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. 

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec hydroactive grouts?

When you set out to work on a leak seal injection project, it's important to be prepared. 

Let's imagine you have a big polyurethane grout injection job today. Great, let’s go!

Everything starts going into the truck and you’re off. You get to the job, start pulling material, equipment, tools and a lot of other stuff out of the truck - then someone asks, “Where is the______? And where is the _______? And what happened to the _______?"

Suddenly it’s time to find the nearest hardware store, so you can get what you need, so you can get your job started and finished and cleaned up after you’re done. When you're not prepared, one trip to the hardware store is usually only the beginning. Sometimes multiple trips are necessary to get the project done.

The Boy Scouts always talk about the importance of being prepared. Here is a little help. Make a checklist to be sure you have what you need, so you can get to the job…..get started……..and get it done (without holding up work because someone needs to go to the hardware store).

Here is a suggested starter list. Add to it whatever else you think you may need:

Before you pack up for a job, it's critical to make a checklist of what you need. Check it twice (like Santa does) to make sure you have everything squared away up front. 

Want more information on leak seal crack injection?

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.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec mechanical packers?

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.  

Concrete 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!

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec mechanical packers?

The Alchemy-Spetec PolyBadger lifting system is tough and compact. This system is an affordable entry-level slab lifting 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 set up is simple and requires minimal equipment. The entire system can easily fit in the back of a pickup truck!

The genius of the PolyBadger is the auto calibrator. It keeps the flow of A-side and B-side slab lifting material on ratio, eliminating the possibility of crossover clogging in the gun or the whip hose. The two low-pressure transfer pumps and auto calibrator are literally the only moving parts in the whole system. That means less downtime, less maintenance, and more productivity on the job. This system is easier to use and a more affordable than many options on the market.

Want more photos and a detailed breakdown vs. other systems?

Alchemy-Spetec….We've Got Your Back!

Announcing the MixMaster Pro Stand Up Attachment

On our website, catalogs, and marketing materials we use a catch phrase “We've got your back”.  We try to live that every day and that focus has helped us become known for consistent product performance backed by superior support.

For the 2018 World of Concrete show, we want our slab lifting contractors and prospects to know that we not only have their backs, but that we also want to help their backs.  This year we are introducing our patent pending MixMaster Pro Stand Up Attachment.  No longer do you need to be on your hands and knees in order to level concrete with AP Lift polyurethanes.

The MixMaster Pro is already the fastest slab lifting production gun on the market, with the lowest operating cost.  But we just had to take it to the next level by designing an ergonomically friendly, back pain reducing standup system to go with it.  Sorry Advil and Aleve, we are going to be cutting into some of your business with this development.

For the most part slab lifting is not a physically demanding business.  Many of our customers are amazed at how easy it is and how rapidly you can achieve results by letting the equipment and the AP Lift 430 or AP Lift 475 do all the heavy lifting.  There has, however, always been that issue of having to squat down and standup so many times on the job.  If it’s a big warehouse job, that can be particularly grueling.

The MixMaster Standup Attachment takes that out of the equation.  Certainly there will be times when you cannot substitute getting down on a knee and having a close look at a crack or a joint.  But there’s no reason to do that on every injection.  Made of lightweight forged aluminum, the standup system operates the MixMaster while the operator stands comfortably.  For a stabilization job, like in a warehouse; you can rapidly inject points without wasting time kneeling and standing back up.  And when the job is complete, there’s no longer that aching lower back issue.

Come see us at our World of Concrete booth (Silver Lot #O40551) and have a look at the MixMaster Pro Standup Attachment.  You’ll see that We've Got Your Back in more ways than one.  You also won’t have to worry about being on a knee if someone happens to play the national anthem while you’re working.  Now the MixMaster Pro is also the most patriotic slab lifting gun on the market. 

Want more information on the MixMaster Pro & Stand Up Attachment?

Easy to Clean and Easy on the Wallet

Today’s blog is part 3 of a 4 part series on the MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun.  The big news is coming on Friday when Part 4 arrives just in time for the 2018 World of Concrete.  But that’s Friday so you have to wait.

In Part 1 and Part 2 we covered the advantages of the Mixmaster as it pertains to job safety and production maximization.  In part 3 I want to address the “Painless Procedures” part of maintaining the MixMaster Pro. 

When I first started in this business, I worked with a lot of contractors that used traditional spray foam guns that had been adapted to slab lifting.  We had the MixMaster gun at the time but we still had to penetrate the market with it.  My first contractors were skeptical of our system; a gun designed just for slab lifting.  But I remember watching them struggle with cleaning guns, dealing with crossovers, and ordering long lists of parts.

Now 5 years later, the MixMaster Pro is even more refined and we have well over a hundred out in the market.  Slab lifting contractors rave about how it takes less than 10 minutes to clean at the end of the day.  Getting the hang of operating it is very easy and it’s nice that clean up procedures are just as smooth. 

How about the spare parts?  Those of you who own all of the other types of slab lifting guns out there may not want to hear this; it’s going to hurt.  I have seen the orders that you guys are placing for gun parts.  It’s thousands of dollars per year.  I have one contractor who says they averaged from $1000 - 2000 per month on gun parts, to maintain one rig with two guns.  That is nuts.  They have been converted to MixMasters for about 4 months now and they just finally called to order a few spare parts.  It wasn’t because they needed them either; they just wanted to have a few things on hand just in case.

In my capacity I deal with a majority of the slab lifting customers we have.  In 2017 I would guess we have sold less than $5000 total in spare parts…for all of the MixMaster guns that we have in the field.  It’s time to stop beating your head against the wall with the other slab lifting guns. 

The MixMaster Pro has what you need:

• Lowest new gun price on the market at $1495.00
• Port travels with the gun – no tripping over ports, no wasting a port on every hole
• 10 Minutes to clean at the end of the day
• Lowest operating cost – It’s not even close
• Easily adaptable to Deep Lift accessories

On Friday we are going to roll out something really cool.  Make sure not to miss part 4 of the series.

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as “PPE”, is essential for minimizing hazards on the job.  Neglect can result in very serious injuries and possible death.  These injuries or illnesses can result from electrical, chemical, mechanical and many other hazards.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, shields, protective shoes, hard hats, ear plugs and respirators are just some of the protective gear that is worn every day.  It is so important to know what to wear and when to wear it.  It's also very important to know is how to properly put on the safety equipment.  By law, workers must use protective equipment in the work place when it is required.

This brings me to a story about a on a project I was on many years ago.  I was training a new contractor's crew on sealing manhole leaks with polyurethane chemical grout.  When training work crews, I always put a heavy emphasis on safety.  Since we were working with polyurethane, I also made clear how important it is wear safety glasses or shields to cover your face.

A little later, when I was showing them how to mix the chemical grout, I absent-mindedly left my safety glasses on top of my head instead of pulled down over my eyes.  As I was pouring the chemical grout out of the 5 gallon pail and into a bucket - a tiny drop hit me in my left eye.  I was blind in that eye for two days.  I even thought I might end up losing sight in that eye. 

Fortunately I was fine a few days later.  But it was a very close call.  One I don't ever want to repeat.  This was all due to me forgetting to pull my safety glasses down over my face.  That is how quick it can happen!  So needless to say, it is important to follow safety procedures no matter what.  Accidents happen, but we want to follow every possible measure to prevent any tragic consequences.  

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?