up/ shutdown

Periodic Maintenance

Cleaning

Trouble shooting guide Page: 13

Substances that may inhibit Platinum cure silicones Page: 14

Contact Information Page: 15

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Assembly of the SSM-3rental machine 1) Remove kit contents and ensure that they match your rental checklist.

PLEASE RETURN RENTAL KIT IN SAME CONDITION AS

WHEN IT WAS DELIVERED.

2) Required basic tools are part of rental kit. For tool list, reference

rental checklist.

3) Reservoir Assembly When attaching the reservoirs:

NOTE: Rental reservoirs that come with the kit may vary in size

and shape. The larger reservoir is always used on the Base side

(left pump).

a. Remove the protective caps from the pump intake ports (Do

not mix and match the caps as it could result in cross

contamination between the two materials). Place the reservoirs

over the pump intakes ensuring the gaskets have remained in

place and the rim of the reservoir is not over the nut plate.

b. Place the stainless steel washer over the pump intake now

inside the reservoir.

c. Thread a nut onto the pump intake, using the 1.5” socket.

NOTE: Tighten nut flush to the top of pump intake.

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4) Hose Connections

d. Line up the larger diameter hose to the left pump (the pump

that is closest to the air cylinder) and the smaller diameter hose

to the right pump.

e. Remove plug and caps on the hoses and machine (Do not mix

and match the caps and plugs as it could result in cross

contamination between the two materials). Before attaching

each of the fittings, wrap Teflon tape on the threads. Tighten

with wrench. Loose fittings may result in off ratio material or

air bubbles in the material being dispensed.

f. Connect the twin air lines. Matching colors must connect to

one another.

NOTE: Connection fittings may vary from depiction below.

5) Air Supply Connections

a. Connect your air supply to the AIR IN FILTER located on the

left side of the machine.

b. The SSM-3 pressure regulator should be set between 30-70 PSI

depending on output desired for spray or extrusion

applications. Start at 30 PSI and increase as necessary.

NOTE: The machine should be attached to a filtered air supply

with at least 80 PSI. If the air supply falls below 65 PSI the air

circuit to function properly and the machine will shut down. If

during operation the pressure on the gauge drops more than

five pounds and you want more speed or power use a larger air

supply line.

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6) Filling the Reservoirs

When filling the reservoirs:

a. Pour the SWORL Base (10-part material) in the reservoir

located on the left side of the machine until it reaches 1/3 from

the bottom.

b. Pour the SWORL Catalyst (Blue in color) in the reservoir

located on the right side of the machine until it reaches 1/3

from the bottom.

NOTE: During machine operation the fluid level in each reservoir

must remain two inches or more above the intake port to prevent air

form being sucked into the pump. If air does get sucked into the

pump then you will have follow Step 7 again.

7) Priming the SSM-3: Air must be purged from the system to allow

the system to function properly. Priming the SSM-3 only needs to

be done when initially filling the pumps with material or when air

has been introduced into the pumps because of low levels of

material in the reservoirs.

First purge the pump:

a. Tilt the machine backwards (approximately 45 degree angle)

and maintain this angle to allow air trapped in the pump to

escape through the intake port. Ensure there is enough material

in reservoirs so when the machine is tilted, intake ports are still

covered but not too much to overflow out of container.

b. Repeat step a. tilting the machine forward.

NOTE: This step takes approximately 30 minutes for each tilt

direction to allow the air to escape. Bubbles will start out large

(quarter size) and reduce as time progresses.

c. Add more material in the reservoirs if needed.

Second purge the hoses:

a. Put SSM-3 level on the floor; stretch the hoses out so they are

at a smoothly rising slope, with no big hills or valleys,

otherwise the air bubbles will not be able to escape.

b. Remove static mixer nozzle and install supplied plastic straw

on center manifold port on gun assembly to split streams in

individual containers to be recycled. Operate SSM-3 until both

materials are being dispensed. Continue until there are no air

bubbles in either material. This may take 10-20 full strokes.

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8) Timing Check

Correct timing is achieved when both materials dispense at the same

time. When you first start the dispenser or after running out of

material the timing must be verified. If the timing is not correct off

ratio material will be dispensed.

* The performance of the check valves is critical to the operation of

the pumps. Before checking the timing the check valves performance

should be verified. For more information and instructions on verifying

performance see Check Valve Verification below.

Check Valve Verification

To verify proper check valve operation:

1. Purge the air from the system as described in step 7.

2. Move the pivot arm to the positions shown below in Figure 3.

3. Ensure that the manifold is full of material and pointed upwards.

4. Wipe off excess material

5. While pulling the pivot arm out watch for material being drawn back

into the manifold. If material is drawn back the check valve on that

side has failed. If it is not drawn back the check valve is operating

properly

To check the timing:

a. The pivot arm must be all the way out.

b. Disconnect the air supply

c. Push arm forward with hand until resistance is met. Ensure

that the manifold is full of material and pointed upwards.

d. Use a screwdriver in conjunction with the slots in the frame

to manually bump the pivot arm in slightly, until material is

pumped out of the mixer manifold.

e. If the timing is correct both materials will dispense at the

same time.

f. If one material starts dispensing before the other the timing is

off. For instructions on timing adjustment see the Timing

section.

NOTE: Before repeating the timing check. Pull the pivot arm all the

way out and repeat steps C-F.

For More information and timing adjustment instructions see

below “Timing Adjustment”

Pump side uses two outer holes

Pivot side uses inner hole

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Timing Description

Before dealing with timing it is often helpful to understand how the

machine functions. Notice Figure 1, the pump arm is in the out position. When

the machine is operational, and the arm is in this location the pumps are filling

with material thru the intake port. As the air cylinder pulls the pivot arm

forward, the pistons are being pushed towards their pump cylinders. At the

moment that a piston seats with its pump cylinder, material from that pump

begins dispensing. In order to achieve the proper material ratio, both pistons

must seat with their pump cylinders at the same time. (see Figure 2.) If the

pistons do not seat at the same time, one pump will dispense material before

the other resulting in the incorrect ratio.

After dispensing begins, the air cylinder will continue to pull the pivot

arm until a full shot is delivered. The air cylinder will then push the pivot arm

back, pulling the pistons back towards their intake position (see Figure 3.) As

the pivot arm beings moving towards the out position the check valves prevent

material in the hoses from being drawn back into the pump.* The air cylinder

continues to push the pivot arm until it reaches it’s out positions (see Figure 1)

at which point the pumps intake material and the process is repeated.

Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3.

Timing Adjustment

The timing bolt on the end of the air cylinder side pump controls the

timing. When checking the timing, if the air cylinder side starts first the air

cylinder side pump should be retarded. If the pivot side starts first then

advance the air cylinder side pump.

To retard the air cylinder side pump:

a. Loosen the pump mounting bolts, located under the machine,

one turn.

b. Turn the timing bolt CLOCKWISE.

NOTE: ½ a turn is a very large change; you should find that

one flat (1/6) turn either way will move the timing from too

early to too late.

c. Tighten mounting bolts.

d. Check timing.

e. Repeat steps if necessary.

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To advance the air cylinder side pump:

Follow steps above only turn the timing bolt

COUNTERCLOCKWISE.

NOTE: Do not over adjust the timing. Note the original position carefully.

If the pump is adjusted too far the piston will hit the end of the pump and the

machine will not operate.

NOTE: Do not use the timing to set the ratio. The ratio is set by moving

the pivot side pump. For more information on ratios and ratio

adjustment see the Ratio section.

TIMIN

G ADJU

ST

RATIO ADJUST

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9) Ratio Check

Ratio Testing- It is important to check the ratio of your machine. Material

mixed with the wrong ratio may never develop its full cure. The machine is

set to the proper ratio before it is shipped and should never need to be

changed. However, we recommend that after machine set-up to go ahead and

check that the machine is dispensing a 10:1 ratio.

Weigh two cups and place one under the base side and one under the catalyst

side, a ¼ tube pushed into the manifold to separate the materials can help. Put

the hose on the center outlet. Place tube into smaller cup held with other hand.

Place larger cup underneath gun. This will allow you to capture base and

catalyst into different cups to be weighed. Material can be reused. Pump

several shots of material into the cups and weigh the cups. Subtract the

weight of the empty cup. Then divide the weight of the catalyst by the weight

of the base.

Example

Catalyst Base

Full cup 26.7g 138.4g

cup wt. -15.5g -26.4g

net wt. 11.2g 112g

11.2/112 = .10 or 10:100 or 1:10

The machine will hold a stable ratio until something plugs up or fails to seal.

If the ratio changes suddenly the problem is either a leaking exhaust check

valve, cavitation (incomplete pump filling, slow leak, or too short of a delay

valve setting), or internal damage to the pump (piston end seal). Dirty or

leaking check valves are most often the cause of off ratio problems.

Valve Problems- The most likely cause of ratio problems with a machine that

is in use is a leaking exhaust check valve. The exhaust valve keeps the

material from flowing back to the reservoir from the output hose. When

replacing an exhaust valve, make sure that the arrow points away from the

pump toward the hose. Pushing the operating arm in 1” (it pushes hard) will

prevent the Base from flowing out when the output check valve is removed.

Disconnect the air supply.

If any of the above steps are not clear, or if you are having

problems, please call, we want to help.

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OPERATING THE SSM-3

Air bubbles during machine operation:

Air Bubble Removal

If excessive large bubbles are present in the material during machine

operation that is an indication that air is trapped in the valve or hose.

First, make sure all

fittings are tight on

hoses. To remove air,

tip the machine at 30-

45 and operate it

rapidly, returning the

material to the

reservoirs or to a can

until the bubbles are

washed out (10 to 20

full strokes may be

required).

NOTE

Make sure that the lines are at a smoothly rising slope, with no big hills or

valleys, otherwise the air bubbles will not be able to escape.

Mixer Selection - Please call Prairie Technology Group for

correct mixer selection and pricing.

Running-Continuous Run Machine –There are two

switches that can operate the machine located on the

gun assembly. On one side there is a toggle switch

and the other is a push button. Select which method

you would like to use and connect the twin air lines to

the appropriate switch. Be sure to check the holes in

the manifold for buildup each time before attaching

the static mixer.

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Pump Speed- The speed of the machine is controlled by the Speed Control

Air Regulator, a small black knob, located near the main air valve on the air

cylinder side of the machine that is connected to the pressure gage. The pump

will run faster at high pressure. Below 25 psi the machine will stall. When

operating at low pressure the machine may not start first thing in the morning.

An increase in pressure may be required for start up.

Do not operate the machine with the mixer manifold plugged. If the

machine is run with the catalyst side of the manifold plugged, very high

pressure will be developed and the catalyst pump may be damaged. In the

case of a plugged manifold, use a ¼” drill bit or a drywall screw to clean it

out.

Adjusting aluminum nugget spray head for proper spray - Start by

bottoming out the mixing nozzle on the aluminum spray head and then back

the block off 2.5 turns before hooking up the air line to the block. Minor

adjustments of a quarter turn will impact the spray pattern. Adjust to fit your

need.

Factors that impact spray - There are 4 factors which impact the type of

spray produced from the equipment.

(1) Volume of liquid being dispensed by the mixing nozzle. i.e.

flow rate

(2) Air pressure to the spray head. Independent air line most be

used to connect spray assist. Start with 40psi on air line

regulator and then change as needed.

(3) Proximity of head to the target (should be @ 18 in)

(4) Air gap between the spray head and the mixer tip. (2.5 turns

back after bottoming out)

The rule of thumb is that the greater the velocity of air shooting past the mixer

out of the orifice the smaller the silicone droplet, the smoother the “B” side

texture. The greater the volume of silicone dispensed from the mixer the

higher the volume of air and greater the air pressure needed in order to

produce a smooth surface.

NOTE: The “B” side surface will never be completely smooth.

Spray Assembly Cleaning - It is possible that SWORL material will build up

on the spray assembly orifice. Simply wipe off. If the material has already

cured remove material with dry wall screw to unclog spray assembly. To

minimize clogs into the spray assembly always have the air assist valve turned

on before and after any material is dispensed through the nozzle.

SWORL Extrusion Application - At times you might find it better to apply

SWORL in a bead form to touch up small areas or gain better bag consistency

in hard to spray areas. To extrude a bead, remove spray assembly from tip of

nozzle. Failing to do so will result in a clogged spray head.

Shut Down - Leave the static mixer on machine. This will seal out the air

on the manifold. To restart, remove static mixer and check the ports in the

manifold for buildup. Clean out any material before putting on new static

mixer to spray.

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MAINTENANCE START UP- Attach the air hose, remove the static mixer from the mixer

manifold, wipe off and check the holes for hardened material. If the holes are

plugged they must be cleaned before operating the machine or damage to the

pumps may occur. A drywall screw, or a ¼” drill bit work well for pulling out

hardened material. Put on a mixer, pump out one shot of material into a waste

container and go to work. For air bubble sensitive jobs point the mixer up to

chase the air out on the first shot.

SHUT DOWN- Leave the mixer on gun to eliminate air getting to the

material.

Clean up spilled material with IPA91%. Take care to avoid kinking the hoses.

PERIODIC MAINTENANCE: Dirty or obstructed exhaust check valves are the most common cause of

trouble. Two extra check valves are supplied with the machine. Soaking in

IPA91% may sometimes clean dirty valves. They may also be disassembled

for cleaning.

The only maintenance that the SSM-3 normally requires during the rental

period is wiping off spilled material left on the machine with IPA91%.

VALVE PROBLEMS

The most likely cause of ratio problems with a machine is a leaking exhaust

check valve. The exhaust check valve keeps the material from flowing back

into the reservoir from the output hose. When replacing an exhaust check

valve, disconnect the air supply; push the operating arm in 1” to keep Base

from flowing out from the reservoir while the exhaust check valve is off.

Make sure that the arrow points in the direction of flow, away from the pump

toward the hose. If this procedure does not solve the problem, please contact

Prairie Technology Customer Support.

CLEANING If outside surfaces of the machine need cleaning, we recommend to wipe the

machine with IPA91%.

Ratio of your SSM-3 The ratio of your SSM-3 is set at 10:1. This ratio should never be changed.

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TROUBLE SHOOTING Guide CALL PRAIRIE TECHNOLOGY GROUP IF THERE

IS A PROBLEM WITH THE MACHINE. Problems Possible Cause Possible Solution

Pumping out on one side only Reservoir empty

Malfunctioning check valve

Clogged outlet hole in manifold

Fill reservoir

Clean/replace valve

Remove

Pump arm jumps but does not move enough to pump, moves very slowly.

Obstruction in the pump/piston

Piston end is hitting end of pump cylinder

Piston has frozen-catalyst in Base side or Base in catalyst side

Air pressure too low for viscosity of the liquid

Remove obstruction

Reset timing

Soak in solvent

Check for proper air pressure setting

Pump arm does not move at all Check air supply

Air circuit is not functioning properly

Valve sticking in air circuit valve stack

Attach air supply

Check red tubes for leaks, cracks or broken fittings

Increase air pressure to pilot circuit

Check arm pivot

One liquid starts before the other Improper timing Adjust timing

Base and catalyst are not properly mixed. Soft spots, strips in the bead, color changes in the static mixer

Timing is incorrect

Adjust timing

Amount of material does not measure correctly according to needed ratios.

Improper timing

Used Volume Ratio figures instead of Ratio by Weight figures

Adjust timing per instruction book

Check your figures and math.

Use a larger sample for measurements

Material dripping from mixer manifold after plastic static mixer is removed

Small amount is normal Wipe off manifold

Reservoir leaking material onto the pumps

Bad gasket between reservoir and pump or improperly installed

Crack in bottom of reservoir

Reservoir not tight to the pump

Replace gasket

Replace reservoir and gasket

Tighten reservoir nut ¼ turn past snug

Obvious air in the hose Manifold (gun) kept lying below machine overnight allowing gravity air flow

Blockage in check valve

Air coming through reservoir

Tip machine and stretch hose out at 30º-45º from machine allowing air to travel up hose, pump till air displaced

Clean / replace valve

Keep reservoir at least 2” full of material from bottom

Arm does not move when the run button in pressed

Check air supply

Run switch is malfunctioning

Air circuit or cylinder is not functioning properly

Valve is sticking in air circuit valve stack

Check operating arm for obstructions

The air coming to the machine must be more than 65 psi

Disconnect red hose and push the run button. Air should come out of the hose from the switch

Check red and clear tubes for leaks, cracks or broken fittings

Increase air pressure to pilot circuit. The pilot regulator is the round brass colored fitting with the red cap, take off the cap and turn the silver knob clock wise.

Operating arm moves a small amount Piston is frozen – catalyst in base side or base in catalyst side.

Disassemble the pump and clean with suitable solvent

Arm does not complete cycle Piston end is hitting end of pump cylinder

Reset timing, pump has been adjusted out side its range. Reset timing – Adjust pump body away from operating arm

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Substances that may possibly inhibit PRSI 308-556 (polvaddition Platinum) cure silicones:

Inhibition is when the silicone rubber will not cure correctly; it is manifested by a wet,

tacky area of the silicone mold. The detail reproduction in this area is lost and cannot be

reclaimed, the mold will need to be remade. Inhibition can occur when a platinum cure

silicone rubber comes in contact with any on the following:

chlorinated solvents

super glue (cyanoacrylates)

adhesive tapes (ie.: duct tape)

latex coatings, paints, solvent carriers

most clays (especially those containing

sulphur, consult with clay

manufacturer)

sulfur cure-organic rubber (ie.: neoprene

or natural rubber)

amines - epoxy, TDI Urethanes

polyester gel coats

bondo polyester paints

condensation cure silicones, RTV, silicone

caulking

cured urethane elastomers

heavy moisture

composite pre-preg

latex gloves nitrile gloves

acetone

MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)

Dykum

This list is not all inclusive - It is highly recommended that if any of these

materials, or if some other unknown material, is to be cast around PRSI 308-556

polyaddition (platinum) cure rubber, that a small patch test be done on a

non-obvious place on the master to check for cure inhibition.

Once the silicone rubber is in a cured state, inhibition will not occur.

If cure inhibition is found there ways to either clean or mask areas of

the mold that will prevent further cure inhibition. Please contact

Prairie Technology Group to find out what solution would be best for

your application.

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SWORL

Prairie Technology Group, Inc. 602 E. Front Street

Hutto, Tx. 78634

Ph. 512-846-2444

Fx. 512-846-2400

www.sworl.net

Last revised: 01-21-2013