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Colt Hullander

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Stabilizing Sandy Soils with AP Soil 600

Posted by Colt Hullander on Jan 13, 2022 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Stabilizing Sandy Soils with AP Soil 600

Body - Stabilizing Sandy Soils with AP Soil 600As one of the most impenetrable permeation grouting products on the market, AP Soil 600 is a single component, moisture activated, hydrophobic, low viscosity, polyurethane soil grout. This permeation grout is ideal for stabilizing loose sand and soil around all types of concrete structures, as well as for sinkhole remediation. This post will focus on the specific reasons why AP Soil 600 is your best option for stabilizing sandy soils.

Sandy soils erode easily with any kind of rain event. Once the erosion and soil migration starts, you may start to notice settlement occurring alongside the structure in a variety of ways. Poor compaction and erosion of sandy soils affect all types of commercial buildings, residential homes, driveways, roadways, and more. Typically you may find some kind of cracking or settling in structures as sandy soils begin to erode.

AP Soil 600 is a powerful chemical grout that permeates sandy soils to lock everything in place. Once the grout cures, the sandy soils turn into a solid mass. This grout is so strong that it is often used to solidify soil supporting buildings with large excavation pits right next to them. Grouts such as AP Soil 600 are the only option in some situations in which helical piers, push pile piers, or driven sheet piles cannot be used. AP Soil 600 is also installed in confined space situations where a non-invasive procedure is needed.

Installation is fairly straightforward. Typically injection tubing rods will be driven down to the depth required by the situation, with the rods spaced apart about every 18 inches. A small amount of catalyst is added to AP Soil 600 as it is slowly pumped into the sandy soils underneath. (The ideal pump system for this procedure is Alchemy-Spetec's PolyShark.) A gallon of product is slowly injected into the sandy soils for every foot of depth. Typically a small crew of two or three is all that is needed.

Once injected, the chemical grout will cure within 24 hours, solidifying the sandy soils and fortifying support for the structure's foundation. 

Want more information on stabilizing soil with polyurethane?

Download an Info-Packed Soil Stabilization Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Stabilize Soil

Slab Lifting at a High School in Buffalo, New York

Posted by Colt Hullander on Nov 18, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Slab Lifting at a High School in Buffalo, New York

Body - Slab Lifting at a High School in Buffalo, New YorkA general contractor working for a school district in Buffalo, New York was asked to lift and level around 550 feet of sidewalk slabs at a local high school. The general contractor called in slab lifting specialists Gernatt Spray Foam to get the job done. Since sunken slabs often result in trip hazards, getting the job done quickly and permanently was a top priority.

Powerful Polymer

The slab lifting crew showed up on the scene armed with AP Lift 435 high-strength polyurethane and several Jack Attack devices.

Painless Procedure

Gernatt Spray Foam leveled all 550 feet of sunken sidewalk slabs with total precision. They performed lifts ranging from 0.5 to 6 inches, depending on the slab. In some cases, they lifted with polyurethane only and in others, they raised the slab with the jacking devices before injecting the polyurethane underneath.

Rapid Result

The entire job was completed in only two days. The general contractor and school administrators were both amazed at the efficiency and surgical precision of the polyurethane slab lifting method.

Want more information about slab lifting with polyurethane?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs

What Makes the PolyShark® Unique?

Posted by Colt Hullander on Sep 7, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - What Makes the PolyShark Unique-1

Body - What Makes the PolyShark Unique-1It's not an exaggeration to say that that the PolyShark® soil stabilization and seawall repair pump system is unmatched in the marketplace. What makes it so unique?

A Geotech Pump System Like No Other

The PolyShark® system includes injection hoses, suction lines, flow meters, a custom solid steel frame, a skid-mounted setup, and top-of-the-line components. It is a complete turnkey unit, ready to go upon arrival. Let's take a closer look...

  • Two 350 feet injection hose reels are included, allowing an exceptional amount of additional reach for limited access and/or remote location jobs.
  • Suction lines make it easy to pump material from totes, drums, or even pails if needed. This type of flexibility is not common to all geotech pumps.
  • Flow meters make it easy to accurately track the amount of material pumped.
  • The custom solid steel frame, polyurea coated for excellent chemical resistance, is built to last and weather all types of environments.
  • The skid-mounted setup keeps all system components together, allowing for easy transfer from truck to trailer to the ground on a job site if necessary.
  • The Honda gas motor, Titan hydraulic pump, and Titan hydraulic fluid ram are top-of-the-line, tried, and true components. This means less maintenance and downtime when compared to competing systems.

Want more information on the PolyShark®?

Download an Info-Packed PolyShark System Brochure!

Topics: Repair Seawalls, All Posts, Stabilize Soil

Filling Voids with One-Component Polyurethane

Posted by Colt Hullander on Jul 22, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Filling Voids with One-Component Polyurethane

Body - Filling Voids with One-Component PolyurethaneAlchemy-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.  

Benefits of One-Component Void Fill Foams

  • Their slow reaction time allows for the material to travel farther from the injection point, fill more voids, and permeate more soil before curing.
  • They're ideal for encapsulating underground debris (decaying organics, roots, buried construction waste).
  • On small jobs, they can be installed with a very small, portable pump that can be lifted and transported by hand. 

Differences Between AP Fill 700 and AP Fill 720

  • AP Fill 700 features very low viscosity, making it ideal for permeating fine soil with small voids.
  • AP Fill 720 is extremely rugged and durable when cured, while still retaining some flexibility. Its high expansion rate makes it ideal for filling larger voids.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec geotech products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Fill Voids

Use AP Pump Saver 195 to Reduce Isocyanate Contamination in Your Pump Lube Reservoir

Posted by Colt Hullander on Apr 29, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Use AP Pump Saver 195 to Reduce Isocyanate Contamination

Body - Use AP Pump Saver 195 to Reduce Isocyanate ContaminationAs mentioned in this previous blog post, AP Pump Saver 195 can be used to lubricate and protect single-component pumps. Now we’ll look at how it can be used in two-component pumps to reduce isocyanate contamination in the lube reservoir.

Recent field tests have proven that AP Pump Saver 195 rejuvenates and restores seals on the A-side of two-component proportioners. Seal deterioration is the main cause of isocyanate leaking into your pump lube reservoir. Healthy seals will stop this contamination. Simply empty your pump lube reservoir and replace the lube or DOP with AP Pump Saver 195.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs

Geotech Equipment - Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization, Seawall Repair

Posted by Colt Hullander on Apr 8, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Geotech Equipment

Body - Geotech Equipment

Rigs & Pumps for Polyurethane Slab Lifting

Entry-Level Rig

This rig features a hydraulic PH-2 proportioner. It's in a 16' v-nose trailer and has a gas powered air compressor and generator. We have many contractors with this set up doing everything from residential to D.O.T work.

Mid-Level Rig

This rig can either be a 18' or 20' trailer that happens to be built around the PH-2 proportioner. This setup is made for the contractor who wants stellar results in an affordable price range. This package boasts a 22 KW diesel powered generator and an electric air compressor.

Advanced Level Rig

This rig is similar to the mid-level rig with a larger PH-40 proportioner. These rigs come in 20'-plus size trailers and box trucks. They and are powered by 35 KW Stateline Diesel (John Deere) generator sets and also include electric air compressors. This setup is ideal for larger jobs.

PolyBadger Mobile Lifting Unit

The 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 set up is simple and requires minimal equipment. The entire system can easily fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Polyurethane Soil Stabilization & Seawall Repair Pumps

PolyShark Pump for Larger Jobs

Single-Component Geotech Pump Skid
The PolyShark system is a custom pump skid for installation of single-component polyurethane geotech resins. This world-class skid set up is essential for large scale seawall repair, soil stabilization, and void fill projects. The PolyShark includes a gas-powered high-pressure injection pump, two hose reels, and flow meters.

Gas-Powered High-Pressure Injection Pump
A step up for projects that require greater power and output, this custom modified pump is our best-selling gas over hydraulic piston machine, favored by contractors who want to complete large application jobs in record time with high profit margins. The hydraulic ram fluid section is moved front and center in the configuration for easier maintenance and control.

High-Pressure Hose Reels with Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
High-pressure design guarantees durability when used with the high-pressure single-component pump. The construction is completely corrosion resistant and the stainless steel ball bearings, hardware, and manifolds are stronger than the aluminum parts on standard hose reels. The ball bearing-driven hose reels operate smoothly because they contain no bushings. (Bushings easily wear out.)

Flow Meters
Two high-pressure flow meters are capable of recording the exact amount of product pushed through the hose lines. This allows for precision material-use tracking.

Titan 440 Pump for Smaller Jobs

Pumps like the modified Titan IMPACT 440 electric injection pump are ideally suited for residential, property maintenance and small commercial applications.

MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun

The MixMaster Pro was designed based on years of feedback from slab lifting contractors working in the field. Every known point of frustration and difficulty has been addressed in this sturdy, single-purpose gun. Further benefits include a lower cost of consumables (you can reuse ports with this gun), beefy check valves designed to handle the back pressure, and a short 10-minute breakdown/cleaning session at the end of each day. Not to mention the fact that this gun is a production BEAST - no leaky port connections, no fumbling with clamps. Watch your man hours on each project shrink accordingly. Did we mention you’ll have less replacement part orders? There are only a few inexpensive replacement parts on this gun - PERIOD.

Want more information on geotech equipment and products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: Repair Seawalls, Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs, Stabilize Soil

AP Pump Saver 195 - Lubricate and Protect Single Component Pumps

Posted by Colt Hullander on Mar 16, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - AP Pump Saver 195 - Lubricate and Protect Single-Component Pumps

Body - AP Pump Saver 195 - Lubricate and Protect Single-Component PumpsAP Pump Saver 195 is a specially formulated oil-based lubricant and protectant. It was designed for use in single-component polyurethane pumps. 

Applications

  • Lubricating and protecting oil cup section of Poly Shark pumps.
  • Lubricating and protecting packings and seals on other single component pumps.

Advantages

  • Greatly extends the life of the pump packings.
  • Rejuvenates old, worn seals. 
  • Decreases the amount of resin leaking into the oil cup.

After single component pumps have been thoroughly flushed with AP Flush 121, circulate AP Pump Saver through the system for at least 20 minutes.  AP Pump Saver 195 is supplied in 5 Gallon Pails (18.9 Liter Pails) with a removable lid.

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec Geotech products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Topics: Repair Seawalls, Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Stabilize Soil

Slab Lifting with a Standard Rig (Demo Video)

Posted by Colt Hullander on Jan 14, 2021 10:00:00 AM

Banner - Slab Lifting with a Standard Rig Demo Video

Body - Slab Lifting with a Standard Rig Demo VideoSunken concrete slabs can be lifted back into place with a standard lifting rig and high-strength polyurethane foam. The expansion force of the concrete leveling foam coupled with the pressure of a specialized pump generate enough controlled force to lift virtually any structure back into position with 1/8” precision.

Alchemy-Spetec offers a variety of slab lifting rig options including:

  • V Nose Trailers
  • Box Truck Build-Outs
    (Truck not included.)
  • Gooseneck Trailers
  • Tractor Trailer Build-Outs
    (Truck & trailer not included.)

The demo video below covers the following topics:

  • Introduction to Slab Lifting with a Standard Rig
  • Drilling Injection Holes
  • Preventing Concrete Stains with AP Flush 125
  • Testing the Water on the MixMaster Gun
  • Doing a Test Shot
  • Injecting Polyurethane
  • Testing the Injection Hole with Water
  • Clearing the Gun Before Removal

Watch the demo video now...

Want more information on lifting slabs with polyurethane?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs

Lifting with the PolyBadger (Demo Video)

Posted by Colt Hullander on Jan 12, 2021 10:00:00 AM

1. Banner - Lifting with the PolyBadger (Demo Video)

2. Body - Lifting with the PolyBadger (Demo Video)The 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 set up is simple and requires minimal equipment. The entire system can easily fit in the back of a pickup truck!

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

Watch the demo video now...

Want more information on the PolyBadger?

Download an Info-Packed PolyBadger System Brochure!

Topics: Equipment & Accessories, All Posts, Lift Slabs

PolyShark Seawall Repair & Soil Stabilization Pump Skid

Posted by Colt Hullander on Nov 10, 2020 10:00:00 AM

Banner-PolyShark Seawall Repair & Soil Stabilization Pump Skid

Body-PolyShark Seawall Repair & Soil Stabilization Pump Skid GraphicSingle-Component Geotech Pump Skid

The PolyShark is a custom pump skid system for installation of single-component polyurethane geotech resins. This world-class skid set up is essential for large scale seawall repair, soil stabilization, and void fill projects.

The PolyShark includes a gas-powered high-pressure injection pump, two hose reels, and flow meters.

Gas-Powered High-Pressure Injection Pump

A step up for projects that require greater power and output, this custom modified pump is our best-selling gas over hydraulic piston machine, favored by contractors who want to complete large application jobs in record time with high profit margins. The hydraulic ram fluid section is moved front and center in the configuration for easier maintenance and control.

High-Pressure Hose Reels with Stainless Steel Ball Bearings

High-pressure design guarantees durability when used with the high-pressure single-component pump. The construction is completely corrosion resistant and the stainless steel ball bearings, hardware, and manifolds are stronger than the aluminum parts on standard hose reels. The ball bearing-driven hose reels operate smoothly because they contain no bushings. (Bushings easily wear out.)

Flow Meters

Two high-pressure flow meters are capable of recording the exact amount of product pushed through the hoselines. This allows for precision material-use tracking.

Want more information on this seawall repair/soil stabillization skid?

Download an Info-Packed PolyShark System Brochure!

Topics: Repair Seawalls, All Posts, Stabilize Soil