TecTopics: Cold Weather Tips for Flexible FAST Dual Tanks

Here are some tips about how to achieve the best results on cold weather projects using Carlisle’s Flexible FAST Dual Tank Adhesive.

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Bottom end temperature
Flexible FAST Dual Tanks can be installed down to 25°F (-4°C) ambient. Plan your work day to allow spraying above these temperatures. See Product Data Sheet for all requirements when using Flexible FAST Dual Tanks.

Storage
Whether at a distributor’s shop or on the jobsite, always store Flexible FAST Dual Tank Adhesive in a heated space with temperatures maintained between 70-90°F (21-32°C). Adhesive thickens, causing spray/pressure to weaken when tanks are below 70°F (21°C). Place the tanks on a pallet or piece of insulation to avoid contact with a cold steel or concrete deck that will act as a “heat sink.” Do not store or heat tanks in areas where temperatures reach 120°F (48°C) or higher.

Jobsite hot boxes
Maintain hot box cylinder temperature around 90°F (32°C), so the cylinder stays above 70°F (21°C) when in use. Storing at 90°F (32°C) provides a safety factor, as cylinders will begin to cool once removed from the hot box. Keep the spray gun and hoses in the hot box before use. Remove the cardboard packaging to enhance the cylinder’s ability to get warm in the hot box.

Heat blankets
PowerBlanket Lite Heat Blankets are primarily used to maintain the temperature of a pre-warmed cylinder during installation. They should not be used in place of storing adhesive in a heated space, as they are not intended to bring cold tanks up to a usable temperature. Insulating the spray hose is an excellent way to help maintain adhesive temperature to the spray gun. Do not use standard heat bands, as they don’t have temperature controls and can overheat the tanks.

Swap out tanks that become cold
If the spray gun begins to spit, sputter, or lose the spray pattern, you may have cold material. Rotate cold tanks back into the hot box and swap them with a preheated set. A 90°F (32°C) hot box will raise the material temperature of a cold tank by 1°F per hour.

Activate propellant
Shaking the tanks for 30 seconds or 30 shakes is required to activate the propellant. Shaking the tanks once every hour will ensure that propellant is mixed with the adhesive. Note: A properly shaken, “mixed” tank will have a thud sound when tapped with an object. A tank that requires additional shaking will have a ping sound.

Check for string time
Variations with ambient and substrate temperatures impact the reaction time of low-rise adhesives. For example, if material, substrate, and ambient air are 70°F (21°C), string time should occur around 2 minutes. When the substrate and ambient air temperatures are reduced to 25°F (-4°C), with the material temperature at 70°F (21°C), string time could take up to 8 minutes.

For more information, check out this Marketing Announcement and this Product Data Sheet.