Brian Cvetezar
Recent Study Proves Air Purged Gun Systems “Do Not” Diminish Foam Quality While Having Multiple Operational Benefits
We all know that a frequently repeated “rumor” often takes on an image of reality. Over recent time I have heard rumors floating about that Air Purged Guns, when used for Polyurethane Concrete Lifting, can diminish foam quality, and therefore lead to less effective work. At HMI we believe challenge is good. So rather than debate unarmed we commissioned a study to evaluate the validity of the rumor. Was it fact or fiction? Here is a link to the results of the study.
I realize the presentation is complex and technical. So, I suggest you focus on the summary which definitively concludes “that the air purge system does not negatively affect foam quality, foam density, or disrupt the formation of polyurethane foam cells. The air purge system is designed to keep the injection port clear during the chemical reaction between polyurethane A side and B side and successfully keeps the port clear without any negative effects on the resulting foam.” The full whitepaper is linked below.
NOW LET’S REMIND OURSELVES OF THE BENEFITS OF AIR PURGED SYSTEMS
Air purged polyurethane concrete lifting guns:
- Provide better control as you literally feather injections into a perpetually open hole as you get closer to your desired height/pitch.
- Allow you to move from port to port without redrilling holes for efficiency, quality and again, control of your lift.
- Saves you time, money and the problem /expense of over lifts.
HMI is proud of its EliteONE polyurethane concrete lifting gun! During the early stages of HMI’s introduction of polyurethane concrete lifting systems, it became obvious that the number 1 problem contractors had was their air purged guns. Guns not designed for concrete lifting often:
- Deliver inconsistent performance.
- Require significant daily maintenance.
- Contribute to significant downtime repairing backed up guns not engineered for the backpressure associated with concrete lifting work.
- Are expensive to maintain due to volumes of seals and other operating components.
- Provides all the benefits above when doing DEEP INJECTION work. (Subterranean injection through pipes for soil stabilization and ground improvement.)
THE TAKEAWAY
As I said at the outset “It’s a no brainer.” Quality air purged polyurethane guns will provide you with the best efficiency, productivity, and results. But – be prepared that the best will soon be better. Watch for HMI to release a new Polyurethane Concrete Lifting Gun in the near future.
