It’s crucial to determine if your project requires products that meet NSF/ANSI 61-5 standards for contact with drinking water. But what exactly are NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards? Our goal here is to provide a concise and comprehensive overview of why NSF approval is important for polyurethane geotech and leak seal materials.

What is the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation)?

The National Sanitation Foundation develops public health standards and certification programs that help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products, and environment. Their organization ensures that adequate testing is conducted for all products that will be used in or around drinking water from source to tap.

An NSF compliance brief reads: “NSF, an independent, private, not-for-profit, third-party certification organization founded in 1944, has developed numerous health-based certification programs and consensus standards including those that relate to drinking water…The purpose of its certification program is to promote public health and enrich the quality of life. Through its Council of Public Health and Health Advisory Board, which includes EPA health professionals, it obtains guidance in developing and maintaining programs and standards. NSF also partners with code councils to ensure ongoing compliance.”

Each product must undergo rigorous testing to receive NSF approval. The manufacturer's plant and quality assurance practices must pass a thorough inspection. Voluntarily undergoing such a rigorous certification process is invaluable to all parties involved.

The SDWA (Safe Water Drinking Act)

The Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA) gives the EPA latitude to impose criminal and civil penalties on industries that are not in compliance. In 2014 enforcement efforts policing clean water netted $163 million in penalties and fines, 155 combined years of incarceration for sentenced defendants, and $16 million in court-ordered project clean-ups.

Because so many of those defined contaminants are pertinent to even the most basic construction projects – turbidity from soil runoff, leaching from PVC pipes, potentially harmful and corrosive chemicals, and more – understanding and adhering to the law is particularly important for industry stakeholders. Contractors and engineers must be able to confidently choose vendors whose products and services won’t become the source or cause of drinking water contamination either in the short or long term. Having products that may come into contact with drinking water certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 (approved for contact with drinking water), ensures compliance with the SDWA.

Alchatek NSF Approved Products and Solutions

Alchatek's NSF-certified materials are evaluated and lab-tested, and the production facilities are inspected and annually audited for re-testing to maintain certification. 

The following products have received the official NSF seal of approval for contact with drinking water:

• AP Lift 430
• AP Lift 475
• AP Soil 600
• AP Fill 700
• AP Fill 720
• Spetec PUR F400
• Spetec PUR GT500
• Spetec PUR HighFoamer
• Spetec PUR H100
• Spetec PUR H200
• Spetec AG200

Want more information on geotech & leak seal products?

Alchatek's AP Lift foams are specialized materials utilized in a variety of construction and repair tasks. These foams have a unique characteristic where their expansion and strength are inversely proportional. This means that as the expansion of these foams increases, their compressive strength decreases, and the opposite is also true. This unique property allows Alchatek's comprehensive selection of foams to be used for a wide variety of applications, from filling expansive voids, to compressing soil, and commercial slab lifting.

Expansion & Strength

The key to understanding AP Lift foams lies in their expansion-strength relationship. AP Fill 420/Deep Lift 420, for example, has the highest expansion, making it the most economical product for filling a void. However, it also has the lowest compressive strength. On the other hand, AP Lift 475 expands less than half the amount of AP Lift 420, but its compressive strength is 370% stronger.

It's important to note that these expansion rates and compressive strengths are based on free rise foam. Free rise refers to the condition in which the material is allowed to expand with no resistance - for example, foam that was mixed and expanded in an open cup. In most practical applications, these products are injected into the soil or into a void that is closed off on most sides. The foam meets resistance as it expands, which reduces the amount of expansion and therefore increases the compressive strength. The degree to which expansion is reduced varies from job to job and is influenced by factors like soil conditions, void size and shape, and the quantity of material injected.

Product Application Guide

While each product can be used in multiple applications, here is a quick guide to product selection:

• AP Fill 420/AP Deep Lift 420: Ideal for filling large voids and for use in the Deep Lock® process. It provides an expansion of 4.25 ft³ / gal and compressive strength of 4032 psf. It has an approximate weight of 2 lbs / ft³

• AP Lift 430: Recommended for residential slab lift applications. It expands at 3.20 ft³ / gal and has a compressive strength of 7200 psf. Its approximate weight is 3 lbs / ft³.

• AP Lift 435: Perfect for warehouse slab lift applications. It provides an expansion of 2.80 ft³ / gal and a compressive strength of 9216 psf. It weighs around 3.5 lbs / ft³.

• AP Lift 440: Used for highway concrete slab lift applications. It expands at 2.40 ft³ / gal and has a compressive strength of 11520 psf. It has an approximate weight of 4 lbs / ft³.

• AP Lift 475: Suitable for heavy-duty slab lift applications. It offers an expansion of 2.00 ft³ / gal and a compressive strength of 14000 psf. It weighs approximately 4.75 lbs / ft³.

All these products are designed to work in wet environments, making them versatile for various conditions.

Additional Resources

For help calculating product quantities, you can search the word "Alchatek" on Google Play or the Apple App Store and download the Alchatek material estimating app. This tool can assist you in determining the right amount of AP Lift foam needed for your specific project.

Understanding the properties and applications of AP Lift foams can significantly increase the margin and reduce the costs of your construction or repair projects. By leveraging the unique expansion-strength relationship of these materials, you can select the right product for your specific needs, whether it's filling large voids, lifting driveways, or handling commercial slab lifting applications. With the help of our experienced team and tools like the Alchatek estimating app, you can calculate the required quantities, making your work easier, simpler, and more profitable.

The key to successful application lies in understanding the conditions of your project and choosing the right AP Lift foam product accordingly. Whether you're dealing with wet environments or specific soil conditions, there's an AP Lift foam designed to meet your needs.

Want more information on geotech products and equipment?

We recently announced our new name - Alchatek. To celebrate this milestone, we are running a promotional contest. Whether you are a customer or a friend, we invite you to participate!

Alchatek Contest Prizes

• One (1) grand prize of a $1000 VISA gift card
• Two (2) second prizes of $500 VISA gift cards
• Ten (10) third prizes of $100 VISA gift cards

How to Enter the Alchatek Promo Contest

1. Entering the contest is easy. All you have to do is visit our contest page or scroll to the bottom of this page, and fill out the entry form. Once you have entered, you will be eligible to win any of the three prizes. 
   
   
2. To increase your chances of winning, you can also earn additional entries by following us on social media. After filling out the form, you'll be presented with links to our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. You will earn extra entries for each social media account you follow.
   
   
3. We want to make sure that as many people as possible get a chance to win. You can share the contest link via email or social media. Anyone who enters using your unique referral link will earn you additional entries into the contest. It's that simple.

We are excited to celebrate the launch of Alchatek with all of you. Thanks in advance for your participation in this contest!

We recently announced our new name - Alchatek. To celebrate this milestone, we are running a promotional contest. Whether you are a customer or a friend, we invite you to participate!

Alchatek Contest Prizes

• One (1) grand prize of a $1000 VISA gift card
• Two (2) second prizes of $500 VISA gift cards
• Ten (10) third prizes of $100 VISA gift cards

How to Enter the Alchatek Promo Contest

1. Entering the contest is easy. All you have to do is visit our contest page or scroll to the bottom of this page, and fill out the entry form. Once you have entered, you will be eligible to win any of the three prizes. 
   
   
2. To increase your chances of winning, you can also earn additional entries by following us on social media. After filling out the form, you'll be presented with links to our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. You will earn extra entries for each social media account you follow.
   
   
3. We want to make sure that as many people as possible get a chance to win. You can share the contest link via email or social media. Anyone who enters using your unique referral link will earn you additional entries into the contest. It's that simple.

We are excited to celebrate the launch of Alchatek with all of you. Thanks in advance for your participation in this contest!

In the current rapidly evolving industry of infrastructure repair, obtaining every possible advantage is crucial. Alchemy-Spetec considers the success of your business to be our highest priority. You will gain a significant competitive advantage over your rivals with our extensive range of high-quality materials, cutting-edge equipment, industry-leading technical support, and comprehensive marketing assistance. Our organizational values are centered on securing your success in this industry.

Polyurethane – Quality and Selection

Alchemy-Spetec offers one of the most advanced grout product lines available in the market today. Our range of Leak Seal materials is diverse, including injection resins for sealing leaking cracks, curtain grouting foams for stopping gushing leaks, acrylic injection resins that penetrate thin cracks and saturate soil, epoxy resins for structural repair, and preventative waterstop products. We also provide an extensive array of Geotech materials, comprising slab lifting foams, soil stabilization foams, and deep soil permeation and compaction foams. The exceptional quality of our materials ensures that your customers will experience fewer callbacks. Moreover, many of these products are certified safe for the environment and for contact with potable water.

Equipment and Accessories Selection

We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of products for polyurethane concrete repair, making us a one-stop shop for all your needs. Our equipment and accessory product lines are among the most versatile in the industry. After selecting the product that best suits your requirements, we provide everything you need, including pumps, hoses, packers or ports, and specialized accessories.

Tech Support – Experience and Dedication

Alchemy-Spetec is home to the industry's leading technical support team, providing unparalleled assistance when and where you need it. Our team boasts decades of experience, and we take pride in our exceptional responsiveness.

Training and Education

We provide the most comprehensive training and education programs for Leak Seal and Geotech polyurethane infrastructure repair in the industry. Our training workshops take place at distributor locations, and we provide on-site consultations to contractors. Additionally, we hold intensive training programs twice a year at our Tucker, GA headquarters. For current customers, we offer detailed online training videos to enhance their skills further.

Marketing Support

At Alchemy-Spetec, our Marketing Department offers qualified customers a variety of resources to promote their businesses. We provide product application illustrations and photos that can be used on websites, as well as customized brochure PDFs for printing, and truck signage graphics. Our educational videos and animations are also available for use. Moreover, we offer guidance on various marketing strategies, including online lead capture, internet advertising, and more.

Committed to Your Success

With everything we do, our top priority is ensuring our customers' success. The more successful our customers are, the more successful we are as well. Our team understands the interdependence between our customers' achievements and our own. Our commitment to the customer’s success is deeply embedded in our company's culture and values. 

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

A major culvert restoration project was recently completed by Geotech Services Inc. in Ohio. The Este Ave culvert is a concrete storm sewer that runs about 1000 feet from 4861 Este Ave to Mill Creek. The culvert includes 200 pipe joints, the majority of which are not watertight, and is 108 inches in diameter. A few of the sealed joints in the culvert have failed, leading to enhanced infiltration at downstream joints. The groundwater infiltration ranges from modest seepage to major leaks. Although there aren't any voids easily seen at the surface, it's expected that some channeling has happened along the pipe's bottom. In 2008, grout was injected to seal several joints near the intake and to fill voids around the outside of the pipe. Controlled density fill was then used to fill voids at the surface around the wing wall. Since that time, the wing wall has remained stable. Unfortunately, the culvert's sealed joints have degraded, leading to more infiltration at downstream junctions.

Powerful Polymer

Geotech Services used Spetec PUR GT500 to seal all the pipe joints in the culvert and to fill voids around the outside of the structure. Spetec PUR GT500 is NSF/ANSI 61 approved for contact with drinking water. This single-component polyurethane resin is designed to penetrate and seal off leaks in cracks, joints, and pipe penetrations. As a hydrophilic polyurethane, it chases down water and gets into the microstructure of the concrete, forming a flexible seal and a mechanical bond with the wet concrete.

Painless Procedure

Every joint in the culvert's bottom half was leaking and allowing groundwater to seep in. Geotech Services drilled one injection hole in the middle of the culvert joint at the bottom and injected the GT500 until the joint was completely sealed. Additional holes were drilled, based on how the material was traveling. About 3500 gallons were injected overall.

Rapid Result

The entire 1000-foot culvert was sealed in just under 30 days.

Want more information about polyurethane leak seal products?

Join an Alchemy-Spetec Specialist to Present to Local Organizations

The Alchemy-Spetec team routinely joins geotech and leak seal contractors to deliver lunch and learn lectures on applications for polyurethane concrete repair products to engineers, municipalities, and general contractors. These events offer a chance to highlight polyurethane in a particular application and a forum for investigating potential future applications.

It's not uncommon for an engineer to inquire after a discussion of polyurethane soil permeation, "Hey, could that be used in this other situation that I am dealing with?" These discussions at the very least a chance to lay the groundwork for future projects.

How to Get Scheduled

Contact us, and we'll send one of our regional managers your way to arrange a meeting. Please let us know which application(s) you are interested in presenting. We'll work with you to create a custom presentation. 

Want more info about geotech and leak seal products?

Using social media to market yourself and your contracting firm is essential as the world becomes more connected. Consider a LinkedIn profile to be your very own personal branding page. LinkedIn can play a significant role in your strategy for locating new clients and contacts in your field. Your name, photo, and headline are frequently the first things visitors see before even clicking on your profile. A professional headshot photo is essential for your profile page.

Headline

One of the most crucial elements of your profile on LinkedIn is your headline, the section found under your name. It spans the top of your page and can be seen everywhere, including in "People You May Know" sections, job applications, postings, messages, recommendations, and even connection requests on LinkedIn.

The LinkedIn character limit for headlines is 220 for desktop and 240 for mobile. Although there are two options, be sure to optimize for 220 characters or less. Don't simply list your title; but include what you can offer, such as "President at ACME Foundations: Concrete Leveling and Soil Stabilization."

Summary

The text box that reads "Summary" at the top of your LinkedIn profile is also known as the "About" section. It's directly below your picture. You can briefly describe your career history in this extra space which has a character limit of 2,000. This is a crucial area in which LinkedIn scans the keywords to decide whether or not to include your profile in search results. Use keywords and information that potential customers might be searching for. In the end, your LinkedIn summary should act as a spotlight, framing your individual story and assisting readers in learning more about you, your motivations, the types of work that excite you, and (if applicable) your accomplishments.

Experience

You have the choice to import your resume here, but there's more to do than just that. Take advantage of including one or more media items. Customers might spend more time browsing your profile if it includes interesting media. This could result in more business opportunities.

Recommendations

Get at least two recommendations from people who have hired you for jobs or who are influential in your industry, if at all possible. Make sure to provide talking points that highlight your character and strengths.

Endorsements

Endorsements are essentially testimonials from individuals who confirm the skills you listed on your profile. List these skills from most applicable to least relevant, starting at the top. You could recommend others and hope they will recommend you in return to increase those endorsements (or email associates to specifically endorse you for a certain skill).

Connections

Create as many connections on LinkedIn as you can. This increases the visibility of your profile. Connect with everyone you know, including your friends, family, alumni, coworkers, clients, and industry leaders.

Contact Information

A straightforward email would be sufficient for this section. You will always be accessible in this manner, ensuring that you never miss a crucial business opportunity.

LinkedIn Account Address (URL)

Your first and last names can be added to the LinkedIn account address. If your name is already taken, you can change it by adding a middle initial, a number, etc.

Updates

Updates are essentially what you share with your connections, similar to a Facebook "post" or a "tweet" on Twitter. It is the ideal way to interact with your contacts on a regular basis and maintain visibility. It allows you to update your status with recent achievements and business-related news.

Conclusion

With the help of this guide, you should be able to use LinkedIn effectively and draw in the audience you desire. Don't forget to follow the Alchemy-Spetec LinkedIn company page as well! 

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Back in the 1990s, the Seaholm Power Plan in the City of Austin, TX closed after four decades of operation. Recently, the entire area has been converted into an indoor-outdoor park and public space called the Seaholm Waterfront. All that's left standing of the original power plant is an intake building that the city decided to repurpose for public use as part of the project. Thirty feet below grade, are chambers that were originally designed to hold water from the river and pump it into the power plant to cool the machinery. The intake building renovation project hit a snag when they discovered that several thousand gallons of water were pouring into the chambers on a daily basis.

"Sealing of the intake gates was necessary in order to eliminate water from being continuously present within the building. Nine of the 10 wells have been successfully sealed off. While pumping the water out of the building, leaks were discovered in one of the wells which will require additional work by the underwater construction crew. Preventing the free-flowing entry of lake water into the building is central to the scope of this project improving the occupancy conditions by lowering humidity levels, eliminating odors and pests, and preserving the integrity of the building materials."
— Austin City Council, April 21, 2021

Initially, concrete was poured into the chambers to stop the leak. This proved to be ineffective and further complicated the job. Specialty contractors Canalco were brought in to seal the leaks via polyurethane curtain grouting, in which the technicians drill holes through concrete and inject water-activated grout on the other side, stopping the leak at its source. Technical assistance was provided by Chamberlin Waterproofing.

Powerful Polymer

The engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., specified Spetec PUR HighFoamer as the best grout to handle these high-pressure leaks. Technicians can easily adjust the set time for this material. They can speed it up for gushing leaks and slow it down to maximize coverage and penetration into the substrate for curtain grouting.

Painless Procedure

A small crew sent a confined entry certified technician deep into the well to drill 1.25" injection holes 4-7' feet through the concrete. Next, he injected Spetec PUR HighFoamer through five holes to create a grout curtain on the outside of the structure to seal off the leaks.

Rapid Result

The job was completed in just one week. The city continues to monitor the situation and the results have been spectacular given the difficulty of the job and the complications.

Want more information on curtain grouting?

The Crack Injection Process

Crack injection is a precision-focused leak seal approach for smaller cracks or joints. Contractors repair these defects by drilling holes into the wall and inserting injection ports at an angle to intersect the crack inside the wall. Next, they inject polyurethane grout directly into the center of the crack through the ports. The resin rapidly reacts with water to form a flexible watertight seal. 

This process also protects the rebar inside the wall. Water intrusion through the cracks can lead to rebar corrosion and concrete spalling. Rusting rebar can expand six to ten times the original volume of the steel. This creates internal pressure on the concrete. While concrete is very strong in compression, it has a low tensile strength, and the expanding rebar will cause it to crack. When polyurethane resin is injected under pressure, it can encapsulate rebar and slow down the corrosion process.

Crack Injection Case Studies

• Water Treatment Plant Losing Two Million Gallons Per Day Due to Leaks
• Sealing Leaks in a Church Wall to Stop Costly Flooding of Elevator Pit
• Saving a Luxury Penthouse Suite from Costly Water Damage (Just in Time!)
• Leaks in Wastewater Treatment Plant Sealed to Prevent Environmental Contamination
• Contractor Seals Leaks in Quenching Tanks for Aluminum Manufacturer
• Leak Seal in Water Treatment Plant Pump Station Manhole
• Specialty Waterproofing at Hydroelectric Dam
• Sealing Hairline Concrete Cracks with Acrylic Injection Resin

Want more information on polyurethane crack injection?