Polymer Foaming

In the production of polymer foams, liquid carbon dioxide is used as a blowing agent instead of environmentally hazardous substances. Carbon dioxide is a physical blowing agent with properties desired for ideal foaming, while simultaneously fulfilling many requirements related to quality, efficiency and ecology.

The technology uses far less blowing agent than existing alternatives and the product retains its properties for a longer period. Successful use of CO₂ blowing agent technology in manufacturing of polymer foams depends on several key parameters, of which the most important is to supply CO₂ to the process in liquid form and at a desired pressure. At the same time, the fluctuation in carbon dioxide flow should be minimized.

	Supply Solutions
	Inert Gas Metering Device DSD 500
	Liquid CO2 Pump Systems

Datasheet LCO2 Compressor Station (PDF 160 KB)

Polymer Foaming - Supply Solutions

We offer total gas supply solutions including liquid CO₂ storage tanks with a cooling unit and transfer pump system with recirculation, which allows continuous supply of liquid CO₂ at a desired pressure. A wide range of efficient pumping systems is also available. The choice of the system will depend on the carbon dioxide flow rate and the pressure used in the foaming process.

Facts about - Foaming Plastics With Inert Gas (PDF 700 KB)

DSD500 inert gas metering device (PDF 1.33 MB)

Polymer Foaming - Inert Gas Metering Device DSD 500

DSD 500 inert gas metering device

In physical foaming of polymers, i.e. extrusion, injection moulding or Polyurethane foaming, the use of inert gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrogen (N2) as blowing agents is constantly on the rise. The reason is that inert gases are an efficient, inexpensive alternative to conventional foaming agents because of their high foaming capacity and low consumption. Moreover, inert gases are eco-friendly, non-toxic, and non-flammable, meeting strict environmental laws.

The patented Linde DSD 500 was especially designed to meter liquid CO2, but can also be used for gaseous nitrogen. It consists mainly of one or two high-performance compressors especially adapted to the use of CO2, a suitable mass-flow meter, and a special control valve (3/3-way proportional). The DSD 500 is easy to install, without having to precool the CO2, and allows an extremely accurate gas flow control: independent of pressure, temperature or type of gas. It is suitable for continuous as well as discontinuous operation.

Polymer Foaming - Liquid CO2 Pump Systems

Choose from our wide range of efficient, low-pressure pumping systems for liquid CO2 in your foaming processes.

The systems with up to 80 bar can be used to supply any kind of metering pumps with bubble-free liquid CO2. The CO2 pressure can be regulated according to your demand.