Apparatus and method for producing foamed materials

An apparatus for controlling the production of foamed material in which the material and foam are delivered to a material and foam mixer in predetermined relative proportions, comprising:

• mixing chamber means for mixing a foaming solution and air together;
• a foam generator for conditioning the air and foaming solution mixture into a resultant foam and delivering the resultant foam to the material and foam mixer, wherein said foam generator comprises:
• a plurality of foam generating chambers connected in parallel, and control valves between said mixing chamber means and said foam generating chambers to control the flow of air and foaming solution mixture through each of said generator chambers;
• means for determining the volume rate at which the resultant foam is delivered to the material and foam mixer;
• and
• means for controlling said control valves to direct the air and foaming solution mixture through one or more of said foam generating chambers in dependence upon the volume flow rate therethrough such that the flow velocity of the air and foaming solution mixture within said foam generating chamber or chambers is within predetermined limits.