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The Best Pump for Joint Filling

Posted by Jim Spiegel on Aug 21, 2019 9:15:41 AM

The Best Pump for Joint Filling

The Best Pump for Joint Filling

In this post, we'll profile the Alchemy-Spetec Joint Filling Machine, which is used with AP Joint Fill 800 and AP Fast Repair 850 for structural repair jobs.  This article covers a lot of technical territory in a few short paragraphs.  So, if it raises any questions for you, please call us at 404-618-0438.
 
Off-ratio product is probably the most prevalent issue with polyurea joint pumps.  This typically comes down to just a few possible scenarios.  Most commonly the material may be a bit too thick for the machine.  For instance, many suppliers market their pumps as "joint filling", but fail to specify product choices for the pump.  A small difference with the Alchemy-Spetec Joint Filling Machine (manufactured by US Saws) is the 1" throat from the bottom of the hopper leading to the rotary gear pumps.  Most suppliers are using 5/8" or 3/4" throat.    
 
Another common symptom you may run across with some pumps: Any time there is any build-up in the static mixer (which is common with material that sets in 30 seconds or less), there may also be back pressure put on the system, and the seals around the shaft for the sprocket/chain assembly may blow, and then you'll see material dripping from the shafts by the chain.  This is another tell-tale sign that the pump you are using is not pressure rated high enough.  And once a seal is compromised at all, the ratios go all over the place.  Concentric seals do much better with this. Also be careful with your flushing agent here.  If you're not using the Alchemy-Spetec Joint Filling Machine, ask your pump manufacturer what the seals are made of.  PTFE seals typically hold up to solvents better than Viton, for example.  A chewed up Viton seal caused by acetone flush can be a common cause of off-ratio product. 
 
The reason we chose the pump we have for our line is because US Saws has it best figured out.  Feel free to browse the US Saws link below for specifics on the machine...
 
One of the things we really like with this pump is that they have a unique configuration of the chain/sprockets which keeps more teeth of the sprocket engaged, and that prevents any skipping of the chain when back-pressure is encountered.  Also, the HDPE tanks are nice because you can see the levels of the material.  With the steel tanks of other pumps, often times the applicator will happen to look into the tanks only to realize that the last 100' of joint fill he put down is off-ratio.  It's much better to see this in real-time, all the time.  This pump also has the wide throat and PTFE seals.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!
 
Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Repair Cracks, Floor Repair

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Aug 15, 2019 3:59:15 PM

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Sign up for Fall 2019 Training while there are still spots left!

Click Here to Register NOW!

October 9th & 10th, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Get ready for a thorough education in Leak Seal, Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization and the Alchemy-Spetec Deep Lift™ process. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Wednesday - Leak Seal

  • Leak Seal Product Line Overview
  • Curtain Grouting
  • Permeation Grouting
  • Leak-Seal Product Mixing
  • Pump & Packer Overviews
  • Leak-Seal Accessories
  • Municipal Applications
  • Live Injection Demos
  • Open Discussions

Thursday - Geotech

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Soil Stabilization
  • Geotech Product Mixing
  • Rig & Mobile System Overviews
  • Geotechnical Accessories
  • Slab Lifting Live Demo
  • Deep Lift™ Overview
  • Soil Testing with the
  • GPR & Penetrometer
  • Maintenance Discussions
  • Pricing / Estimating / Cost Savings
  • Open Discussions

Click Here to Register NOW!

Participants receive a Samsung tablet loaded with training material.

Your Instructors:

Stephen C. Barton (President/CEO), Jim Spiegel (VP Sales & Business Development), Andy Powell (Southeastern Regional Manager), Anthony Sandone (Eastern Regional Manager), Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager), and Michael Binyaminov (Western Sales Representative). 

 

Topics: Repair Seawalls, Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, NSF Certification, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Repair Cracks, Waterstop, Deep Lift, Floor Repair, Fill Voids, Engineer Resources

In Memory of Thomas Perry

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Aug 14, 2019 9:01:34 AM

In Memory of Thomas Perry

In Memory of Thomas PerryWe are extremely sad to announce the passing of Alchemy-Spetec independent rep Tom Perry.  Please take a moment to read this excerpt from his obituary...

Thomas Perry of Mt. Olive Township passed away Friday July 26, 2019 at Morristown Medical Center in Morristown after a short illness.

He was 58.

Born in Pequannock, he has lived in Mt. Olive Township for 21 years.

A graduate of Pequannock High School and Montclair State University, Tom was the owner of Multi Utilities Ventures in Mt. Olive Township.

Beloved husband of Jean (nee: Miller) Perry. Devoted father of Erin and Megan Perry. Loving son of Doris (nee: Peacock) Perry and the late Raymond Perry. Dear brother of Jim Perry, Peggy Perry, Doreen Sprules , Mary Beth Wyant , Jean Wallace, Michele Bucek, the late Lee Perry, Ricky Perry, Linda Perry and Janice Moebius. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. (Read more...)

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and his family.

Click here to offer your condolences on Tom's obituary page.

Topics: All Posts

Charlie Lerman Promoted to Director of Technical Services – Leak Seal Division

Posted by Jim Spiegel on Aug 9, 2019 10:20:33 AM

Charlie Lerman Promoted to Director of Technical Services – Leak Seal Division

Charlie Lerman Promoted to Director of Technical Services – Leak Seal DivisionAlchemy-Spetec is proud to announce that Charlie Lerman "The Grout Geek" will be shifting roles to start up our North American Leak Seal Technical Services Department. Charlie not only brings two decades of specialty waterproofing and construction experience to his new role as Director of Technical Services - Leak Seal Division, but he also brings nine years of service in the US Navy. He understands the value of teamwork and is dedicated to the mission.

While the trend in the last few years for chemical grout manufacturers has been to reduce or eliminate their technical service roles, Alchemy-Spetec understands the needs of the specialty waterproofing contractor and is committed to customer success. Leveraging Alchemy-Spetec’s quality products, strong distribution, and our rapid response technical service is what gives our contractors the edge they need in today's fast-paced market.

Please let us know how we can assist you with your next waterproofing challenge. Whether you need help with product selection, hands-on field training, or creative grouting solutions, Alchemy-Spetec is here for you.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec leak seal products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks, Waterstop

Specifications for Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane

Posted by Andy Powell on Aug 7, 2019 2:28:13 PM

Specifications for Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane

Specifications for Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane

Today, we’ll take a look at the specification Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane. The specification includes documentation on the following:

  • Stabilization, consolidation, and binding of water bearing soils through permeation injection of polyurethane resin creating a solid mass of soil and rigid resin.

  • Creation of a barrier in water bearing soils to reduce water migration through permeation injection of polyurethane resin creating a solid mass of soil and rigid resin.

Click this link, Permeation Grouting with Polyurethane, to view a PDF of the specification.  It thoroughly documents the installation process for one component, moisture activated, low viscosity, hydrophobic polyurethane (in our case, AP Soil 600 stabilization foam).  For a copy of the specification in Microsoft Word format, please call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438.

If you scroll to the bottom of the Alchemy-Spetec downloads page, you’ll see a list of engineering specifications for Concrete Repair with Polyurethane.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Stabilize Soil, Engineer Resources

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Aug 2, 2019 4:32:51 PM

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th

Reminder - 2019 Fall Training on October 9th & 10th Don't forget to sign up for Fall 2019 Training!

Click Here to Register NOW!

October 9th & 10th, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Get ready for a thorough education in Leak Seal, Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization and the Alchemy-Spetec Deep Lift™ process. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Wednesday - Leak Seal

  • Leak Seal Product Line Overview
  • Curtain Grouting
  • Permeation Grouting
  • Leak-Seal Product Mixing
  • Pump & Packer Overviews
  • Leak-Seal Accessories
  • Municipal Applications
  • Live Injection Demos
  • Open Discussions

Thursday - Geotech

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Soil Stabilization
  • Geotech Product Mixing
  • Rig & Mobile System Overviews
  • Geotechnical Accessories
  • Slab Lifting Live Demo
  • Deep Lift™ Overview
  • Soil Testing with the
  • GPR & Penetrometer
  • Maintenance Discussions
  • Pricing / Estimating / Cost Savings
  • Open Discussions
Click Here to Register NOW!

Participants receive a Samsung tablet loaded with training material.

Your Instructors:

Stephen C. Barton (President/CEO), Jim Spiegel (VP Sales & Business Development), Andy Powell (Southeastern Regional Manager), Anthony Sandone (Eastern Regional Manager), Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager), and Michael Binyaminov (Western Sales Representative). 

Topics: Repair Seawalls, Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, NSF Certification, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Repair Cracks, Waterstop, Deep Lift, Floor Repair, Fill Voids, Engineer Resources

Alchemy-Spetec Structural Repair Products

Posted by Michael Binyaminov on Jul 31, 2019 5:01:00 PM

ALCHEMY-SPETEC STRUCTURAL REPAIR PRODUCTS

Alchemy-Spetec Structural Repair Products

The Alchemy-Spetec structural repair product line consists of products for joint filling, spall repair, anchoring, and bonding.

Poyurea Joint Filler

AP Joint Fill 800 is a two-component hybrid polyurea joint filler with fast reaction allowing for shave time in as little as 5 minutes. The fast reaction allows for minimal down time and facilities to be in operation quickly.  Read more...

Polyurethane Spall Repair

AP Fast Repair 850 is a zero VOC, two-component polyurethane system. The high-quality thermoset is designed for fast repair of concrete (spalls, cracks, etc.). Its low viscosity allows for maximum penetration into cracks and porous concrete. This product can be mixed with up to equal parts oven dry silica sand to increase product yield and compressive strength.  Read more...

Non-Sag Epoxy for Structural Anchoring/Bonding

AP NS950 Epoxy is a two component, non-sag structural epoxy designed to offer exceptional mechanical strength in anchoring/bonding applications. Due to its high bond strength to concrete, it is ideal to use for anchoring threaded rod or rebar dowels. The consistency of AP NS950 EPOXY is good for capping for crack injection or general surface repairs. AP NS950 EPOXY is 100% solids, VOC free and Butyl Glycidyl Ether (BGE)* free.  Read more...

Low-Viscosity Expoxy for Structural Bonding of Cracks

Epicol INJ LV is a low-viscosity epoxy resin for structural bonding of cracks and micro cracks in dry or wet concrete. Can be used as glue for bonding and anchoring.  Read more...

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Repair Cracks, Floor Repair

Leak Sealing with Polyurethane - Explained

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Jul 29, 2019 10:00:00 AM

Polyurethane Leak Sealing Explained

Leaking concrete can be detrimental to safety and property values.  Pressure injection forces polyurethane resin into leaking cracks, joints, voids, and other defects.  After injection is complete, the polyurethane resin rapidly reacts with water to form a flexible, watertight seal.  Leaks in concrete structures can be permanently repaired with water-activated polyurethane and a few assorted leak seal accessories.

From hairline concrete cracks to gushing leaks, virtually any defect can be sealed with the Alchemy-Spetec series of leak seal resins and products.

Watch this animation for a detailed explanation of the polyurethane leak sealing process...

 Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec leak seal products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks, Waterstop

Jump Start Your Leak Seal Business with Alchemy-Spetec's Fall 2019 Training

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Jul 26, 2019 1:44:32 PM

Jump Start Your New Concrete Leveling Business with Alchemy-Spetecs Fall 2019 Training

Jump Start Your New Concrete Leveling Business with Alchemy-Spetecs Fall 2019 TrainingJump start your leak seal business at Alchemy-Spetec's Fall 2019 Training!  As stated in our blog post on Leak Seal Curriculum for 2019 Fall Training...

Get ready for a thorough education in polyurethane leak seal products and applications on Wednesday, October 9th (October 10th is geotech day), 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience. Registration includes both days, but we’ll take a close look at the leak seal curriculum in today’s blog post…

The schedule on Wednesday, October 9th includes presentations on the Alchemy-Spetec leak seal product line, crack injection, curtain grouting, permeation grouting, pumps & packers, leak seal accessories and municipal applications. There will also be live injection demos, product mixing demos, and open discussions for sharing job related tips and solutions from the field.

In addition, you'll get an overview of geotech (concrete leveling & soil stabilization) products and procedures!  Here's a complete schedule for both days...

Wednesday Oct. 9th - Leak Seal

  • Leak Seal Product Line Overview
  • Curtain Grouting
  • Permeation Grouting
  • Leak-Seal Product Mixing
  • Pump & Packer Overviews
  • Leak-Seal Accessories
  • Municipal Applications
  • Live Injection Demos
  • Open Discussions

Thursday Oct. 10th - Geotech

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Soil Stabilization
  • Geotech Product Mixing
  • Rig & Mobile System Overviews
  • Geotechnical Accessories
  • Slab Lifting Live Demo
  • Deep Lift™ Overview
  • Soil Testing with the
  • GPR & Penetrometer
  • Maintenance Discussions
  • Pricing / Estimating / Cost Savings
  • Open Discussions
Click Here to Register NOW!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks, Business Tips

Specifications for Polyurethane Injection Grouting with Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic Materials

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Jul 24, 2019 1:56:27 PM

Specifications for Polyurethane Injection Grouting with Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic Materials

Specifications for Polyurethane Injection Grouting with Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic Materials

 

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at our specification entitled Injection Grouting – Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic.  The specification includes documentation on the following:
  • Sealing cracks in concrete structures through pressure injection.
  • Sealing hairline cracks, expansion joints, wide cracks, pipe joints, pipe penetrations.
  • Saturating dry oakum to create a flexible gasket for sealing pipe penetrations, joints and larger defects in concrete structures.

If you’re unfamiliar with the terms hydrophobic and hydrophilic, please read the blog post Hydrophobic vs Hydrophilic Polyurethanes.  In that post we clearly explain the differences between the two types of leak seal resins…

Hydrophobic Polyurethanes:

Hydrophobic polyurethanes naturally repel water (similar to the way oil would repel water and stay separate if you were trying to mix them in a glass).  These products push water out of the area in question as they expand.  Hydrophobics are used with catalysts which allow you to adjust the set time.  They also have zero shrinkage after curing.

Hydrophilic Polyurethanes:

Hydrophilic polyurethanes naturally mix with water before curing (similar to the way gin and tonic mix thoroughly in a glass).  This characteristic allows for a very strong chemical and mechanical bond, as water helps pull the material into the pores of the concrete.  These products do not require a catalyst.  You can pump them straight out of the pail.

Click this link, Injection Grouting – Hydrophilic & Hydrophobic, to view a PDF of the specification.  It thoroughly documents the installation process for these two types of products (in our case, the hydrophilic Spetec PUR GT500 and the hydrophobic Spetec PUR F400).  These are both flexible polyurethanes.  For a copy of the specification in Microsoft Word format, please call Alchemy-Spetec at 404-618-0438.

For more Alchemy-Spetec specifications, scroll to the bottom of the Alchemy-Spetec Downloads Page

Would you like to speak to an Alchemy-Spetec consultant regarding specifications?

Sign Up for a Consultation Now!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks, Engineer Resources