Portable 5 Gallon Uni-Body LC Foamer w/Compressor

Lafferty Equipment Manufacturing, LLC

Installation & Operation Instructions

Model # 975805-C · Portable 5 Gallon Uni-Body LC Foamer w/Compressor

Requirements

Chemical Concentrate
Water
Temperature up to 160°F
Pressure 35 to 125 PSI
Flow 1.34 GPM @ 40 PSI
Supply Line 1/2"
Compressed Air up to 3 CFM
Hose 3/4" ID x 25'
Nozzle 50250
Electric 120V

Options

5 Gallon Pail
Pail, 5 Gallon Round W/ Suction Stem# 709105
Safe Flow Lid™ for 1 Gallon Jugs
Lid, Suction Tube, and Strainer# 709101
Square Jug Rack Conversion
Specify Round or Square Jug Racks at time of order
Alternate Check Valves - EPDM Standard
Check Valve, Chemical, PP/Viton, 1/4"# 491315
Check Valve, Air, SS/Viton, 1/4"# 491306
975805-C
Lafferty Equipment Logowww.laffertyequipment.com
501-851-2820
Warning! Read All Instructions Before Using Equipment!

Overview

The Portable 5 Gallon Uni-Body LC Foamer is a medium volume foam applicator featuring an all stainless steel cart assembly and integrated 120V air compressor with GFI protection. It will project foaming chemicals on to any surface up close or at distances up to 12 feet. This venturi injection system uses standard city water pressure (35 - 125 PSI) to draw and blend chemical concentrate into the water stream to create an accurately diluted solution. Rich, clinging foam is created by injecting compressed air into the solution to greatly increase volume and coverage ability. The foam is then projected through the discharge hose and fan nozzle.
Lafferty Equipment Manufacturing, LLC • 5614 Oak Grove Road • North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118

Safety & Operational Precautions

  • Plug into a 15 amp circuit or larger. Do NOT use a light gauge extension cord!
  • When connecting to a potable water supply follow all local codes for backflow prevention.
  • WARNING: Severe damage to your facility, or contamination of your potable water supply, can occur without proper backflow prevention.
  • For proper performance do NOT modify, substitute nozzle, hose diameter or length.
  • Manufacturer assumes no liability for the use or misuse of this unit.
  • Wear protective clothing, gloves and eye wear when working with chemicals.
  • Always direct the discharge away from people and electrical devices.
  • For pressures over 100 PSI, remove the discharge valve or lower pressure.
  • Follow the chemical manufacturer's safe handling instructions.
  • NEVER mix chemicals without first consulting chemical manufacturer.

To Install (refer to diagram on next page)

Fill the air compressor with the included air compressor oil before operating.

  1. Place a 5 gallon container of chemical concentrate in the jug rack(s).
  2. Move to the area to be foamed.
  3. Connect water supply.
  4. Ensure the air compressor switch is in the off position.
  5. Plug the air compressor into a receptacle. MINIMUM 15 AMP circuit.
  6. DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD THAT IS NOT HEAVY DUTY.

Set the chemical dilution ratio by threading one of the color coded metering tips into each chemical check valve. See chemical labels for dilution ratio recommendation or consult your chemical supplier.

  • For the strongest dilution ratio do NOT install a colored metering tip.
  • The dilution ratios in the metering tip chart are based on water thin chemicals with a viscosity of 1CPS.
  • Thicker chemicals will require a larger tip than the ratios shown in the chart.
  • Application results will ultimately determine final tip color.
  • Select the tip color that is closest to your desired chemical strength and thread it into the tip holder. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
  • Push the chemical tube over the check valve barb and place the suction tube in the chemical concentrate.
  • If necessary, cut suction tube(s) to length before attaching suction strainer.

To Operate

Always make sure the discharge is closed or pointed in a safe direction before turning water on. Discharge can be shut off at any time during operation but should not be left unattended for long periods of time. Expect a strong blast when re-opening the discharge ball valve or trigger gun.

TO FOAM

Fill the air compressor with the included air compressor oil before operating.
  • Plug into a 15 amp circuit or larger.
    1. Plug in and turn on air compressor and allow it to pressurize the tank. Compressor will cycle on and off as needed.
    2. Make final metering tip adjustments based on application results.
    3. With wand in hand open the water ball valve, and the air ball valve.
    4. Open the discharge ball valve. 
      • Wait a few seconds and observe foam consistency.
      • Use the least amount of air needed to achieve good foam quality to prevent water pressure fluctuations from affecting performance. Air pressure must be kept lower than water pressure.
      • To adjust the foam consistency pull out on the air regulator knob on the compressor, turn slightly clockwise for dryer foam and counterclockwise for wetter foam. Wait a few seconds to see each adjustment.
      • Medium wet foam will give the best cleaning results! Dry foam will NOT clean as well!
      • You may also have to try different sized metering tips and air settings until foam consistency and cleaning results are acceptable. Once this is set and desired foam consistency is achieved you are ready to start application.
      • When foaming is completed, close the discharge ball valve, return to the unit and close the water and air ball valves. Briefly re-open the discharge ball valve to relieve pressure in  the hose.
    5. Rinse before the foam dries.
    6. Unplug the compressor, it can be left full or if it will be out of service a few days drain the tank.

    If unit will be out of service for a long period, follow Preventive Maintenance steps at bottom of page 4.

    • Metering Tip Selection

    Metering Tip Color
    OZ/MIN
    Dilution Ratio
    @ 40 PSI
    Brown    		0.56306:1
    Clear    		0.88195:1
    Bright Purple    		1.38124:1
    White    		2.1580:1
    Pink    		2.9359:1
    Corn Yellow    		3.8445:1
    Dark Green    		4.8835:1
    Orange    		5.7730:1
    Gray    		6.0129:1
    Light Green    		7.0124:1
    Med. Green    		8.0621:1
    Clear Pink    		9.4318:1
    Yellow Green    		11.5015:1
    Burgundy    		11.9314:1
    Pale Pink    		13.8712:1
    Light Blue    		15.1411:1
    Dark Purple    		17.8810:1
    Navy Blue    		25.367:1
    Clear Aqua    		28.60—
    Black    		50.00—
    No Tip Ratio Up To:6:1
    The dilution ratios above are approximate values. Due to chemical viscosity, actual dilution ratios may vary.

    Formula

    GPM × 128 ÷ Desired Dilution Ratio = oz/min

    • See Unit Flow Rates chart for GPM
    • Use 20 for 20:1 dilution ratio, 30 for 30:1, etc.
    • Match calculated ounces per minute (oz/min) to nearest oz/min in Metering Tip Selection chart.

    Unit Flow Rates

    PSIGPM
    351.25
    401.34
    501.50
    601.64
    701.77
    801.90
    902.01
    1002.12
    1102.22
    1202.32
    1252.37
    975805-C.jpg
    Troubleshooting Guide
    Problem Possible Cause / Solution
    StartupMaintenance
    A) Foam surges and/or hose "bucks".
    B) Foamer will not draw chemical.
    C) Foam too wet.
    D) Foam does not clean properly (too dry).
    E) Using too much chemical.
    F) Water/chemical backing up into air line.
    G) Water backing up into chemical container.
    H) Air/chemical solution backing up into water line.
    I) Air compressor will not start up    		1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9,
    1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9
    2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9
    1, 4, 6, 10
    5    		 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18
    11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18
    12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18


    16
    17
    19
    20
    Possible Cause / Solution
    StartupMaintenance
    1. Air pressure too high
      • Adjust the air regulator slowly counterclockwise until output stabilizes.
    2. Water pressure or water volume too low/inlet piping too small causing poor chemical pick up
      • Increase water pressure or water volume (SEE REQUIREMENTS).
    3. Inlet or discharge ball valves not completely open or compressor not plugged in.
      • Completely open the inlet, discharge and chemical. ball valves.
    4. Not enough chemical - metering tip too small
      • Install larger metering tip.
    5. No metering tip installed or metering tip too large
      • Install smaller metering tip.
    6. Improper chemical
      • Ensure product is recommended for foaming and the application.
    7. Chemical tube not immersed in chemical or depleted
      • Immerse tube or replenish.
    8. Discharge hose too long or wrong size or kinked
      • Straighten the hose or replace hose with correct size and length.
    9. Nozzle size too small
      • Replace nozzle with correct size.
    10. Soil has hardened on surface, rinse foam before it dries
      • Reapplication may be necessary.
    1. Foamer inlet orifice clogged
      • Check/clean inlet orifice for obstructions. DO NOT DRILL OUT. Install a water filter.
    2. Chemical strainer or metering tip partially blocked
      • Clean or replace chemical strainer and/or metering tip.
    3. Chemical tube stretched out or pin hole/cut in chemical tube sucking air.
      • Cut off end of tube or replace tube.
    4. Vacuum leak in chemical pick-up connections
      • Tighten the connection.
    5. Air regulator failed allowing too much air or not enough air
      • Clean or replace.
    6. Air check valve failed - Discharge ball valve left closed with inlet ball valves open
      • Clean or replace.
    7. Chemical check valve stuck or failed
      • Clean or replace.
    8. Hard water scale or chemical build-up may have formed in the foamer body causing poor or no chemical pick-up
      • Follow Preventive Maintenance instructions below, using hot water or descaling acid. When there is no draw at all, carefully remove fittings and soak entire body in descaling acid.
    9. No backflow preventer installed and/or inlet ball valve left on when not in use
      • Install appropriate backflow preventer into water line.
    10. Problem with air compressor
      • Refer to air compressor instruction manual.
      • Press the "reset button" (if applicable) See manual.
    PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE: When the unit will be out of service for extended periods, place chemical tube(s) in water and flush the chemical out of the unit to help prevent chemical from drying out and causing build-up. Periodically check and clean chemical strainer and replace if missing.