Format Messtechnik GmbH

Im Schlehert 26

http://www.format-messtechnik.de

+49 721 5311842

The measurement device FOAMAT was developed for recording key foam-processing characteristics such as foam rise- height, reaction temperature, rise pressure, dielectric polarization and mass loss during foaming. Additional information such as viscosity, gelling and curing can also be derived from the data. This makes the instrument a valuable method for determining the properties of the generated foam, making such measurements a valuable part of the process technologist’s arsenal, as described below. The classic method for characterizing foams is to determine the rise height or rise profile of the foam sample in a cup. With the FOAMAT new measurement techniques have become available for all kinds of PU foams, revealing more detailed information of the foam generation process. Offering a standardized test routine, it eliminates most of the human factors by controlling the weighing, mixing, and measuring procedures. The measurement data is stored on a PC and the characteristic measurement results are objectively evaluated by the WINDOWS software FOAM. The rise profile measured with an ultrasonic fan sensor is the fingerprint of a foam. During quality assurance testing, it is compared with given master curves. For temperature measurement FOAMAT provides thin thermocouples. The rise pressure is measured with the Foam Pressure Measurement device FPM. The pressure curve determines the gel point and the pressure decay. Measuring the pressure at the bottom of the cylindrical expansion container of FPM allows direct viscosity calculation. The dielectric polarization measured with the new Curing Monitor Device CMD gives insight into the electrochemical processes occurring during foam formation. The dielectric polarization shows the formation of intermediates like polyurea and displays the final curing of the foam. The integration of a laboratory balance provides automated recording of each foam component. Additionally, the mass loss and the density can be evaluated. The FOAMAT® system has been developed in cooperation with many raw material suppliers, system houses and foam producers. All this expertise is supplied with the system minimizing the time and cost consuming work for building up your own test methods.