Alchatek Blog

You meet someone for the first time, have a productive and promising conversation, exchange business cards, rinse, and repeat. As I’m sure the case is with many of you reading this, I’ve had this exchange with hundreds of people during this tradeshow season, and sincerely wonder if the connections that were made in the exhibit hall were carried through optimally.

As I read through daily posts on social media, it’s clear to me that there are some very creative, driven, and competent sales professionals in my network. After reading a particularly interesting LinkedIn post on leadership culture, a lightbulb went off. Why don’t we ask more questions in our posts? There’s a very good chance that a lot of us are thinking and pondering over the same basic sales and marketing challenges.

So, I raise these questions to those who found this post via social media (our posts are shared on LInkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Google Plus). What are some of the creative ways you have personally followed up with trade show contacts? Or perhaps you could share how a vendor has creatively followed up with you. And what is the best way to follow up these days? Phone calls, emails, social media, etc? I would love to hear some of your trade show follow up strategies. I know some of you have some great ideas. If you found this article via a link in one of our social media posts, please go back to that post and reply with your thoughts!

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The Spetec Re-Injectable Tube System is a primary waterstop in cold joints and pipe joints. When used with acrylates like Spetec AG 200, it can be flushed with water at a pre-determined set time, creating a clean tube ready for subsequent use. It can also function as a standard single-use injection tube system with polyurethane injection resins like Spetec PUR H100 and Spetec PUR F400. The Spetec R-ITS is compatible with combination grouting techniques involving microfine cements.

Procedure:

Spetec R-ITS Application:

1. Tube to be set in maximum runs of 30’ (10m).
2. Terminal ends to overlap to avoid discontinuity in coverage.
3. Must have flush connection with substrate free of rubble and large debris.
4. In conditions with uneven substrate profiles, consider use of Spetec WT400 to fill in imperfections or used as sole waterstop.
5. S-curve technique to be used at hori­zontal-vertical transitions.
6. R-ITS single or dual terminal boxes provide thread for zerk or button head fitting connection.
7. Make a cup test to clearly note reaction time of polyacrylate gel mix.
8. Continue pumping to generate pressure, and achieve penetration through desired profile and substrate. Pump for maximum 75% of reaction time established in cup test, then remove zerk plug, and flush line with water.
9. Reinstall zerk plugs to prevent any unwanted substances in the re-inject­able tube.

Applications:

• Primary waterstop systems.
• Cold Joints.
• Expansion Joints.
• Replacement for traditional PVC waterstops.
• Combination grouting techniques.
• Tunnel crowns, slurry walls, and details.
• Stabilization/permeation combination grouting.

Advantages:

• Re-injectable functionality.
• Monolithic waterstop seal.
• Effective in applications with honeycomb concrete.
• Will not fold or crush with concrete weight.
• Can be injected under flowing water.
• Chemical resistance once injected.
• With NSF approved resin, can be installed in a potable water application.
• Dynamic valve behavior accordingly to pressure.

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Today is our last day exhibiting at the No-Dig Show!  Visit us at booth #146!

Watch this video to preview a couple Alchemy-Spetec product demos!

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We are proud to announce that we are currently exhibiting at the No-Dig Show in Palm Springs, CA. Visit us in Booth #146!

"NASTT’s No-Dig Show is the largest trenchless technology conference in North America, where professionals attend to learn new techniques that will save money and improve infrastructure. This show offers six tracks and 160 peer-reviewed, non-commercial presentations, including case studies detailing environmentally friendly trenchless solutions and cost-saving opportunities for municipalities and utilities. With over 190 exhibiting companies and multiple networking events, spend quality time with current colleagues/customers and grow your connections. Whether you’re a newcomer or a show veteran, NASTT’s No-Dig Show is the must-attend conference for underground infrastructure professionals."

Click here to read more about the No-Dig Show.

Reps Attending: Jim Spiegel, Thad Brown
Polyurethane Solutions Demonstrated: Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil, Lift Slabs
Booth Number: 146
Address: Palm Springs Convention Center 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262 

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Hydroactive chemical grouts, by definition, require hydrogen molecules from water to initiate the polymerization reaction.  Typically, an ISO component is catalyzed by an amine, but this solution will remain unreacted until it comes in contact with hydrogen.  All of the contractors out there familiar with chemical grouts are familiar with the ‘skin’ on the top of a catalyzed batch.  This is simply the top layer of the catalyzed batch showing signs of initiation just through contact with moisture in the air.  For injection into active leaks, these products are a slam dunk.  But what happens when you get to the job, and there is no leak where there was one just a few days ago? 

Most manufacturers will provide the generic answer of ‘just introduce water.’  And in layman’s terms, this is accurate.  But what is the CORRECT way to introduce water?  Twin streaming through an F-Valve Assembly is perhaps the most proven technique to ensure adequate and thorough activation of hydroactive grouts.  An F-assembly is an applicator apparatus designed specifically for twin streaming multi components.  This can easily be achieved through the use of two pumps, one designated for water and another designated for chemical grout.  This will also prevent the leaking resin phenomenon sometimes observed following mechanical packer removal. 

Alchemy-Spetec supplies F-assemblies and the following hydroactive grouts: Spetec PUR H100, Spetec PUR F400, Spetec PUR F1000, Spetec PUR H40, AP Fill 700, and AP Soil 600.  For application recommendations and guidance, call an Alchemy-Spetec consultant now at 404-618-0438.  Don't rely on suppliers who simply promise a universally easy application process.  Lean on the suppliers who teach you how to navigate the unique challenges that each job site inevitably presents. 

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Waterproofing is a broad term in the construction world.  The distinctions of above-grade and below-grade pretty well sum up the offerings out there.  But when considering chemical grout’s place in the waterproofing world, we primarily stick to below-grade applications. 

An understanding of what chemical grouts can and can’t do is a very valuable tool for any waterproofing or concrete repair contractor.  On many job sites, several systems are being applied across a variety of trades against costly and ambitious deadlines.  Most well-established manufacturers have all of the physical property testing, warranties, case studies, and approved applicator programs to get the job done.  Unfortunately, no manufacturer warrants against human error. 

What happens when an HVAC contractor or an electrician takes it upon themselves to drill a “little” hole for their penetration?  What happens when backfill operators “barely touch” an installed membrane system?  Or what happens when another contractor just “pushes or pulls a bit” to make a penetration detail work?  What often happens is very costly to the client and/or general contractor in both time and money.  Enter chemical grouts. 

In a hydrostatic condition, the smallest of failures can cause huge water infiltration issues.  Chemical grouts can be utilized in below-grade hydrostatic conditions, while providing a positive side repair applied from the negative side.  In all estimations, these conditions can be a nightmare for even the best waterproofing contractors.  As localized repair of the compromised membrane is achieved, often the hydrostatic pressures relocate, causing seemingly new leaks in other areas (when in actuality, it is the same small failure causing the bigger problem). 

Some advanced below-grade manufacturers are going the route of specifying pre-installed injection tube systems such as the Spetec ITS Kit in which leaks can be quarantined to specific areas of repair.  Chemical grouts such as Spetec AG200, Spetec PUR H100, Spetec PUR F400, and Spetec PUR H40 can then be injected into cracks, cold joints, and through injection tube systems. 

So, although some contractors may not associate chemical grouts with new construction waterproofing, these solutions definitely have their place to be at the pre-bid and design tables when discussing the waterproofing design.  To schedule an experienced technician for your next design meeting, please contact us today. 

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Perhaps even more eloquent than e=mc2 is Isaac Newton’s Second Law of motion, F=ma. For all of those fellow physics enthusiasts out there, we all know how F=ma is the flathead screwdriver in the formula toolbox; and for good reason. The amount of Force generated by any individual object being equal to the object’s mass multiplied by the acceleration of that object has profound proofs across the universe that can also be observed in our everyday partnerships.

Take a minute to consider your own business. How much force do you have in your industry? For most large companies, a considerable amount of force is generated simply from being so big, or having an extreme amount of mass. Any acceleration is extremely forceful in the industry simply because of the mass.  But for a smaller, or less massive, company to generate the same industry force, the acceleration must be much greater. This is why successful startups and new product launches are projected to have extremely high growth rates, or very high factors of acceleration. Without considerable acceleration in a small company or new product launch, the industry force is quite small simply because their masses are so insignificant. I’m not recreating the wheel here, after all, Newton was putting this phenomenon into Law in the 17^th century. Another description of acceleration is Disruption, while another description of mass is Scaling. 

But let’s consider this regarding the partners that we choose. We are all seeking industry force. This comes in many canned phrases such as brand awareness, product adoption, market leading, etc. etc. But what we are all trying to say is that we want the market to know we’re there; that we want to be forceful in the markets in which we operate. 

So, what would Isaac Newton say if he was a business consultant in the 21^st century?  Shortly after lamenting about the shame of our youth paying more attention to the Kardashians than to Kinetics, I think he would call for the ole’ flathead, F=ma. Perhaps your organization can acquire a unique technology and give mass to their acceleration. Or maybe your unique technology needs a distribution partner with nationwide outlets giving it more mass. This may sound very simple, but how often do we see partnerships thinking that mass+mass = increased force? When in actuality, they are just cutting their acceleration in half. 

Next time you have a vendor detailing their service pitch, or you're reviewing your own pitch to prospective clients, take a minute to consider Newton’s Second Law. Who offers mass, and who offers acceleration? If you get this formula right, you’ll be on the path to creating force the way the rest of the universe does. 

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In 1927, a German physicist, Werner Heisenberg, introduced what would become the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. In short, his theory maintained that two very distinctive properties when examining any particle, location and momentum, could not be accurately measured at the same time. The more one knows about one value, the less it knows about the other. So how does this relate to business? 

By multiplying the deltas of position and momentum we arrive at a value that is equal to Planck’s constant/2pi. Planks constant is relevant here as it’s essentially a measure of granularity in the world around us. And there is the magic word: Granularity. How often do our Strategy teams discuss granularity? It’s turned into one of those jargon words that seem to carry more form in conversation than any function in execution. But nonetheless, everyone in Strategy wants granularity.

The physical world around us is made up of particles. You, me, the buildings we work in, and the computer screen you’re looking at; all made up of particles. So, let’s be careful on the amount of granularity that we all aim to achieve in decision making processes. The often-quoted phenomenon of analysis paralysis lies in the Uncertainty Principle. The more you examine one aspect of any given part of the physical world, products and opportunities included, the less you know about another aspect. There’s no way around this.

To find the spin of a particle, or the angular momentum, light is often shined on that particle. But true to Heisenberg’s Principle, the energy from the light makes the particle spin faster, thus harder to measure. So next time you tell your team members to ‘get more granular’, remember Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. You may be far more effective by identifying an opportunity, and creating your own spin. Or taking an existing spin, and find your own location. Werner Heisenberg has well shown us that it’s not possible to strategically measure both. The more light you shine on something, the faster it spins. So be careful with how granular you get.

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Continuing on from the previous overview of Mechanical Packers and Ports, let's take a closer look at all of the required mechanical ports and accessories you could possibly need for your next chemical injection project.

The product line is comprised almost entirely of the most versatile steel mechanical packers compatible with practically all of the chemical injection grouts supplied on the market. These steel packers are offered in bottom-zerk and top-zerk style, allowing for customization and familiarity on site for all contractor preferences of technique and clean-up. All top-zerk configurations are interchangeable with button head clutch-couplings that prohibit excessive leakage which is ideal for finished or pristine spaces, or overhead applications. Alchemy-Spetec also supplies the required couplers that connect the anti-return valve to most standard industry hoses. For custom fittings, please consult your local pneumatic or hydraulic parts supplier.

Other common industry offerings are also available in zinc and aluminum designs, which offer variances in weight, price point, and chemical resistances. Plastic bang-in types are available in 3/8” and 5’8” diameters, and are most commonly used on concrete slab-lifting and soil stabilization projects allowing for higher volumes of material to be pumped prior to reaction.

Alchemy-Spetec is also very pleased to bring back the high-pressure blue and red 5/8” and 1/2" diameter mechanical packers with a large washer on the top. An industry go-to packer for many years, these packers feature a specialty rubber allowing for even higher tolerances for pressure hold. Rounding out the accessory items offered by Alchemy-Spetec are flush wands to clear drill holes of debris, injection needles to point-inject behind oakum or existing sealants, and F-assemblies that permit the ultra-effective twin-streaming technique of pre-mixing water and hydro-active chemical grout.

Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the Alchemy-Spetec Mechanical Packer and Accessories brochure (see download button below). Call us directly at 404-618-0438 for samples, pricing, and/or local distributor contact information.

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The term ‘Mechanical Packer’ probably doesn’t mean much to those not in the concrete repair industry. But for those close to chemical grouting, this term certainly brings about thoughts of both form and function. Mechanical packers are also referred to as ports, or more simply, packers. But we would like to be very clear that a port is not a packer.  

Mechanical packers were designed to withstand high pressure injection applications by inserting them into pre-drilled holes in a concrete substrate at various diameters ranging most commonly from 1/4" – 5/8”. Mechanical packers feature a rubber base with a threaded shaft. As the threaded shaft is tightened, the rubber base is compressed, creating a compression seal inside the drill hole. The ultimate pressure tolerance is dependent upon the amount the rubber is expanded and the total surface area of the rubber base that is in contact with the drill hole. That is, a smaller diameter packer will have considerably less surface area of rubber compressed against the concrete side walls, and thus holding a lower amount of pressure when connected to high pressure equipment. Most job site and substrate conditions will permit successful injection results with a diameter of 3/8” – 1/2".  Of course, some contractors have personal preference of smaller or larger sizes.  

Packers also come in various types. Suppliers will market benefits of steel, brass, zinc, or aluminum. All things considered, steel packers tend to be the most versatile packers as they are compatible with all chemical grout types, while the brass, aluminum, and zinc can exhibit signs of deterioration when using oxidizing agents such as the salt component in a polyacryate gel. However, some contractors insist that the breakdown is not as quick as marketed by suppliers, therefore utilizing brass and aluminum packers in these applications as well.  

Each packer features an anti-return ball valve that is opened under pressure, allowing the passage of chemical grouts. Upon depressurizing, the ball valve will close, prohibiting the return flow of the injection resin out of the drill hole. This ball valve can be located on the top of the packer, in the base of the packer, or even freely-floating in the packer shaft to allow for maximum flow. There are pros and cons to each ball valve location depending on job site condition and application and finishing techniques.  

Lastly, there are plastic alternatives commonly referred to as ‘bang-in’ or ‘hammer-in’. These packers do not have the threaded metal shaft, but as they are driven into the drill hole, the same compression seal theory takes hold as the tapered edges become lodged into the drill hole sides. Another form of plastic ports is a plastic, surface-mounted version that is commonly used in epoxy injection and/or in the event that drilling into the substrate would be considered harmful or ill-advised.  

For more detail on your specific project needs and packer or port recommendation, please contact a knowledgeable Alchemy-Spetec representative at 404-618-0438. Alchemy-Spetec offers all of the packers and ports listed above, as well as all of the chemical grouts and pumping systems required to make your next chemical grouting job a success!

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