Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling porous materials whereby first gases are passed through a porous material, such as polyurethane foam, in a first zone at a predetermined flow rate to cool the porous material and to remove volatiles therefrom in a first gas mixture which exits the porous material at a predetermined temperature. The first gas mixture is combined with second gases having a temperature which is lower than that of the first gas mixture to form a second gas mixture having a temperature which is sufficiently low to condense or sublime one or more of the volatiles. Thereafter, the second gas mixture is passed through the porous material to filter the condensed or sublimed volatiles thereon and to further cool the porous material. The flow rate of the heated gases is controlled to provide a controlled uniform cooling of the porous material, and additional filters may be utilized to remove particulate matter from either of the heated gases or the cold gases, or both.

Abstract: A process for rapidly cooling porous foam material to prevent oxidation or autoignition of said foam. The process includes a first cooling step wherein cooled ambient air is drawn through the foam block thereby cooling, dehumidifying and removing fumes from said block before being vented, a second cooling step wherein cooled ambient air is drawn through the block for further cooling thereof, with sublimates in the block being condensed and redeposited within the block, and a third cooling step wherein ambient air is drawn through the material so as to remove remaining fumes, heat and moisture therefrom. The process of the present invention advantageously utilizes a foam formulation which includes an increased percentage of water for providing adequate foaming of the material while minimizing or obviating the need for including toxic auxiliary blowing agents in the formulation.