Mudtech supply a range of products to assist in the reduction of
jacking forces in various ground conditions. In addititon to
this we can advise on a range of lubricant application.
Note: This page deals with annulus lubrication. Regarding
tunnelling methods which use additives, please click on slurry or
epb/pumped
muck.
What causes high jacking load?
When setting up for success on a difficult pipe jack it's
worth considering how the ground conditions can affect overall
friction.
Bentonite as a lubricant
Standard grade bentonite is adequate for use in
stable, clay-free ground. Its performance is dramatically improved
by:
- Using a programmable bentonite injection system
- Adding supplementary lubricants such as TK60
and/or Sloop.
Clay stickiness and swelling
Clay
(bentonite) based lubricants can be of limited use in swelling
clay. Consider a specialist additive such as TK60 Jacking Lubricant
which actively prevent clay from swelling and contain powerful
polymeric lubricants.
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Loss of Lubricant to the Ground
Preventing lubricant loss to the ground can make all the
difference. Choose Sloop to help maintain the annulus. These
products can be added to your existing bentonite lubricant or used
in a pure polymer mix.
Gravels, Sands and Silts Falling into Annulus
Counteract this by adding MX Polymer to the mix. MX has a
powerful sand and gravel stabilizing effect.
Annulus Maintaining lubrication for Caissons
Similar problems can affect caisson lubrication, with the
additional risk of losing lubricant if you have to underpin.
Mudtech's Annulus Maintaining concept provides lubricants which
hang and do not flow out catastrophically in the event of a leak.
The Sloop system is the most often used -
and we can provide special formulations on request.
Salt water lubricants
Most standard annular lubricants are ineffective in salt
water. For best performance we recommend MX Polymer. This
material is particularly effective in holding back slump loading of
gravels and sands on to the pipe.