FOAMit FI-20N Gallon Foam Unit Instruction Manual
- May 15, 2024
- FOAMit
Table of Contents
FOAMit FI-20N Gallon Foam Unit
Safety
PEOPLE OR OBJECTS CAN BE HURT OR DAMAGED IF THIS UNIT IS NOT USED
CORRECTLY!
Failure to read all the instructions before operating the unit may result in
personal injury or death from the improper use of the chemical solution.
Anyone handling, operating or using the unit must read and understand the
instructions in the manual. The buyer assumes all responsibility for the
safety and proper use of the instructions.
Using or servicing the unit without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may result in serious injuries such as burns, rashes, eye, throat or lung damage and death. Always wear PPE as indicated in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when using or servicing the unit. Protect eyes, skin, and lungs against drifting spray.
Chemical solutions may pose a health risk and death if they contact the skin or eyes, and are inhaled or swallowed. Always read and follow all chemical safety precautions and handling instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer and the SDS associated with the chemical solution before using the unit.
Pressure within the equipment may cause an unexpected release of the chemical solution and cause serious injury such as burns, rashes, eye damage, throat or lung damage and death. Always depressurize and clean the unit after each use. Release any remaining air pressure by opening the discharge ball valve. Never leave the unit unattended while pressurized. Using the unit with fluid temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C) may result in scalding, burns, serious injury or death.
DO NOT use a solution with a temperature above 100°F (37.8°C). Operating the unit when damaged or leaking may result in exposure to chemical solutions, serious injury or death. Never use the unit if it is damaged or leaking. Never point the discharge wand at yourself, another person, or any object you do not want covered in chemicals.
Using incoming air pressure exceeding 100 psi (6.9 bar) may result in pressure
buildup, explosion, serious injury or death. DO NOT exceed 100 psi (6.9 bar)
incoming air pressure when operating the unit.
Use of hydrocarbons and flammable products may result in explosions, fire and
serious injury or death. Never use hydrocarbons or flammable products with the
unit. Mixing an alkaline with an acid may result in a chemical reaction.
Overheating of the mixture may cause it to splatter caustic compounds or
release hazardous fumes, gas and vapours. Always flush the unit with fresh
water thoroughly when switching from an alkaline to an acid or an acid to an
alkaline.
NOTICE
Servicing or modifying this unit with parts not listed in this manual may
cause the unit to operate improperly. Do not use unauthorized parts when
servicing the unit. Use of an air lubricator before the unit may result in
diminished performance and damage to the unit. Do not use an air lubricator
before the unit. Moisture in the airlines will damage the pump and diminish
the pump’s life. The air must be filtered, clean, dry and free of moisture. If
needed, install an air dryer before the unit.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Please dispose of packaging materials, old machine components, and hazardous fluids in an environmentally safe way according to local waste disposal regulations
Product Overview
Requirements
Compressed air requirements| 40-80 psi (2.8-5.5 bar) with 5-10 CFM
(141.6-283.2 l/min)
---|---
Liquid temperature range| 40-100˚F (4.4-37.8˚C)
Chemical compatibility
| Chemical products used with this equipment must be formulated for this type of application and compatible with unit materials and pump seals. For more information on chemical compatibility, consult the manufacturer or SDS for your product or contact our customer service department.
Chemical compatibility
Chemical products used with this equipment must be formulated for this type of
application and compatible with unit materials and pump seals. For more
information on chemical compatibility, consult the manufacturer or SDS for
your product or contact our customer service department.
Specifications
Power type | Compressed air |
---|---|
Chemical pickup type | Draws from pre-mixed solution |
Number of products unit can draw from | One product |
Suction line length/diameter | 3.5 ft. (1 m) hose with ⅜ in. (9.5 mm) inside |
diameter
Capacity| 20 gallons (75.7 liters)
Discharge line length/diameter| 30 ft. (9 m) hose, with ¾ in. (19 mm) inside
diameter
Discharge wand/tip type| 7 in. (17.8 cm) stainless steel wand with zero tip
and ball valve
Output distance| 25-30 ft. (7.6-9.1 m)
Output volume| 20-45 gal/min (75.7-170.3 l/min)
Flow rate*| 2-2.5 gal/min (7.6-9.5 l/min)
Pump seals| Santoprene, Viton, or Kalrez
Wheel type| Two 10 inch (25.4 cm) non-marking wheels
Product Components
Get to know the FI-20N components that you will need to use, adjust or
assemble.
Back plate assembly Inside view
-
In-line strainer
-
Quick-change pump
-
Needle valve
-
Air regulator
-
Air pressure gauge
-
Check valve
-
Tee assembly
-
Backplate thumb nuts
-
Suction line valve
Tank Assembly -
Hinged lid
-
Solution tank
-
Drain plug
-
Discharge hose
-
Discharge wand
-
Discharge ball valve
-
Needle valve
-
Suction line valve
-
Air fitting
Using your unit
Operating Instructions
-
Verify drain plug is securely closed.
-
Following all instructions from the chemical manufacturer, fill the solution tank with a pre-mixed solution.
-
Verify that the suction line valve at the base of the suction line is open, allowing fluid into the suction line.
-
With the discharge ball valve in the closed position, plug an airline into the air fitting. Slowly open the discharge ball valve to begin foaming.
-
The discharge ball valve should be completely open while foaming.
-
While the unit is running and discharging product, adjust the needle valve as needed to regulate the wetness or dryness of the foam by following the steps below:
- Close the eedle valve completely in a clockwise direction.
- Open the needle valve in a counter-clockwise direction with 3 complete turns.
- Continue to open the needle valve in ¼ turn increments, allowing 30 seconds between adjustments, until the desired consistency of foam is achieved.
-
Close the discharge ball valve to stop foaming.
-
After Use Instructions
NOTE: For proper handling and disposal procedures refer to chemical SDS. -
The solution should be removed from the unit after each use. This can be done in two ways:
- Unthread the drain plug from the front of the tank and drain the solution into the approved location.
- Place the discharge wand into an approved container to transfer the remaining solution. Turn the needle valve to the wet setting and activate the unit until all solutions have been flushed from the system.
-
After the solution has been removed, disconnect the air line from the air fitting.
-
Open the discharge ball valve to relieve the remaining pressure.
-
Close the ball valve after all pressure has been relieved. Store unit with discharge ball valve closed.
-
Before using the unit with another chemistry, thoroughly flush with water.
Maintenance
WARNING
Performing any maintenance with the unit pressurized, and connected to the air
supply may result in serious injury or death. Always ensure that the unit has
been depressurized, and disconnected from the air supply before conducting any
maintenance. Servicing or modifying this unit with parts not listed in this
manual may cause the unit to operate improperly. Do not use unauthorized parts
when servicing the unit.
Maintaining Your Unit
To keep your unit operating properly, periodically perform the following
maintenance procedures:
- Inspect the pump for wear and leaks. |
- Check the suction line and strainer for debris.
- Clean as needed.
- Inspect all hoses for leaks or excessive wear.
- Make sure all hose clamps are in good condition and • Drain your air compressor tank regularly properly secured. to help extend pump life. An air source with a high
- Replace the filter located within the air regulator as moisture content will accelerate pump wear. needed.
- Clean by unthreading the air regulator bowl
- Note: If your air source has a high moisture content, from the air regulator. install a water separator to the air fitting on the backplate.
Servicing Your Unit
To service your unit, refer to the service manual which includes:
- Troubleshooting procedures.
- Detailed parts breakdowns and illustrations.
- Part numbers of serviceable components and assemblies.
PEOPLE OR OBJECTS CAN BE HURT OR DAMAGED IF THIS UNIT IS NOT USED
CORRECTLY!
Failure to read all the instructions before operating the unit may result in
personal injury or death from the improper use of the chemical solution.
Anyone handling, operating or using the unit must read and
understand the instructions in the manual. The buyer assumes all
responsibility for safety and proper use by the instructions.
Using or servicing the unit without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may result in serious injuries such as burns, rashes, eye, throat or lung damage and death. Always wear PPE as indicated in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when using or servicing the unit. Protect eyes, skin, and lungs against drifting spray.
Chemical solutions may pose a health risk and death if they contact the skin or eyes, and are inhaled or swallowed. Always read and follow all chemical safety precautions and handling instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer and the SDS associated with the chemical solution before using the unit.
Pressure within the equipment may cause an unexpected release of the chemical solution and cause serious injury such as burns, rashes, eye damage, throat or lung damage and death. Always depressurize and clean the unit after each use. Release any remaining air pressure by opening the discharge ball valve. Never leave the unit unattended while pressurized. Using the unit with fluid temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C) may result in scalding, burns, serious injury or death. DO NOT use a solution with a temperature above 100°F (37.8°C). Operating the unit when damaged or leaking may result in exposure to chemical solutions, serious injury or death. Never use the unit if it is damaged or leaking. Never point the discharge wand at yourself, another person, or any object you do not want covered in chemicals.
Using incoming air pressure exceeding 100 psi (6.9 bar) may result in pressure buildup, explosion, serious injury or death. DO NOT exceed 100 psi (6.9 bar) incoming air pressure when operating the unit. Use of hydrocarbons and flammable products may result in explosions, fire and serious injury or death. Never use hydrocarbons or flammable products with the unit. Mixing an alkaline with an acid may result in a chemical reaction. Overheating of the mixture may cause it to splatter caustic compounds or release hazardous fumes, gas and vapours. Always flush the unit with fresh water thoroughly when switching from an alkaline to an acid or an acid.
NOTICE
Servicing or modifying this unit with parts not listed in this manual may
cause the unit to operate improperly. Do not use unauthorized parts when
servicing the unit. Use of an air lubricator before the unit may result in
diminished performance and damage to the unit. Do not use an air lubricator
before the unit. Moisture in the airlines will damage the pump and diminish
the pump life. The air must be filtered, clean, dry and free of moisture. If
needed, install an air dryer before the unit.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Please dispose of packaging materials, old machine components, and hazardous
fluids in an environmentally safe way according to local waste disposal
regulations.
Service Guide
WARNING
Performing any maintenance with the unit pressurized and connected to the air
supply may result in serious injury or death. Always ensure that the unit has
been depressurized and disconnected from the air supply before conducting any
maintenance. Servicing or modifying this unit with parts not listed in this
manual may cause the unit to operate improperly. Do not use unauthorized parts
when servicing the unit.
Maintaining Your Unit
To keep your unit operating properly, periodically perform the following
maintenance procedures:
- Inspect the pump for wear and leaks.
- Check the suction line and strainer for debris.
- Clean as needed.
- Inspect all hoses for leaks or excessive wear.
- Make sure all hose clamps are in good condition
- Drain your air compressor tank regularly and properly secured it. to help extend pump life. An air source with a high
- Replace the filter located within the air regulator as moisture content will accelerate pump wear. needed.
- Clean by unthreading the air regulator bowl Note: If your air source has a high moisture content, from the air regulator. install a water separator to the air fitting on the backplate.
- See Page 8 for more details. (Back plate assembly)
Servicing Your Unit
Most repairs on the unit can be performed with the following tools:
- Crescent wrench (2x)
- ¼6 in. (11 mm) open-ended wrench
- Flat head screwdriver
- Thread seal tape
-
2 Phillips head screwdriver
-
3 Phillips head screwdriver|
- Hose cutters
- Knife
Troubleshooting Your Unit
If your unit is not operating properly, try using these troubleshooting tips:
Issue | Solution |
---|
Air regulator bowl or air filter has debris such as water, oil, or rust
particles| • Clean by unthreading the air regulator bowl from the air
regulator.
Pump is cycling improperly| • The needle valve is open too far. Close and
readjust the needle valve as described in the operation section.
• Ensure proper foaming chemical and concentration are being used.
Air passes through the pump without cycling| • The pump needs to be
replaced.
The solution backs up into the air regulator bowl| • The check valve needs
to be replaced.
Foam comes out wet, no matter where the needle valve is positioned| • Check
for proper air pressure on the air gauge. The air regulator is factory set at
50 psi (3.4) bar. Operating range is 40 to 80 psi (2. 8 to 5.5 bar) with
5 to 10 CFM (141.6 to 283.3 l/min).
• The check valve may need to be replaced.
• Verify correct chemical concentration is being used.
The unit operates at a reduced pressure| • Check suction line and strainer for debris or damage. Clean or replace as needed. To prevent damage to the unit, the strainer must always be used.
• Check the air compressor supplying the unit. If the pressure is less than 40 psi (2.8 bar), turn off the unit until the compressor can catch up.
• If the air supply is 50 psi (3.4 bar) or above, check the air gauge, which should read near 50 psi (3.4 bar). If the air gauge reads more or less than 50 psi (3.4 bar), adjust the pressure by turning the knob on the top of the
air regulator.
• Check if the stainless steel mixing mesh is plugged. Remove and clean it by following the instructions below:
1. Verify the unit is not plugged into an air supply and then relieve all stored pressure in the unit by turning the ball valve to the open position.
2. Remove discharge hose from hose barb on back of the unit.
3. Open back plate assembly and hold stainless tee with wrench to remove hose barb from tee fitting.
4. Remove the screen and the mixing mesh from inside the tee fitting.
5. Clean any particles from the mixing mesh and the screen. If the mixing mesh has a lot of foreign particles in it, make sure the suction strainer is still in place.
6. Replace the mixing mesh and screen into the back of the tee. Screw the stainless hose barb back into the tee.
NOTE: It is recommended to use a pipe thread sealant when reinstalling the stainless hose barb back into the tee fitting.
Tank Assembly
TNKA-20N-BK
20-gallon natural tank assembly – black* lid – includes drain plug, wheels,
suction valve, and backplate thumb nuts.
LDA-7BK
Lid assembly – includes 7 in. black* lid, lid flange, hinge pin, and mounting
screws. Additional colours are available, see the datasheet for options.
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | LD-PIN |
2 | LD-7BK-LID |
3 | S812-FH |
4 | LD-7BK-FLNG |
Item number | Description |
---|---|
5 | TNK-20N |
6 | DPA |
TNKA-20N-BK
20-gallon natural tank assembly – black* lid – includes drain plug, wheels,
suction valve, and backplate thumb nuts
BPTNA
Backplate thumb nut assembly – includes bolt, thumb nut, and tether.
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | BST1420118-VS |
2 | TN1420 |
VLVA-PVCV34
Suction valve assembly – includes valve, bushing, and elbow
Item number | Description |
---|---|
3 | PVCV34FM |
4 | HHPB3414 |
5 | HBSSEL1438 |
WHLA-AXL15
10 in. wheel assembly – includes 15 in. axle, axle plate, bolts, washers, and
cotter pins
Item number | Description |
---|---|
6 | COT |
7 | PLSS-AXL |
– 2 holes
8| AXL15| Axle – stainless – 0.625 dia. x 15.45 in.
9| B142012-VS| ¼-20 x ½ in. bolt – stainless – truss head Phillips –
Vibra-Seal
10| W10| Wheel – non-marking – 10 in.
11| FW58| Flat washer for ⅝ in. pipe – stainless – 0.687 id x 1.5 od x
0.07 thk
PA-PF34
Plate assembly for portable foam units with ¾ in. hose –
Item number | Description |
---|
1
| ****
A P56
| Pump with Santoprene seals – includes hose barbs, air fitting, and exhaust
barb
| ****
B P56K
| Pump with Kalrez seals – includes hose barbs, air fitting, and exhaust barb
C P56V
| Pump with Viton seals – includes hose barbs, air fitting, and exhaust barb
2| NV14| Needle valve – ¼ in. NPT – includes black knob
3
| ****
R25
| Air regulator – two ¼ in. FPT ports – two ⅛ in. FPT ports – includes filter
and bowl
4| AG100| Air gauge – ⅛ in. NPT – 100 PSI dry model
5
| ****
CV38-AP
| Check valve – ⅜ in. barbs – PVC body – Hastelloy spring – Teflon ball –
white
6| SSC38| Stainless screw band clamp for
⅜ in. hose
7
| ****
SST12HB38A-MX
| Stainless tee assembly – ½ in. FPT x ⅜ in. barb – includes mixing material
and screen
8| STR38-IL| In-line strainer – ⅜ barb – EPDM gasket – 20 mesh SS –
black bowl
9| H14BL-F| ¼ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
10| H38BL-F| ⅜ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
Santoprene pump
Additional plate assembly pump options:
- PA-PF34K: Kalrez pump
- PA-PF34V: Viton pump
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | NV14-HNDL |
2 | SSSFN12 |
3 | SSA14BKH |
¼ NPSM
4| AP14| Air fitting ¼ MPT x plug – nickel-plated brass
5| FW12NPT| Flat washer for 1/2 in. NPT – stainless –
0.88 in. id x 1.5 in. od x 0.05 in. thk
6| HBSS1234| Stainless hose barb ½ MPT x ¾ barb
Optional Components
WSA-20CFM
Water separator assembly – 20 CFM – ¼ in. FPT ports – includes air plug and
union fittings
Item number | Description |
---|---|
7 | SN1414 |
8 | SSU14 |
9 | WS-20CFM |
10 | AP14 |
Back Plate Sub-assemblies
NVA-NV14-PF
Needle valve assembly for portable foam units – includes hose barbs and screw
band clamps
SST12HB38A-MX
Stainless tee assembly – ½ in. FPT x ⅜ in. barb – includes mixing material and
screen
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | HBSSEL1438 |
2 | NV14-HNDL |
3 | NV14 |
4 | HBSS1438 |
5 | SSC38 |
⅜ in. hose
Item number | Description |
---|---|
6 | SST12HB38 |
7 | MXA- PF |
includes stainless mesh and screen
Back Plate Sub-assemblies
RGA-R25-PF
Air regulator assembly for portable foam units – includes air gauge, pump
barb, hose, bulkhead fittings, and air plug
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | HBB14P |
2 | EC14 |
3 | H14BL-F |
4 | HBSSEL1814 |
5 | SSC38 |
⅜ in. hose
6| H38BL-F| ⅜ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
7| HBSSEL1438| Stainless hose barb ¼ MPT x ⅜ barb elbow
8
|
R25
| Air regulator – two ¼ in. FPT ports – two ⅛ in. FPT ports – includes filter
and bowl
9| AG100| Air gauge – ⅛ in. NPT – 100 PSI dry model
10| SSA14BKH| Bulkhead adapter – stainless – ¼ NPT x ¼ NPSM
11| SSSFN12| Serrated flange nut – stainless – ½ in.
12| AP14| Air fitting ¼ MPT x plug – nickel- plated brass
Suction Assembly
SCTNA-PF
Suction assembly for portable foam units – includes suction valve, hose, in-
line strainer, and pump hose barb – for Santoprene pump
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | A HB5638 |
B HB5638K | |
C HB5638V | Hose barb for P56V pump – Viton o-ring |
2 | STR38-IL |
black bowl
3| SSC38| Stainless screw band clamp for
⅜ in. hose
4| H38BL-F| ⅜ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
5| HBSSEL1438| Stainless hose barb ¼ MPT x ⅜ barb elbow
6| HHPB3414| Hex head poly bushing ¾ MPT x ¼ FPT
7| PVCV34FM| PVC valve ¾ in. FPT x ¾ in. MPT
Additional suction assembly options
SCTNA-PFK: Portables with Kalrez pump
SCTNA-PFV: Portables with Viton pump
Hose Assembly
HA34BL-30
Hose assembly – 30 ft. of ¾ in. blue* hose – includes ferruled hose barb
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | HBSS1234 |
2 | SSC34 |
3 | H34BL-F |
Additional colours are available, see the datasheet for options.
AKSS34
Stainless anti-kink spring for ¾ in. hose
Item number | Description |
---|---|
4 | AKSS34 |
Wand Assembly Options
SSWA34
Stainless wand assembly for ¾ in. hose – ⅜ in. outlet
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | W387 |
2 | HHSB1238 |
⅜ FPT
3| BVSS12| ½ in. stainless ball valve – welded nut
4| HBSS1234| Stainless hose barb ½ MPT x ¾ barb
5| SSC34| Stainless screw band clamp for ¾ in. hose
SSWA3410-ST
Stainless wand assembly for ¾ in. hose – 10 in. stainless wand – ST80200SS
spray tip
Item number | Description |
---|---|
6 | ST80200SS |
7 | W1210FM |
8 | BVSS12 |
9 | HBSS1234 |
10 | SSC34 |
PWA3410-ST
Poly wand assembly for ¾ in. hose – 10 in. poly wand – ST80200SS spray tip
Item number | Description |
---|---|
11 | ST80200SS |
12 | PW12F10 |
10 in. long
13| SN1212| Stainless hex nipple ½ MPT x ½ MPT
14| BVSS12| ½ in. stainless ball valve – welded nut
15| HBSS1234| Stainless hose barb ½ MPT x ¾ barb
16| SSC34| Stainless screw band clamp for ¾ in. hose
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