Once you have decided to buy a spray foam rig, you need to understand how it works and determine how to equip it for maximizing your investment properly. Whether you are a commercial or industrial contractor or a residential one, the first thing you need to consider is how you are going to use the spray foam rig. Does your rig require large spraying air barrier systems or just enough configuration to focus on wall insulation?
There are several considerations, and this is what we are going to discuss in the post. Keep on reading as we put light on how spray foam rigs work and how to properly equip it to make the most out of your machine.
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How does a Spray Foam Rig Works?
The insulation materials come in two separate drums – ISO in one part and resin in another. The setup uses transfer pumps for pumping the resin and ISO material to the machine at 200 PSI. The two transfer pumps come with air motors that generate their power from an air compressor. The air motor connects to the transfer pumps that are leading to the drums.
When the motor is switched on, the insulation materials are pumped into the machine. There are in-line Y-filters installed to filter and pre-screen any contaminants in the materials. Once filtered, the resin and ISO materials are pressurized using the air motor attached to the transfer pumps.
The large air motor and the transfer pumps help in increasing the pressure to the insulation materials as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, a pressure between 1000 PSI and 1500 PSI is used for closed and open cell spray foams.
Powering the Spray Foam Rig
When looking for spray foam equipment, you need to determine your need for reliable and adequate electrical power for operating the proportioner and compressor. This will help you in figuring out the right size for the generator and compressor.
Today, you will see a wide selection of options, from electric units to smaller ones, gas compressors, to even diesel generators. Moreover, there are large diesel generators that come with electric compressors that are ideal for large-scale industrial applications.
So, depending on the project requirements, you need to choose the right powering system for your spray foam rig. Nevertheless, you are advised not to buy anything more than your requirements. But, when it comes to powering your spray foam rig, it is important to think big and ensure that your equipment has all the power it needs to function properly. You would not want to keep upgrading your equipment every once in a while. It can be frustrating and costly, as well.
What is the Ideal Generator Size?
There is no such thing as the ideal generator size. Every spray foam rig is different as it is tailored according to the specific needs of the project. But you can determine the right generator size based on your requirements. Here is how to find the right generator size for your spray foam rig:
- List down all the system components that will be used in the rig along with their peak load requirements (in WATTS)
- Sum up their total wattage requirements
- Multiply the total wattage requirements by 1.25 to determine the kilovolt amperes (kVA)
- Now, go for a generator that equals the determined kVA, or you can choose a generator size slightly higher than the determined kVA.
You are advised to use proportioner power cords that either exceed or meet the determined kVA requirement. If you use a power cord that has a lower kVA tolerance, then it can cause voltage fluctuations, which can damage your expensive equipment.
Rig Configurations
The next important step to consider is choosing the right type of rig that meets your needs. You have two options when it comes to choosing the right type of rig – standard and gooseneck.
A gooseneck-style rig needs a truck that can handle the fifth wheel, whereas a standard rig can be pulled out of any truck. A gooseneck rig can handle larger loads. However, it is a little difficult to manoeuvre. A standard rig is far more easy to operate, even in tight spaces.
Depending on your budget and requirements, choose a rig that has an adequate frame and is equipped with strong axles so that it can safely handle the loads, especially when travelling on rough terrains and roads.
And when choosing the rig type, also consider the door configuration. You have two options – barn style and ramp style. Barn style doors allow for easy loading and unloading of the equipment using a forklift. They work well in tight spaces.
A ramp style door, on the other hand, is ideal for those who don’t have access to a forklift.
These are some important considerations to make when you buy a spray foam rig. It would help if you tailored the equipment according to your needs.