Al Babtain Polyurethane Company of Saudi Arabia, a specialist insulation company and a regional leader in foam technology, has commissioned a state-of-the-art production line dedicated to filling aerosol cans with polyurethane foam sealants.

"The factory is believed to the first of its kind in the Middle East and part of our diversification programme," explains engineer Moeid Al-Zamil, the general manager of the Dammam-based firm.

The sealants are manufactured using the latest technology and are marketed under the Apuco brand name and the product and packaging conforms to international standards, he says.

Initial production will centre on standard 12-oz cans with production of the high-volume 750-ml aerosols starting in the near future.

"Foam-filled aerosol cans have traditionally been imported from the US and Europe and Al Babtain Polyurethane saw the opportunity to tap into this lucrative market by producing a local high-quality product at competitive prices," Al-Zamil says. "The low-cost polyurethane foam sealants are versatile and may be used for quick repairs, thus avoiding the cost of traditional and more expensive methods or employing a contractor."

Each aerosol can is supplied complete with a trigger and dispensing tube. For the flow to materialise the can is inverted and the trigger depressed, a gentle touch yielding a small bead and a full depression yielding a greater volume.

Apuco foams can be applied inside or outside around windows, doorframes, cracks and holes, penetrations made for utility services; corners and joints in framing and any other place where air might penetrate.

Once fully cured, the foam may be cut or shaped, sanded, plastered, grouted or caulked. For protection against ultraviolet deterioration, exposed surfaces should be painted or covered, the company advises.

The product has almost unlimited areas of applications in sectors such as petrochemicals, refrigeration, transport, agriculture, construction, automotive repair, mining and utilities. It can be also used on pools and spas, for AC ducting, in model-making, for DIY (do-it-yourself) jobs, boating and marine applications and for general household use.