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The PolyBadger: A Value Packed Compact Slab Lifting System

Posted by David Park on Mar 24, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - The PolyBadger A Value Packed Slab Lifting System

Body - The PolyBadger A Value Packed Slab Lifting SystemThe Alchemy-Spetec PolyBadger lifting system is tough and compact. This system is an affordable entry-level option for new contractors, as well as an extremely portable addition to the experienced contractor’s arsenal. The PolyBadger is a lot less expensive than your standard 20-foot trailer rig. The setup is simple and requires minimal equipment. The entire system can easily fit in the back of a pickup truck! With this equipment, you can handle most every flatwork type of concrete lifting, be it residential or commercial. Of course, void filling beneath slabs and structures is also within the capability of the machine.

Witness the PolyBadger in Action

The PolyBadger is a reliable entry-level choice for new lifting companies focusing on small jobs. It's also a great system for larger companies facing out-of-the-way jobs that may prohibit the use of a large rig.

The demo video below covers the following topics:

  • Introduction to the PolyBadger
  • Drilling an Injection Hole
  • Preventing Concrete Stains with AP Flush 125
  • Injecting Polyurethane
  • Cleaning Out the Static Mixer
  • Cleaning Up & Shutting Down the System

The PolyBadger Lifting System: Key Advantages

The Alchemy-Spetec PolyBadger mobile slab lifting system is tough, compact, and built to last. The cabinet is constructed from powder-coated carbon steel and the frame is constructed from carbon steel box tubing. The durable hose is constructed with a Teflon core and a stainless steel braid.

Key Advantages to Consider:

  • Material handling - the PolyBadger is designed to pump right out of 10-gallon material sets (5 gallons of A-side and 5 gallons of B side). These are easy to handle, easy to dispose of when empty, and very convenient to use. No dealing with 1000 lb drum sets of material required.
  • Easy to operate - the PolyBadger features an auto-calibrator proportioning system that is genius. It takes monitoring pressures all the time out of the equation. Startup takes about 5 minutes and shut down takes less than a minute. It is a very easy machine to learn.
  • Advanced technology - besides the auto-calibrator, the PolyBadger features advanced primary heaters that can heat the material in one pass. No recirculating material to get it hot enough to pump.
  • Gun clean-up - gun maintenance for the PolyBadger Handy gun takes about 30 seconds. Traditional spray and lifting guns can take an hour or more some days.

The PolyBadger Package and Considerations

The PolyBadger package typically includes the cart, control cabinet, moisture separator, and regulator dashboard, two transfer pumps, 60' of Green Flare heated hose, two Handi guns, static mixers, and injection ports. The price may vary depending on what you already have and may need to add on.

Power and air requirements are two 20-amp 110 V circuits and 10-11 cfm of air. You can run the machine from two separate circuits of a residence or business or a 5000-watt generator. For air, our contractors will usually purchase a wheelbarrow-style air compressor with twin parallel tanks. These are gasoline-powered units and usually have about 10+ CFM capacity at 90 psi. Odds are you already have a generator and compressor that is sufficient. In a warehouse or plant environment, you can run off factory airdrops and 110 v outlets.

Want more information about the PolyBadger system?

Download an Info-Packed PolyBadger System Brochure!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs

Why You Should Sign Up to Be Notified of Future Training Events

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Mar 22, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Why You Should Sign Up to Be Notified of Future Training Events

Body - Why You Should Sign Up to Be Notified of Future Training EventsAlchemy-Spetec's Spring 2022 training event is officially SOLD OUT!  If you're still interested in training, we'll be conducting another event in the Fall of 2022.  Click the button below and fill out the form.  We'll keep you updated on the next event and all other training opportunities!

Don't miss this opportunity for a thorough education in Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization, the Alchemy-Spetec Deep Lift® process, equipment, and applications. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Alchemy-Spetec two-day geotech training events typically consist of the following...

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Geotech Applications & Case Studies
  • PolyBadger® Demo & Training
  • Estimating & Quoting Jobs
  • PMC Pump Demo & Training
  • Leak Seal Issues on Geotech Jobs
  • Ground Penetrating Radar Demo & Training
  • Slab Lift Rig Demo & Training
  • Competing Geotech Techniques
  • PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization Demo & Training (On-Site)
  • Deep Lift® Demo & Training (On-Site)

Want to be alerted when Fall 2022 training registration is available?

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Deep Lift, Fill Voids

Alchemy-Spetec's Deep LiftⓇ Process

Posted by David Park on Mar 17, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Alchemy-Spetecs Deep Lift Process

Body - Alchemy-Spetecs Deep Lift ProcessPoor compaction, water erosion, broken pipes, and organic material in the soil can all lead to the settling of a foundation or a roadway. Common methods of addressing deep soil issues require heavy equipment, extended downtime, and collateral property damage. These situations create problems for property owners as well as opportunities for specialty contractors that know how to fix them.

Introducing the Deep LiftⓇ process! Alchemy-Spetec offers a unique combination of high-quality structural lifting foams along with the equipment and training needed to address deep soil issues. Now you can achieve soil densification and lift on large projects with the smallest footprint and least amount of heavy equipment required. The Deep LiftⓇ process is powerful, painless, and rapid. Deep LiftⓇ gets to the root of the problems in the soil, it brings the structure back to level and accomplishes this with minimal imposition or downtime to the property owner.

The Deep LiftⓇ Process Explained

In our blog post, The Deep Lift Process Explained, the animated video below provides a detailed explanation of the process:

How To Evaluate a Site for Deep LiftⓇ & Deep Stabilization

In his blog post, How To Evaluate a Site for Deep LiftⓇ & Deep Stabilization, Alchemy Spetec’s Geotech Division Manager Andy Powell discusses how to gather as much information as possible about the project site such as:

  • The Cause(s) of the Settlement or Void
  • Information on the Structure
  • Geotechnical Data
  • General Observations and Measurements
  • Site Evaluation Tools
Click here to read more…

Dynamic Cone Penetrometer: An Essential Tool for Deep Lift® Jobs

In his blog post, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer: An Essential Tool for Deep Lift® Jobs, Alchemy Spetec’s Western Regional Manager Joel Bryant recommends one critical piece of equipment repeatedly: The Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (aka the DCP). Joel highly recommends this tool as an essential part of your Deep Lift® rig setup. This device is used to measure the strength of subgrade soils and can be utilized to identify weak layers of soil within a soil mass. As you can see in the video below, a hydraulic pump drops a 30kg (60lb) hammer, driving the measuring rod into the ground.

Click here to read more…

Want more info on the Deep LiftⓇ process?

Download an Info-Packed Deep Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Deep Lift

Filling Voids with Polyurethane Foam

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Mar 15, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Filling Voids with Polyurethane Foam

Body - Filling Voids with Polyurethane FoamFilling voids is one of the most common applications for polyurethane concrete repair foam. Geotech contractors use specialized foam to fill voids in the soil under slabs, behind retaining walls, and around municipal infrastructure. In this post, we'll review some of the most popular Alchemy-Spetec blog articles on the subject.

Filling Voids Under Concrete Slabs

In his blog post Filling Dangerous Voids Under Slabs, Alchemy-Spetec's Geotech Division Manager Andy Powell covers the following key points:

  • The dangers of soil voids under slabs.
  • Signs of a possible void under a slab.
  • How polyurethane is used to repair voids.

Click here to read more...

Filling Voids Surrounding a Structure

In his blog post Filling Voids with One-Component Polyurethane, Alchemy-Spetec's Geotech Director of Technical Services Colt Hullander discusses the materials used for this specific application...

Alchemy-Spetec's AP Fill 700 and AP Fill 720 are one-component polyurethanes used for filling voids in supporting soil surrounding a structure. Situations in which these materials might be used for void fill include soil adjacent to retaining walls, basement walls, seawalls, and infrastructure boxes.

Click here to read more...

Filling Voids in a Municipal Leak Seal Context

In his blog post, Sealing Leaks & Voids in Concrete Infrastructure, Alchemy-Spetec's Leak Seal Director of Technical Services Charlie Lerman outlines the causes of and remedies for leaks and voids in concrete infrastructure...

Causes of Leaks and Voids:

  • Imperfect construction.
  • Weather and wear.
  • Unstable soil.

How Injection Grout Helps:

  • Water activation.
  • Pressure injection.
  • Flexible, watertight seal.

Click here to 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, Fill Voids

Contractor Seals Leaks in Quenching Tanks for Aluminum Manufacturer

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Mar 10, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Contractor Seals Leaks for Aluminum Manufacturer

Body - Contractor Seals Leaks for Aluminum ManufacturerA large Mid-Western aluminum manufacturer was losing water from all of its quenching tanks. Losing 3 million gallons in half a year can be expensive, not to mention the massive effect that volume of water can have on soil and the structures it supports. So, they reached out to one of their trusted maintenance contractors, who in turn came to Alchemy-Spetec for guidance on how to efficiently mitigate the leaks with minimal downtime. 

Powerful Polymer

After consulting with Alchemy-Spetec, the contractor injected Spetec PUR F400 to seal the leaking cracks. This material is a solvent and phthalate-free, water-reactive, hydrophobic, closed-cell, low viscosity, shrink-free, flexible, one-component polyurethane injection resin designed to shut off water leaks.

Painless Procedure

Concrete crack injection with polyurethane resin is a five-step process:
1. Drill the injection holes.
2. Flush debris out of the holes with water.
3. Install the injection port.
4. Flush the crack with water.
5. Inject the resin.

Rapid Results

The crew repaired leaks in one tank at a time with no manufacturing delays. This meant no production interruption. The work was done at a fraction of the cost of replacing the tanks.

Want more information on leak seal products and equipment?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks

Need Help Starting a Slab Lifting Business?

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Mar 8, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Need Help Starting a Slab Lifting Business

Body - Need Help Starting a Slab Lifting BusinessEnjoy the Advantages and Avoid the Pitfalls

In his blog post, Starting a Slab Lifting Business, Alchemy-Spetec's Geotech Division Manager Andy Powell outlines the advantages and pitfalls of pursuing this line of work...

You can make a lot of money in the slab lifting business. There are many markets to take advantage of, including residential, commercial-industrial, and transportation.

But it would be irresponsible to paint a completely rosy picture of the business and neglect to warn you of the pitfalls. Risk is an underlying factor in any new endeavor, and slab lifting is no different. Threats of failure can arise from problems with your equipment, your lifting material, and your technical knowledge.

Click here to read more...

Enter the Market with a Competitive Edge

In the blog post, Develop Your Competitive Edge, we describe in detail the following advantages that Alchemy-Spetec provides to you...

  • Thorough Training & Education Resources
  • The Industry's Best Technical Support
  • The Industry's Best Marketing Support
  • Quality and Selection of Lifting Materials
  • Wide Variety of Reliable Equipment & Accessories

Click here to read more...

Call 404-618-0438 today to talk to a specialist about starting up your slab lifting business.

Want more information on Geotech products and equipment?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, Business Tips

How to Make Single-Component Samples

Posted by Colt Hullander on Mar 3, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - How to Make Single-Component Samples

Body - How to Make Single-Component SamplesWe've created a video for a question we get asked a lot: "How do I make single-component samples?" A lot of people want samples, sales teams love samples, homeowners love them because it’s actually something they can put in their hands on. They can really help close a deal.

The two samples we're going to be making in this video are:

  • An AP Fill 700 permeated sand sample. You'll see the permeated sand at the bottom with the foam on top. People like these because they have a nice smooth finish on them, and they demonstrate both the permeation and foaming aspects of the material. They also demonstrate the strength of the material.
  • An AP Fill 720 foam sample. These are great for seawall guys, the infrastructure guys, whenever you want to show an HOA or a marina what the pure foam will actually look and feel like.

Watch the demo video now...

Want more information on geotech products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips

Sealing Leaks with 1-Component vs 2-Component Resins (Guidance from the Grout Geek)

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Mar 1, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Sealing Leaks with 1-Component vs 2-Component Resins

Body - Sealing Leaks with 1-Component vs 2-Component ResinsLike with most issues, there is no one final answer, but let’s weigh the pros and cons. An easy one is cost: two-component urethanes are significantly more cost-effective than a single component IF you already have a rig to properly handle them. Keep in mind, not many leak seal contractors typically have a rig.

Speed: let’s talk reaction time. While the single component products can have their set time field adjusted, two-component products will almost always react faster. This is helpful when you have gushing leaks, but often you want to give your grout a longer time to migrate and permeate before they react to ensure you get the whole leak. Remember, 99% waterproofed is 100% leaking.

Both types of grouts are isocyanate-based and are closed celled. They both are highly resistant to chemicals, and neither are UV stable. The two-component grouts are always hydrophobic whereas the single component can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In general, most two-component urethane grouts are rigid or semi-rigid. On the other end of the spectrum, single component polyurethanes can be a gel, a flexible foam, a semi-rigid foam, or even a rigid foam.

So, with all that said, single component foams are the traditional choice for leak seal. When it comes to crack and joint water mitigation, flexibility is key and that rules out most of the two-component foams. When we look at curtain grouting, both can be very effective and there can be a substantial cost saving when it comes to two components. But a downside of using two-component is the shorter set time and thus less travel.

In summation, for leak seal, single component grouts can do everything that is needed and are the typical grout of choice.

Want more information on polyurethane leak seal products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Seal Leaks

Alchemy-Spetec Spring 2022 Training SOLD OUT!

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Feb 24, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Alchemy-Spetec Spring 2022 Training Sold Out

Body - Alchemy-Spetec Spring 2022 Training Sold Out

Alchemy-Spetec's Spring 2022 training event is officially SOLD OUT!  If you're still interested in training, we'll be conducting another event in the Fall of 2022.  Click the button below and fill out the form.  We'll keep you updated on the next event and all other training opportunities!

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Alchemy-Spetec two-day geotech training events typically consist of the following...

  • Geotech Product Line Overview
  • Geotech Applications & Case Studies
  • PolyBadger® Demo & Training
  • Estimating & Quoting Jobs
  • PMC Pump Demo & Training
  • Leak Seal Issues on Geotech Jobs
  • Ground Penetrating Radar Demo & Training
  • Slab Lift Rig Demo & Training
  • Competing Geotech Techniques
  • PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization Demo & Training (On-Site)
  • Deep Lift® Demo & Training (On-Site)

Want to be alerted when Fall 2022 training registration is available?

Sign Up to Get Notified for Future Training Events

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil, Business Tips, Deep Lift, Fill Voids

Alchemy-Spetec Welcomes Andrew Geschke as Operations Manager at Tucker, GA Facility

Posted by Kreg Thornley on Feb 22, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Welcome Andrew Geschke as Operations Manager

Body - Welcome Andrew Geschke as Operations ManagerAndrew has over 10 years of experience in Manufacturing Operations and Quality Assurance. With a Six Sigma Black Belt certification, he has a successful track record of evaluating complex manufacturing operations, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing process improvements.

Before joining Alchemy-Spetec, Andrew was Operations Manager at Beaver Paper Group, Production Supervisor at WinCup, and Production Manager at Pursuant Health. Additional skills include Lean Management, Lean Manufacturing, and Kaizen.

Andrew attended Georgia State University and lives in Lawrenceville, Georgia with his wife and son.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts