Basic Components of a Flexible PU Foam Production Line:Ventilation System

To promptly remove harmful gases generated during the foaming process, the production line is equipped with a ventilation system.

The primary exhaust areas extend from the mixing head to the foam cutting station, covering the foaming zone and paper removal device. Typically, the conveyor belt of the foaming machine is enclosed or semi-enclosed with an exhaust duct, and fans are used to extract harmful gases escaping from the foam block. A significant amount of gas is also released during foam cutting, necessitating localized ventilation at this stage.

The main harmful components in the extracted gas include isocyanates, small amounts of amine catalysts, and low-boiling physical blowing agents used in low-density foam production.

Generally, since isocyanates hydrolyze quickly and adhesive compounds are minimal, environmental impact is negligible, and the extracted gases can be released at high points. However, if the production facility is near residential areas, the gases should be treated with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide solutions and further purified with activated carbon adsorption.

For environmental protection, some production facilities use fully enclosed foaming channels, recovering low-boiling blowing agents and removing isocyanates with activated carbon adsorption.