Mixing & Drilling Applications

Shore Pac^® Polymer Dosage and Viscosity
Shore Pac dosage and the viscosity of the slurry shall be selected and controlled within ranges which suit the soil and mix water conditions of the work and in accord with the table 3.1 below.

Selection of Polymer Slurry Materials
The principal polymer is Shore Pac, manufactured by CETCO Construction Drilling Products. Additives which have been certified by the manufacturer (CETCO) may be used with approval of the engineer and in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The strict quality control guidelines set forth in the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) requirements for approval of Shore Pac polymer drilling slurry have been applied to ensure the use of proven materials and techniques.

Mix Water Supply and Slurry Creation Ability
Sufficient water supply of proper quality for slurry makeup shall always be available to support planned operations and unknown contingencies. Ample slurry deliverability or making volume shall be immediately and continuously available to support planned operations and unexpected events. If the water supply is from a low-rate or irregular source such as a small well, a small diameter supply line, or tanker truck, a tank for storage of water shall be used to guarantee adequate and uninterrupted slurry making capacity.

Soda ash should be used to adjust the pH and treat out calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contaminants that are detrimental to polymers. This will adjust the pH of the mix water to an 8 -10 reading on the pH indicator paper, which is optimum for Shore Pac performance. The ratio of soda ash to water is 6 lbs per 1,000 gallons of water. The water situation varies based on location, alkalinity, hardness, and acidity. These conditions appear in city water or can be the result of alterations from soil or cement.

The additive De-Chlor™ is used to treat out chlorine (Cl) if municipal water is used for make up water. Chlorine, present in municipal water, destroys all polymer molecules and decreases its viscosity if chlorine registers greater than 3 ppm. De-Chlor is a cost-effective, white granular crystal that neutralizes chlorine in municipal water and is environmentally safe. The ratio of De-Chlor to water is 2 lbs per 1,000 gallons of mix water.

Contaminates
Polymer slurries are sensitive to various contaminants, which occur in groundwater, soil, cement, and make up water. Petroleum hydrocarbons, calcium, excessive acidity, excessive alkalinity, excessive chlorine, and sodium chloride are some contaminants that will affect the polymer slurry. These contaminants are often introduced into the slurry from the soil, groundwater and/or industrial wastes at the construction site. There is a need to identify and correct these problems for a smooth operation to take place. This begins with geotechnical engineers in the site investigation process. Identification and documentation should be present with soil logs and passed onto the general contractor and subcontractors. The procurement of samples of groundwater and the analysis of such samples for pH and contaminants should become a standard part of subsoil investigations conducted by geotechnical drilling service firms or by your own investigation. When contamination is present or buffering is required, additives shall be used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

Each unique water condition can be solved with one or more of the following chemicals applied—Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite—are DE-CHLOR.