Graco Launches Truck-Mounted E-XP2i

The spray equipment used for this application is a Graco integrated Reactor E-XP2i, mounted on a truck by Kalivis technicians and ready for operation. The truck simply drives between tents in the camp, allowing E-XP2i operators to spray each tent quickly and efficiently, making the tents ready for use within minutes. Kalivis provided both on-site personnel and technical support to ensure everything proceeded smoothly. Refugees were greatly satisfied with the increased temperature in their improved temporary shelters; they will continue to benefit from this as the isolation tents will also remain cool during the summer heat. "The integrated and compact design of the E-XP2i, combined with high productivity and efficiency levels, made it ideal for this extraordinary yet vital application. An extraordinary application of Graco's integrated Reactor E-XP2i in Greece helped save the lives of thousands of people. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Organization, is a United Nations program authorized to protect and support refugees at the request of a government. In the winter period of 2016-2017, UNHCR faced a potential humanitarian crisis in Greece. While harsh winter conditions prevailed in the country, night temperatures were dropping to record levels. Thousands of refugees temporarily living in tents faced the danger of freezing to death. The solution was simple. Either a way had to be found to keep these people warm, or they would die.

US volunteers and Graco distributor Kalivis came to the rescue

After US volunteers assisting UNHCR made contact, Kalivis SA, Graco's distributor in Greece, proposed a solution. This proposal was to spray a polyurethane foam insulation layer inside the tents. A quick test was conducted at the distributor's facilities in Athens by spraying polyurethane foam into a sample tent. The result was successful, and the next step was to immediately begin spraying UNHCR's tents and Refugee Housing Units (RHUs). The results exceeded expectations. The polyurethane foam layer provides excellent insulation, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside the tents despite sub-zero temperatures outside. Moreover, the foam strengthens the tent; thus, it provides extra strength against winter storms while its flame-retardant properties offer assurance of greater protection in the event of fire.   Stephan Rindfleisch FRP and Reactor Product Marketing Manager Graco Inc.