Understanding The Difference Between Pump-Injected And Hand-Injected Grout For Wastewater Structure Rehabilitation

Water and wastewater rehabilitation projects inevitably share one common challenge, infiltration issues. These are often leaks that are caused by cracks, missing mortar, deteriorated gaskets, pipe intrusions or a dozen other issues that allow groundwater to enter the structure. Unfortunately, once a leak occurs it will continue to worsen unless steps are taken to stop the infiltration of groundwater.

At OBIC, we have earned a reputation for our industry-leading lining system that prevents infiltration from occurring. What is not so well known is that our lining system will not adhere to running water, so we first had to become experts in the science of stopping leaks. We went in search of grouts for wastewater rehabilitation that would allow us to stop even the toughest leaks. When we couldn’t find a product that met our expectations, our team took on the challenge of developing a line of OBIC grouts that would effectively stop infiltration.

Although the complete line of OBIC grouts includes pump-injected and hand-injected options, this blog post will focus on our pump-injected grouts. Keep an eye out for a follow-up post where we will take a closer look at hand-injected grouts.

Currently, OBIC has 3 pump-injected grouts for wastewater and water rehabilitation projects that can be used to slow down and stop leaks. These grouts can be used in a variety of techniques including:

  • Probe grouting
  • Spot grouting
  • Curtain grouting

Although each project is unique, there is a science to deciding which grout and technique to use.

OBIC 2020 UltraSeal and OBIC 2020C UltraSeal Conditioner

OBIC 2020 UltraSeal is our fastest and most highly expansive grout. An excellent choice for stopping leaks in areas with high water tables, high water pressure, or low-lying areas, OBIC 2020 UltraSeal:

  • Is water-reactive
  • Has a reaction time of 10-30 seconds (will vary based on ground temperature, material temperature and amount of OBIC 2020C UltraSeal Conditioner added)
  • Has an expansion rate of 4000-6000%
  • Has a low viscosity which allows for excellent permeation

The expansion rate and low viscosity of OBIC 2020 UltraSeal help the sewer grouting to permeate the soil outside of the structure. When the grout reacts, it forms a dense rigid foam that stabilizes the soil while stopping the leak.

Each 5-gallon pail of OBIC 2020 UltraSeal requires between ½-2 containers of OBIC 2020C UltraSeal Conditioner. The more conditioner added, and the warmer the temperature of both the ground and material, the quicker the reaction.

When to use: OBIC 2020 UltraSeal is most effective on high-volume and high-pressure leaks. It is also effective on a mixture of high-pressure/low-volume or low-pressure/high volume leaks. OBIC 2020 OBIC 2020 UltraSeal should not be used on low-pressure/low-volume leaks, as it will react too quickly to be effective.

OBIC 2060 MaxSeal and OBIC 2060C MaxSeal Conditioner

OBIC 2060 MaxSeal is the most versatile pump-injected grout we offer. OBIC 2060 MaxSeal

  • Is water-reactive
  • Has a reaction time of 30 seconds to 3 minutes (will vary based on ground temperature, material temperature and the amount of 2060C MaxSeal Conditioner added)
  • Has an expansion rate of about 3000%.
  • Has a low viscosity which allows for excellent soil permeation

Each 5-gallon pail of OBIC 2060 MaxSeal requires between ½-2 containers of OBIC 2060C MaxSeal Conditioner. The more conditioner added, and the warmer the temperature of both the ground and material, the quicker the reaction.

When to use: The versatility of OBIC 2060 MaxSeal means that this grout is ideal for wastewater rehabilitation and can tackle almost any leak. It works best on middle-level leaks and excels when used on medium-pressure/medium-volume, high pressure/low-volume, low-pressure/high volume leaks. We recommend OBIC 2060 MaxSeal for someone looking for a single product that can serve as a jack-of-all-trades type of grout.

OBIC 2090 MultiSeal

OBIC 2090 MultiSeal is the slowest reactive and most flexible grout that we offer. OBIC 2090 MultiSeal:

  • Is water-reactive
  • Has a reaction time of 30 seconds to 3 minutes (reaction time is fully dependent on the ground and material temperature as there is no conditioner used to control reaction time)
  • Has an expansion rate of 400-600%
  • Has a low viscosity which allows for excellent permeation

The low viscosity of OBIC 2090 MultiSeal allows the material to deeply permeate the soil and react to form a flexible and resilient gel-foam. The slow reaction time allows this flexible gel-foam to form in tiny cracks and fissures where water is weeping through.

When to use: OBIC 2090 MultiSeal is flexible and can withstand freeze and thaw cycles. This product is an ideal choice for leaks that are low-pressure/low-volume. OBIC 2090 MultiSeal should not be used on high-pressure/high-volume leaks due to its delayed reactivity.

OBIC 2090 MultiSeal is a great choice for stopping leaks in old brick structures that are full of leaks that weep through small cracks in the mortar.

Professional quality pump-injected grouts that don’t require professional installation

OBIC grouts are manufactured in the USA and do not require professional installation. All OBIC grouts are available for purchase and include individualized consultation with an OBIC representative to ensure you select the best grout for the job. Zero experience is required for installation, and with five minutes of individualized instruction, you will be able to successfully stop fast leaks, slow leaks and everything in between.

If you would like to purchase an OBIC grout or are interested in learning more about OBIC pump-injected wastewater grouts contact our team at 866-636-4854 or visit our website.