Looking for a Contractor?
Looking for a Contractor?

Alchatek Blog

Environmentally Safe Seawall Repair

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Apr 22, 2019 1:46:57 PM

Environmentally Safe Seawall Repair

Environmentally Safe Seawall Repair In honor of Earth Day, today's blog post puts the spotlight on the environmentally safe aspects of the two Alchemy-Spetec products most commonly used for seawall repair:

AP Fill 700

Spetec PUR H200

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, Alchemy-Spetec NSF Certification Spells Peace of Mind for Stakeholders...

Alchemy-Spetec is already known for providing the most powerful polymers and painless procedures contractors need to achieve the rapid results their projects demand. However, on construction projects of almost any scope and size, ensuring the safety of public drinking water is also mission-critical. That's why these Alchemy-Spetec' polyurethane resin products have received the official NSF seal of approval for contact with drinking water. This single designation ensures compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA) and guarantees peace of mind for in-the-field stakeholders on construction projects of almost any scope and size.

Once cured, these resins are safe for contact with drinking water - which makes them safe for the environment in general.

Want more info on Alchemy-Spetec seawall repair products and applications?

Download an Info-Packed Seawall Repair Brochure!

Topics: Repair Seawalls, All Posts, NSF Certification

Advantages of AP Lift 430 and AP Lift 475

Posted by Andy Powell on Apr 17, 2019 2:37:31 PM

Advantages of AP Lift 430 and AP Lift 475

Advantages of AP Lift 430 and AP Lift 475Everyone claims their lifting foam is "the best" on the market (unless they're claiming theirs is the cheapest - which is a red flag to look into the quality ASAP).  As a quality leader in the industry, we provide more than vague statements and marketing slogans on this issue.

Here's a detailed list of the advantages you'll enjoy with Alchemy-Spetec's AP Lift 430 and AP Lift 475 lifting foams:

No Recycled Materials

The products are made of virgin raw materials only. They are consistent and clean, with no particulates floating around.

Water Blown Formula

Your drum set of material will be consistent from top to bottom. Whether you pump it all in one day or all in one month. No mixing will be required.

Lower Exotherm

You'll be able to fill voids, stabilize soil and lift slabs faster.  In addition, unlike some other foams out there, these foams have no history of smoke or charring.

Cured Foam is Safe for Contact with Drinking Water

These foams are certified To NSF 61-5.  That means that the cured foam is safe for contact with potable water.  Most of the time your foam won't ever come into contact with drinking water, but this certification assures your customers that once the foam cures it will not pose any kind of environmental or health hazard.

Consistent Quality

You won't have to worry about your foam setting up one way this month and another way next month.  The NSF certification and the ISO 9001 certification require the exact same formula for every single drum set.  We have both certifications.

DOT Grade Polyurethane Foam

DOT grade foams cure faster, work in wet conditions, and are traffic ready in 45 minutes.  Use less material and get less call-backs with foams that meet the standards for Department of Transportation work.  

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products and procedures?

Download an Info-Packed Slab Lift Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, NSF Certification, Stabilize Soil

Leak Seal Solutions for Municipalities

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Apr 8, 2019 5:48:22 PM

Leak Seal Solutions for Municipalities (1)

Nationwide, municipalities regularly deal with the issue of infrastructure deterioration. One of the most common types being the constant appearance of water leaks. Active leaks, when untreated, can cause an accelerated deterioration of reinforcement within concrete, as well as settlement issues caused by voids below and next to structures.

The purpose of this article is to illustrate how polyurethane injection can be used as a preventative measure to prevent more serious problems.

Municipal Structures Vulnerable to Infiltration

Various areas in the wastewater, drinking water and storm water system may require polyurethane to stop infiltration. This is mainly due to its clean application and rapid results. These areas include but are not limited to:

  • Manholes
  • Water Treatment and Storage Tanks
  • Lift Stations
  • Storm and Sanitary Pipes

How Spetec GT500 Seals Hairline Cracks

leak seal solutions for municipalities - hairline cracks

This graphic depicts the polyurethane leak seal process when applied to the wall of a water tank. Our leak seal resin, Spetec PUR GT500, reacts when it comes into contact with water. It bonds to concrete in a durable manner, yet remains flexible so as not to crack if the concrete shifts in the future. High pressure injection insures that every part of the crack is filled and permanently sealed. This product is certified To NSF 61-5 (approved for contact with drinking water).

How Spetec PUR H200 Stops Gushing Leaks

leak seal solutions for municipalities - gushing leaks

This graphic depicts the process when applied to a larger leak with a void in the soil on the other side. While the graphic depicts a box culvert, voids like this can develop next to water tanks that are built against a hillside, manholes, pipes, etc. Spetec PUR H200 is used to fill the void and stop the gushing leak in the process. This product is certified To NSF 61-5 (approved for contact with drinking water).

Another Common Issue: Leaks in Equalization Tanks

Leak Seal Municipalities.jpg

Another common issue is leaks around the bases of equalization tanks. This untreated water can present a hazard to employees. Left unaddressed, it just costs more and more money to keep pumping this water back out.

Conclusion

Regardless of the leak seal issue at hand, one thing is certain: left untreated it will cost more money and do more damage in the long run. In this case the old adage “An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure” is completely appropriate. Are you a municipal manager facing any of these issues? Technical Consultants at Alchemy-Spetec have a great deal of experience with leak seal solutions for municipalities. Call us at 404-618-0436.

Want more in-depth info on polyurethane leak seal?

Download an Info-Packed Leak Seal Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, NSF Certification, Seal Leaks

Last Chance to Register for Next Week's Leak Seal and Geotech Training

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Mar 8, 2019 1:50:10 PM

Last Chance to Register for Next Week's Leak Seal and Geotech Training

Last Chance to Register for Next Week's Leak Seal and Geotech Training

Leak Seal & Geotech Products & Procedures

March 14 & 15, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Last chance to register!

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.

Thursday - 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

Friday - 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), and Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager). Each instructor is a seasoned professional with at least a decade of experience in the industry.

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

Comprehensive Leak Seal AND Geotech Training at Alchemy-Spetec HQ

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Mar 6, 2019 10:44:40 AM

Comprehensive Leak Seal AND Geotech Training at Alchemy-Spetec HQ

Comprehensive Leak Seal AND Geotech Training at Alchemy-Spetec HQ

Leak Seal & Geotech Products & Procedures

March 14 & 15, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Balance your skill set with Leak Seal AND Geotech training!

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.

Thursday - 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

Friday - 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), and Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager). Each instructor is a seasoned professional with at least a decade of experience in the industry.  

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

A Few Spots Left for 2019 Spring Training on March 14th & 15th

Posted by Stephen C. Barton on Mar 4, 2019 3:03:41 PM

A Few Spots Left for 2019 Spring Training on March 14th & 15th

A Few Spots Left for 2019 Spring Training on March 14th & 15th

Leak Seal & Geotech Products & Procedures

March 14 & 15, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Only a few spots left! 

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.

Thursday - 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

Friday - 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), and Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager). Each instructor is a seasoned professional with at least a decade of experience in the industry.  

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

Presentations and Group Discussions at 2019 Spring Training

Posted by Jim Spiegel on Feb 27, 2019 2:54:56 PM

tech rep- banner-1

Presentations and Group Discussions at 2019 Spring Training-blog

Leak Seal & Geotech Products & Procedures

March 14 & 15, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

The best classroom learning in the business! 

Informative presentations and group discussions packed with practical application instructions, business tips and more.

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

Thursday - 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

Friday - 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), and Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager). Each instructor is a seasoned professional with at least a decade of experience in the industry.  

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

Product Mixing Demos at 2019 Spring Training

Posted by Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman on Feb 22, 2019 10:00:00 AM

Alchemy-Spetec Spring Contractor Training 2019 Mixing-Demos-Banner-Graphic

Leak Seal & Geotech Products & Procedures

March 14 & 15, 2019 at Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Alchemy-Spetec Spring Contractor Training 2019 Mixing-Demos-Body-GraphicSee live product mixing demos!

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

Thursday - 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

Friday - 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), and Charlie Lerman (Western Regional Manager). Each instructor is a seasoned professional with at least a decade of experience in the industry.  

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

Polyurethane Grout Injection Prevents Stormwater Infiltration

Posted by Andy Powell on Oct 26, 2018 4:58:57 PM

During Flooding, Stormwater Infiltration Occurs in Stormwater Systems, Leading to Costly Repairs. Polyurethane Grout Injection Prevents this Infiltration. Read more...

How Polyurethane Grout Injection Works for Stormwater Infiltration Prevention

During a period of heavy flooding, stormwater systems become more susceptible to erosion and the infiltration of polluted water. For municipalities, infiltration of polluted stormwater means costly treatment of water and infrastructure repairs to damaged pipes.

The Stormwater Infiltration Issue

  • Ground water rising and falling puts hydrostatic pressure on pipe and manhole joints causing them to fail.
  • Water flowing in and around catch basins and roadways causes soil to erode.
  • Water flowing into failed joints erodes soil from around the infrastructure causing potholes, cave-ins, and loss of structural integrity of the storm water system. Pipes can become misaligned causing much more expansive problems. 
During a period of heavy flooding, stormwater systems become more susceptible to erosion and the infiltration of polluted water. For municipalities, infiltration of polluted stormwater means costly treatment of water and infrastructure repairs to damaged pipes. Read more...

The Solution: Polyurethane Grout Injection

  • Point grouting is a method of driving injection pipes to the points of failure and injecting a resin such as Spetec PUR H200.
  • The resin expands and cures quickly to seal off the leaks and fill voids in the soil.

Polyurethane-Grout-Injection-Prevents-Stormwater-Infiltration-2

The Favorable Outcome

  • Sealing the joints prevents further soil erosion.
  • Filling the voids with a resin like Spetec PUR H200 reduces the hydrostatic pressure on the joints.
  • The resin also permeates the soil and increases the load bearing capacity which can prevent future misalignment of the pipes.

Polyurethane-Grout-Injection-Prevents-Stormwater-Infiltration-3

 Want in-depth info on leak seal procedures and products?

Download an Info-Packed Leak Seal Brochure!

Topics: All Posts, NSF Certification, Seal Leaks

Alchemy-Spetec NSF Certification Spells Peace of Mind for Stakeholders

Posted by Andy Powell on Oct 24, 2018 4:30:27 PM

Alchemy-Spetec is already known for providing the most powerful polymers and painless procedures contractors need to achieve the rapid results their projects demand. However, on construction projects of almost any scope and size, ensuring the safety of public drinking water is also mission-critical.

Alchemy-Spetec is already known for providing the most powerful polymers and painless procedures contractors need to achieve the rapid results their projects demand. However, on construction projects of almost any scope and size, ensuring the safety of public drinking water is also mission-critical.

Alchemy-Spetec is already known for providing the most powerful polymers and painless procedures contractors need to achieve the rapid results their projects demand.

However, on construction projects of almost any scope and size, ensuring the safety of public drinking water is also mission-critical. That's why the following Alchemy-Spetec' polyurethane resin products have received the official NSF seal of approval for contact with drinking water: 

AP Lift 430

AP Lift 475

AP Soil 600

AP Fill 700

Spetec PUR H100

Spetec PUR H200

Spetec PUR F400

Spetec PUR GT500

Spetec PUR HighFoamer

Spetec AG200

This single designation ensures compliance with the Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA) and guarantees peace of mind for in-the-field stakeholders on construction projects of almost any scope and size.

The SDWA helps ensure the water we drink, bathe in, cook with, and use in myriad other ways in daily life is safe for consumption. The federal law was put in place to maintain public health standards for drinking water systems. It defines what is considered a contaminant – both man-made and naturally occurring; and outlines the agencies responsible for regulating, monitoring, and enforcing adherence to the law, primarily the Environmental Protection Agency.

The SDWA gives the EPA latitude to impose criminal and civil penalties on industries not in compliance. In 2014 enforcement efforts policing clean water netted $163 million in penalties and fines, 155 combined years of incarceration for sentenced defendants, and $16 million in court-ordered project clean-ups.

Because so many of those defined contaminants are pertinent to even the most basic construction projects – turbidity from soil runoff, leaching from PVC pipes, potentially harmful and corrosive chemicals, and more – understanding and adhering to the law is particularly important for industry stakeholders. Contractors and engineers must be able to confidently choose vendors whose products and services won’t become the source or cause of drinking water contamination either in the short or long-term. NSF certification offers assurance that such problems won’t occur or will, at a minimum, be addressed.

“NSF, an independent, private, not-for-profit, third-party certification organization founded in 1944, has developed numerous health-based certification programs and consensus standards including those that relate to drinking water,” reads an NSF compliance brief. “The purpose of its certification program is to promote public health and enrich the quality of life. Through its Council of Public Health and Health Advisory Board, which includes EPA health professionals, it obtains guidance in developing and maintaining programs and standards. NSF also partners with code councils to ensure ongoing compliance.”

The products Alchemy-Spetec offers that can help net the most reliable and cost-effective results for contractors. NSF-certified products and materials are evaluated and lab-tested, and production facilities such as our own are inspected and annually audited for re-testing to maintain certification.

Alchemy-Spetec voluntarily undergoing such a rigorous certification process is invaluable to customers because it provides assurance that, at the end of the day, our arsenal of products are not only the top-performers in the market, but also protectors of the environment.  Powerful polymers, painless procedures, rapid results!

Want in-depth info on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Download the Info-Packed Geotech Product Catalog!

Download the Info-Packed Leak Seal Product Catalog!

Topics: All Posts, Lift Slabs, NSF Certification, Seal Leaks, Stabilize Soil