Video Transcription
At FSI, safety is always our primary concern, especially personal safety. We created this quick instructional video on the proper and safe procedures for starting up and shutting down our Solvent-Less Urethane Gun or SLUG Pro with safety in mind. After viewing these procedures, if there is anything you don’t understand, please contact our technical service department before attempting any procedures. A representative will be happy to walk you through the process or schedule a visit for training. It is important to understand the various letter and color designations of the ISO and POLYOL cylinders in different parts of the world. In this video, we’ll use the U.S. designations of A for ISO and B for POLYOL.
Always remember to wear protective eye wear and gloves while operating the dispensing equipment. Please refer to the SDS for the proper and safe handling of materials, including the use of protective equipment, like safety glasses, protective gloves, and a NIOSH approved respirator where needed. With your protective gear in place, you’re ready to begin the SLUG Pro startup procedure.
Check the level gauge on both the ISO (A) and POLYOL (B) cylinders to ensure that there is sufficient chemical supply. If the chemical level is close to 5%, we recommend changing chemical cylinders before proceeding. Draining tanks below 5% will lead to nitrogen in the chemical lines, which can cause problems with dispensing equipment, and could result in poor end product.
Check the temperature gauge on the filter assembly. Keep in mind that 70°F (21°C), is the minimum operating temperature. Please refer to the process setup acknowledgement for the specific operating parameters for your foaming process. Next, confirm there is a sufficient nitrogen supply. This is a good time to review the ways nitrogen is supplied, single bottles, six packs, twelve packs, micro bulk tanks, and bulk tanks. To check the supply, turn on the nitrogen cylinder. Open the valve slowly, but ensure that it is fully open.
Check the following parameters: 1. Nitrogen reserve gauge. Sufficient nitrogen capacity is necessary for production. The minimum nitrogen requirement is 500 psi (change nitrogen tanks when below 500 psi). 2. Once sufficient nitrogen supply is confirmed, check for leaks. Leaks will lead to unnecessary waste of nitrogen and cause more frequent change outs. 3. Check the regulator pressure. The set point is 240-245 psi. Do not exceed these pressure levels. Remember that the regulators are set during initial setup, and adjustments rarely, if ever, need to be made. 4. Slowly open the nitrogen and chemical ball valves at both cylinders.
Turn on the timer and heat box. Connect the air hose to the air supply, and turn the air supply ON. Clean out the lubricant from the SLUG Pro block, then clean the SLUG Pro block threads and rod face with DK 817. Next, grease the SLUG Pro cylinder. Frequently greasing the SLUG Pro cylinder will assist in longevity of operation. Attach the adapter, mix tube, and collar. Open all four ball valves at the dispensing head and push the slide safety valve forward to the ON position.
At this point, it is important to remember that the equipment is ready to dispense chemical, and precautions should be taken to avoid an accidental discharge. The SLUG Pro unit is almost ready for production and the startup is nearly complete. Before production, it is important to perform a series of quality control steps. These steps are described in greater detail in a separate FSI video. Once the documented QC procedures are finished, and the SLUG Pro unit is mixing chemical properly, it is ready to dispense for production. Laminated startup procedures should be present in all designated mixing areas for reference. Please contact the FSI technical service department if you are in need of additional, or replacement copies.
At the end of production, the SLUG Pro unit must be properly shut down. Here’s a quick review of the shut-down procedures. First, close all four ball valves at the dispensing head. Then, pull the slide safety valve to the OFF, or back, position.
Check the mix tube for chemical buildup. If a 3/8 inch rod cannot slide easily into the mix tube, you must clean it or replace it (with the air supply off). Remove the mix tube collar, mix tube and adapter. Clean the SLUG Pro block and rod face with DK 817. Wipe off any residue, lubricate, and pack the SLUG Pro block with petroleum jelly or a lithium based grease. Then grease the SLUG Pro cylinder.
Turn the timer and heat box off. Close the chemical and nitrogen ball valves on the chemical cylinders, and finally turn the nitrogen supply off. The SLUG Pro is now properly and safely shut down. Laminated shutdown procedures should also be present in all designated mixing areas for reference. Please contact the FSI technical service department if you are in need of additional or replacement copies.
Again, if you have any questions about either the SLUG Pro start-up, or shut-down procedures, please call our technical department at 1.800.325.4875. International customers dial + 1.314.344.3330. We’re always ready to help our valued customers in any way we can.
