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Universal Polymers Corporation UPC 500 Classic

UPC 500 is a two component, water blown (zero ozone depleting chemical) light density, open cell spray polyurethane foam insulation that is designed to improve the performance of the building envelope for commercial, residential and industrial applications. UPC’s original half-pound open-cell foam. A no-mix, no-fuss formula that provides consistent, high-quality performance. Insulates and seals all cracks, gaps, and voids with a seamless, custom-fit insulation. Unlike traditional factory-made insulation products, UPC 500 will not lose its shape or thermal-resistance performance over time. A cost-effective, air-impermeable insulation solution for residential, commercial and institutional applications

Foam Type: 2K System, Open Cell Foam

Chemical Family: Polyurethanes (PU)

Physical Form: Foam

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Identification & Functionality

Chemical Family
Product Type

Features & Benefits

Features
  • R-value of 3.9 at 1”.
  • Yield Up To 19,000 Board Feet.
  • Environmentally-friendly, Sustainable R-Value.
  • Contains no CFCs, HCFCs, or global warming potential blowing agents.
  • Easy-to-install, No-Mix, No-Fuss Formula.
  • ICC ESR & Intertek CCRR.

Applications & Uses

Application Method
Mixing Ratio (A-PMDI Isocyanate, Volume)
1:1
Mixing Ratio (UPC 500 Resin, Volume)
1:1
Spray Parameters

This chart is a starting guide to set temperatures based on environment, mixing chamber size. Adjustments should be made to account for substrate temp/type, hose insulation condition, speed of sprayer, wind factor, etc. A smaller mixing chamber, like a 4242, will give you the best quality foam at optimal speed-to-yield ratio.

 

Select Mixing Chamber: 4242 | -01 5252 | -02 6060 | -03

Select Ambient Temp and Match to Mix Chamber

Temperature Set Temperature Set Temperature Set
Hose† A B Hose† A B Hose† A B

Substrate Temperature for standard wood (Starting Drum Temperature Must be Minimum of 75°F

>90°F 119°F 122°F 125°F 120°F 123°F 126°F 121°F 124°F 127°F
80°F 121°F 124°F 127°F 122°F 125°F 128°F 123°F 126°F 129°F
70°F 123°F 126°F 129°F 124°F 127°F 130°F 125°F 128°F 131°F
60°F 125°F 128°F 131°F 126°F 129°F 132°F 127°F 130°F 133°F
50°F 127°F 130°F 133°F 128°F 131°F 134°F 129°F 132°F 135°F
40°F 129°F 132°F 135°F 130°F 133°F 136°F Not Recommended
  Caution: Below 40°F a 1/4”-1/2” initial flashing layer may be applied to substrate to eliminate voids in cold weather.
30°F 130°F 133°F 136°F

Not Recommended

Not Recommended

20°F 132°F 135°F 138°F
15°F 133°F 136°F 139°F
10°F 134°F 137°F 140°F
<0°F Not Recommended
Pressure Setting 1200 +/- psi 1200-1400 +/- psi 1300-1400 +/- psi

 

*Important notice regarding yield and density. Many factors affect yield, including substrate temperature, substrate type, and pass thickness. Multiple passes will significantly reduce yield. Larger mixing chamber sizes and higher pressure settings will also reduce yield.

Processing Instructions

Agitation - Agitation not required, but for optimal performance or older drum, we recommend high speed for 20-30 mins prior to spraying. Agitation not needed during application. Recommended agitators: Graco collapsing blade Agitator #24C728 or #26C150.

Drum Temperatures & Recirculation - Recirculate as needed to achieve chemical temperatures in the drums of 75°F-95°F for both the A & B-drums (this is necessary to bring viscosities of A&B in alignment to prevent off-ratio foam and increase yield). When recirculating, set the primary heater for the A-Side to 100°F and B-Side to 130°F. Use laser thermometer or inlet temp guage to measure drum temp (A-Drum should never be warmer than B-Drum).

Substrate Condition - Substrate must be clean, dry, and moisture content <19%. Substrate temp should be >5°F above dew point. When substrate temperature is below 45°F, pre-heat building. When heating with portable heaters, if concrete or metal substrate only heat to 50°F, otherwise condensation may form. Never use portable propane heaters.

Spray Technique - Spray side-to-side approx 18" from surface recommeded. The further away you spray, the colder the chemical will be when reaching substrate, and potential for voids. Reverse picture frame technique is also suggested if desired.

Humidity - When humidity levels exceed 50% and temperatures are below 85°F, reduce the A-Side temperature by 5°F +/- to reduce Iso reactivity/blowbacks.

Contamination - B-Side is sensitive to contamination from other products. Never recirculate another product into the UPC 500. Never combine different products. Transfer pumps must be properly cleaned between product. Recirculating lines must be properly flushed before recirulating.

Max | Min Pass Thickness - Max practical pass thickness is 6-8" before resulting in splash-back. Min recommended pass thickness is 3", except when flash-coat needed.

Proper Temperature Settings - As a general rule of thumb, the hose temperature is the most important setting and should be set first. The A-side is set 2-5°F higher than the hose. The B-Side is set 3-10°F higher than the A-Side depending on humidity levels.

† Heated Hose - The hose temp is the most important setting and should be set first to desired final chemical temp at gun. Hose temp should rarely be adjusted. Primary heaters should be increased if chemical is too cold. A poorly insulated hose may compromise adequate heating and drastically change required temp settings. Never Increase hose temp above 145°F - you can burn the hose.

Maximizing Yield - "Dozens of factors affect yield, but properly dialing in temps has the biggest impact. For open-cell, start temperatures hot enough that the foam shrinks slightly from the studs, then lower temps 3°F at a time until shrinkage stops - this is the yield sweet spot."

**Pressure Settings - Higher fluid pressure settings create more mist and require greater distance from the cavity, resulting in more overspray. Higher pressure will generally lower yield. As a rule-of-thumb, you should practice spraying as close to 1000psi as practical.

Troubleshooting Guide

Delamination or "Swiss Cheese" Cell Structure - If the foam does not adhere to itself or "swiss cheese" cell structure on 2nd layer, then allow first layer to cool off before applying 2nd pass. This may be caused by trapped steam between layers. If void between foam & substrate, but not "stringy" (known as a "blowback") follow same procedure.

Pulls Away From Studs or Deflates - If pulls away or "shrinks" from studs within a few seconds, then foam is too hot. Lower primary heaters and hose temperatures by 3°F. Spray out chemical in hose (approx 2-3 gallons) until reduced temp is achieved. If problem does not resolve, lower temp by another 3°F, and repeat process until resolved. If foam pulls away from studs several minutes after application, then chemical may be contaminated.

Voids behind foam - If stringy like hairs between the substrate and foam ("coconut hairs" texture), the foam may be too cold. Increase all heaters by 5°F. Spray out chemical in hose (approx 2-3 gallons) unatil new increased temperature is achieved. Repeat process until problem is resolved.

Voids & Shrinking - If foam creates voids and shrinks from studs at the same time, then increase B-side drum temp only to 100°F. Machine ΔT may be too low.

Beehive Cell Structure - If the foam has cosistently large cell structure, like a "beehive", then the foam may be too cold. Increase all heaters by at least 10°F to 15°F. If problem persists, chemical may be contaminated.

Color - If the foam appears yellowish or "marbling", then it is too cold. Primary heaters should be increased 3 to 5°F. Should appear "white".

Crunchy or Gummy - If foam is crunchy and amber in color, then foam may be Iso rich and off-ratio. If “gummy” consistency, then foam may be Resin rich. Check equipment.

Poor Yield - Check temperature settings. If temperatures are dialed-in too cold, then lack of heat will generate poor chemical reactivity & poor yield (See "Drum Temperatures" & "Maximizing Yield" under Processing Instructions). B-Side may not be thoroughly mixed, may need agitating. Check chemical expiration.

Important - Regardless of proportioner heating capacity, never spray from cold drum chemical. Powerful primary heaters may scorch B-side polyols. Follow "Drum Temperatures & Recirculation" procedures under Processing Instructions.

Cautions and Recommendations

UPC 500 is not designed for use as an exterior roofing system. UPC 500 is designed for installation in most standard construction configurations using common materials such as, concrete, metal, and wood products. Foam plastic installed in walls or ceilings may present a fire hazard unless protected by an approved, fire-resistant thermal barrier with a finish rating of not less than 15 minutes as required by building codes. Rim joists/header areas in accordance with the IRC® and IBC®, may not require additional protection. Foam plastic must also be protected against ignition by code-approved materials in attics and crawl spaces, or as code approved alternatives apply.

As with all SPF systems, improper application techniques should be avoided and any defective product replaced with properly installed materials. Examples of improper application techniques include but are not limited to, excessive application thickness, off-ratio material and spraying into or under rising liquid foam. Additionally, off-ratio materials can result in offensive odors that may not dissipate. It is the responsibility of the applicator to understand how their equipment works.

Vapor Retarder

UPC 500 Max is intended for indoor applications, and is a Class III vapor retarder. It is vapor semi-permeable and will allow for some diffusion of moisture through the insulation. The following considerations are needed:

  1. An additional vapor retarder may be needed in certain building envelopes in climate zones 5 and higher when not meeting the conditions of IRC Table 402.5.1. Refer to local building codes.
  2. A vapor retarder also needs to be considered where high interior humidity conditions exist.

Properties

Physical Form
Physical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Core Density0.45 - 0.55pcfASTM D1622
R-Value (1 inch)3.9-ASTM C518
Water Vapor Permeance8.4PermsASTM E96
Tensile Strength3.35psiASTM D1623
Air Permeance (3.5 inch, 75 Pa)0.00431-ASTM E2178
Dimensional Stabilitymax. 3.8%ASTM D2126
Typical Properties
ValueUnitsTest Method / Conditions
Viscosity (A-PMDI Isocyanate, 77°F)170 - 230cpsBrookfield
Specific Gravity (A-PMDI Isocyanate)1.24--
Viscosity (UPC 500 Resin, 77°F)260 - 360cpsBrookfield
Specific Gravity (UPC 500 Resin)1.07--
Cream Time1 - 2seconds-
Gel Time3 - 4seconds-
Tack Free6 - 7seconds-
End of Rise6 - 7seconds-

Regulatory & Compliance

Intertek Certified Clean Air Gold

Conforms to California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2: Private Office and School Classroom

CDPH 01350 v1.2: PO, SC, R for VOC emissions and formaldehyde.

Technical Details & Test Data

Fire Test Results
Flammability ASTM E84 @ 4” 15 Flame Spread | 200 Smoke Development
Large Scale Fire Testing: Ignition Barrier AC 377 Appendix X PASS: 6 Wet Mils DC 315
Large Scale Fire Testing: Thermal Barrier NFPA 286* PASS: 18 Wet Mils DC 315 | 14 Wet Mils No-Burn
Alternative Unvented Attic Assembly:
End Use Configuration Testing
Conforming to IBC Section 1202.3 or
IRC Section R806.5
Approved for certain attics without a prescriptive ignition
barrier or intumescent coating
  NFPA 259 1,796 Btu/ft2 at 3.5”
  NFPA 285 PASS

Safety & Health

Job-site Warnings

Applicators should ensure the safety of the job-site and construction personnel. SPF Insulation is combustible and appropriate signs shall be posted warning that all “hot work” such as welding, soldering, and cutting with torches should not take place until a thermal barrier or approved equivalent is installed over any exposed polyurethane foam. Contractors should communicate with other trades working in proximity to the spray application area. Appropriate warning signs at each entryway must be posted that clearly indicates that spray foam activity is taking place and proper respiratory protection is required to enter. Non SPF personnel and occupants should be vacated from the building during the application of SPF. Proper Ventilation during spraying and afterwards at minimum 10 Air changes per hour.

Re-Entry: Ventilate for 2 hours before personal protective equipment is no longer required for trades and inspectors.

Re-Occupancy: After 24 hours of continuous ventilation, building my be re-occupied.

Health and Safety Information

Before working with this product, you must read and become familiar with available information (e.g., Safety Data Sheet (SDS)) on its risks, proper use and safe handling. All contractors and applicators must use appropriate respiratory, skin and eye Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling and processing spray foam systems.

Storage & Handling

Shelf Life and Storage

UPC 500 has a shelf life of approximately six months from the date of manufacture when stored in original, unopened containers at 50 - 80°F. This material should be stored in a secure location and never in direct sunlight. Storage temperatures above the recommended range will shorten shelf life.