Alchatek Blog

A New 3.5 lb Concrete Leveling Foam

AP Lift 435 is a two component, high strength, high density, hydro insensitive structural polyurethane foam. Unconfined density is approximately 3.5 lbs/cubic foot (56 kg/cubic meter).  AP Lift 435 is ideal for concrete leveling, soil stabilization, compaction grouting, and similar types of concrete slab foundation repair.

Advantages

• Traffic ready in 15 minutes.
• High strength.
• Works in wet environments - displaces water.
• Bonds with soil and concrete.
• Closed cell.

Field of Application

• Lifting concrete slabs.
• Stabilizing soil.
• Fracture grouting.
• Deep Lift™

Packaging

• 10 Gallon Unit - Item #: 435-10
• 100 Gallon Unit - Item #: 435-100
• 500 Gallon Unit - Item #: 435-500

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Alchemy-Spetec is happy to welcome Daryl Miller as Operations Manager at the Tucker, GA manufacturing facility.

Before joining Alchemy-Spetec, Daryl spent over 25 years in manufacturing leadership roles in the areas of operations, logistics, and EHS management. He led plastic extrusion and injection molding operations as operations manager at Cleveland Tubing, Inc., in Cleveland, TN. Daryl was responsible for planning, logistics, and transportation management at Jindal Films, a plastic film extrusion company in LaGrange, GA. He was the plant superintendent for liquid and powder polyester production at Bayer MaterialScience in Columbus, GA. Daryl was also the warehouse, logistics, quality, and compliance manager for Knauf Insulation in Lanett, AL. He was the EHS manager for Johns Manville’s Industrial Insulation Group in Phenix City, AL, and operations manager for the Hyundai-Glovis vehicle processing facility in West Point, GA. Most recently he served as the logistics manager for RK Mission Critical in Aurora, CO, managing inventory, kitting, assembly, and installation operations of modular data centers for military and IT applications.

Daryl takes a hands-on, systematic approach to leadership, using Six Sigma methodologies to identify opportunities for improvement and Lean methods to optimize operations. Major projects he has led include the construction of and transfer of operations to a 65,000 square foot manufacturing facility, overseeing the implementation of M2M, SAP, and Global Shop ERP systems at three companies, developing OSHA and EPA compliant health, safety, and environmental systems for four operations, and overseeing line and new equipment start-up at multiple companies.

His strengths include developing and training high-performing teams, technical and professional writing, strategic planning, budgeting, production scheduling, warehouse and inventory management, and transportation planning. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Kentucky University with technical writing and life sciences as his major fields of study. He has been licensed as an OSHA outreach trainer and HAZMAT technician by the Georgia Tech Professional Education program, and currently holds certifications in the transport of hazardous materials and waste.

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As we stated in a previous blog post, Lifting Slabs in Cold Weather, there are plenty of jobs that need to be done in the winter. This is just as true for sealing leaks as it is for slab lifting. So let's take a look at those cold weather leak seal markets. We'll also review some special considerations for conditioning leak seal material and equipment. Then we’ll leave you with a few cold temperature leak seal application tips.

Cold Weather Markets

You have a variety of options for seeking jobs that are inside, out of the elements, during the winter months.  Hopefully these ideas will spark more brainstorming on your part. First up we have tunnels, both pedestrian and vehicle. Tunnels often leak, sometimes significantly enough to result in quite a big job. Aquariums are another possibility. As you can imagine, there are infinite potential leak problems in a structure holding that much water. Other possible large jobs could include mines and water treatment plants (which have plenty of interior spaces with potential leak issues). On the smaller side, there are utility vaults, lift stations, manholes and elevator pits.

If you’re still up for working outside during the winter months, you’re in luck because concrete contracts during colder weather. The contraction makes cracks open wider. Wider cracks make leaks more apparent to the property owner and make them easier to repair.

Conditioning Materials and Equipment

One important point to understand is that cold weather requires you to make an extra effort to keep your materials and equipment warm. Cold material reacts slower and gets thicker. Be sure to store your materials and equipment in a heated room the night before the job. When on the jobsite, there are many ways to keep everything warm. Use an enclosed vehicle, like a box truck, enclosed trailer or pickup truck with a camper top or bed cover. Keep as much material and equipment inside the vehicle as possible when working. Use a portable heater to maintain a warm temperature. You can also use electric pail heaters to keep your resin ready for action.

Remember that it won’t do you any good to heat the resin if you’re pumping it through cold equipment. The cold steel inside the pump and the cold hose will literally suck the heat out of the resin before it gets where it needs to be. This will increase the viscosity, making it harder to mix with the water and it will slow down the reaction dramatically. So don’t neglect the equipment side of the equation!

Cold Temperature Application Tips

If you’re using a product with an accelerator, you may need to use a faster accelerator or increase your percentage. Also, bring lots of oakum. You may have to use more if the cold temperature slows down the material or the contracted concrete has made the cracks wider.

If your job requires you to inject into a structure underwater (and the water’s cold), you can use a technique called twin streaming. In this approach, you hook two valves together in parallel fashion – then inject warm water along with the resin to kick start it reacting before hitting the cold water.

Conclusion

I hope this overview has helped spark some ideas on your part for finding leak seal work during the winter months. Just remember to keep your materials and equipment conditioned and you should be fine. Have more questions about polyurethane leak seal in cold weather? Call us at 404-618-0438.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in 2019 as Polyurethane Leak Seal in Cold Weather.

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A self-described philanthropic entrepreneur, David Park is committed to creating value-driven opportunities that are both scalable and profitable. He has spent the last 15 years developing communities, organizations, and businesses by leading them to discover their full potential, develop a wider vision, and determine the best course of action to achieve their goals.

His work previously as a Business Development Manager in the Dental Laboratory industry helped David gain a unique perspective when it came to creating opportunities that offer value for all parties involved in the process. Influenced by Jeff Bezos and Sam Walton, he aspires to implement solution-driven sales initiatives here at Alchemy-Spetec.

As the Inside Sales Manager, David will develop and implement all inside sales initiatives within Alchemy-Spetec, as well as provide technical service and solve chemical grouting challenges for customers, contractors, and distributors. David looks forward to creating optimal, effective, and rapid results in his role as Inside Sales Manager.

In his personal life, David is happily married to his wife Aelim and is a new proud father of their baby girl, Noel. Outside of the office he also enjoys playing sports, serving his local church, and working in the music industry space as a sound engineer, guitarist, and wedding DJ.

Jim Spiegel, VP of Sales and Business Development, adds, ''We're excited to welcome David to the Sales Team as Inside Sales Manager.  David not only brings a prestigious degree from Georgia Tech in Business Administration, but also several years of professional experience in managing CRM workflows, outbound sales programs, and social media outreach campaigns.  We're lucky to have such a competent and detailed-oriented professional join our team."

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With over 10 years of experience, Joel has a broad understanding of general practices in the construction and services industries. He has spent the last 6 years focused on ground improvement by use of chemical grouting with structural polymers, and possesses both technical and marketing expertise. His background includes contract negotiations, injection plan design, project management, market education, and hands on application of a variety of polymer solutions. Joel utilizes his industry knowledge to assist contractors with marketing strategies, material needs, and product application. Located in the Pacific Northwest, he enjoys his spare time in the great outdoors.

Jim Spiegel, VP of Sales and Business Development, adds, "Joel brings much-welcomed geotechnical experience to a quickly-growing Geotech Division.  His ability to communicate with the design community while also exhibiting superb field support is a rare skill set in the industry.  We're confident that Joel is another industry-leading professional sure to provide immediate value to Alchemy-Spetec Goetech customers."

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When shopping for alcohol-based hand sanitizers and alcohol-based surface cleaners, you should pay close attention to the type of alcohol listed in the ingredients.  Isopropyl alcohol offers a couple of key advantages over ethanol alcohol.   Let's review them...

Isopropyl is Gentler on Your Skin Than Ethanol

According to this article from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, "Ethanol use is associated with skin irritation or contact dermatitis...", among other concerns.

Ethanol Tends to Have a Harsher Smell

The harsh smell of ethanol intended for topical use is often caused by the "denaturing" treatment during the manufacturing process - in which harsh chemicals are added to make it un-drinkable.  Isopropyl, on the other hand, is not a drinkable alcohol in the first place.

Isopropyl is a Key Ingredient in Sanitizers & Cleaners

Due to the two concerns outlined above, we choose to manufacture Alchemy-Spetec hand sanitizer and surface cleaner with isopropyl alcohol because it's a healthier ingredient.  We don't cut corners with our industry-standard polyurethane concrete repair products - and we won't cut corners with the sanitizers either.  Rest assured.

Want to buy an isopropyl-based hand sanitizer or surface cleaner?

75% Isopropyl Alcohol Surface Cleaner

In addition to our hand sanitizer, Alchemy-Spetec is pleased to offer a surface cleaner to help reduce bacteria & viruses that potentially cause disease. It is an isopropyl-based, WHO-approved formula that can be used to clean many types of surfaces, including door handles, countertops, and grocery carts. The cleaner can be applied directly to the surface or applied via a spray bottle (not included).

We are currently offering one standard packaging option:
A Case of Four 1-Gallon Jugs

Applications for Surface Cleaner

• Door handles.
• Counter tops.
• Grocery carts.
• Bathooms.

Advantages of Surface Cleaner

• 75% isopropyl alcohol by volume, plus hydrogen peroxide.
• Meets World Health Organization guidelines.
• Leaves no film or residue.
• Dries quickly.
• Sprayable for cleaning surfaces.

Want to order Alchemy-Spetec Surface Cleaner?

Pocket-Sized Squeeze Bottles

A 2.1 Oz (63 ml) Bottle Size Will Soon Be Available:

• FDA Approved
• WHO Formula
• Ideal for Field Work

Join the notification list for this new hand sanitizer option and you'll be the first to recieve pricing and availability details.

Please Note: This message is not intended as a sales tactic.  We are genuinely trying to educate the construction industry on the current state of hand sanitizer scarcity and to let them know that we are a source - as long as our current suppliers provide us with raw materials and packaging.

Alchemy-Spetec's FDA approved hand sanitizer will be available soon.  As you know, hand sanitizer helps reduce bacteria & viruses that potentially cause disease.  The risk of COVID-19 is still a factor.  As professionals in an essential industry, many of you are still out on jobsites, working at distribution centers, managing water treatment plants, etc.  Alchemy-Spetec Hand Sanitizer will be a critical accessory for all types of infrastructure repair work and beyond.

Advantages of Alchemy-Spetec Hand Sanitizer:

• Easy on skin - no harsh chemicals.
• Meets World Health Organization guidelines.
• FDA approved. NDC 74826-812 Isopropyl Grade.
• Sprayable for cleaning surfaces.

Want to order Alchemy-Spetec Hand Sanitizer online?

Business owners owe it to themselves to get up to speed on the CARES Act. I've been talking with my bankers and my CPA to make sure we are in a position to apply for a loan if necessary. My philosophy at the moment is to fill out the application as soon as it is available. If you wait until you need it, it may be too late. Banks and the SBA are anticipating a tsunami of applications, so don't hesitate.

Check out the following webpages for everything you need to know about the CARES Act including the Paycheck Protection Program here:

• Small Business Administration - CARES Act Resources
• US Chamber of Commerce - CARES Act Guide

Stephen Barton
President & CEO
Alchemy-Spetec