Mining

Mountain Grout Strong

Polyurethane Applications

Mining operations present multiple opportunities to use polyurethane systems. From “roof glue” used in coal mines for roof control to water control 1,200 feet below grade in limestone and other hard rock mines, Mountain Grout likely has a formulation to suit your needs. 

Dual component polyurethane systems, like Mountain Grout ISP (Instant Set Polymer), are used often to shut off high volume water flows. Its reaction profile (typically 4-6 seconds) enables the resulting foam to fill voids quickly and seal leaks before it washes away. Mountain Grout Flexible, which is UL classified for potable water applications, has been used extensively in stream remediation where mining below the creek has fractured bedrock, allowing the stream to flow underground. Mine airshafts and entries that are no longer in use are areas where Mountain Grout Polyurethane Systems have been used successfully to shut off water intrusion from 20 gallons per minute to 200 gallons per minute. 

Polyurethane grouts react with water, so this makes leak sealing or water control problems a perfect application in mines. Degassing in coal mines is a procedure where Mountain Grout is pumped into fissures ahead of mining to seal off methane gas. Behind the long wall, two component urea-silicate grouts like Mountain Grout US Grout are used to consolidate rubble and fill voids that may trap methane gas. Particularly in mining, Mountain Grout products are part of an overall safety and environmental plan. 

From large scale mechanized mining operations to small “hand dug” operations, Mountain Grout serves the industry well with polyurethane and acrylate, single and dual component chemical grouts. 

Acrylate Applications

Acrylate grouts have replaced acrylamide grouts which have been banned in Europe and other parts of the world. Acrylic grouts are much safer than old technology, easier to use, and cleanup is with water. The reaction profile of the system is determined by the promoter mixed in the A side of the two component system. Mountain Grout Acrylate may be pumped at different ratios from 2:1 or 3:1 base with water to form a gel that does not have high strength, but does perform in leak sealing, curtain grouting, and even crack injection.

Both polyurethane and acrylic grouts are members of the “chemical grout” family and particularly in tunneling operations are used for both water control and stabilization in front of the advancing TBM.

Equipment

• Mountain Grout Resin of Choice
• Mountain Grout Pump Flush
• Injection Pump
• High Pressure Injection Gun with extra couplers
• Hammer Drill
• Drill Bit to match diameter of Packers (3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”)
• Socket Set (Deep well, thin wall sockets)
• Packers
• Clean 5–gallon buckets
• Paddle Mixer
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Plastic Sheeting
• Tape
• Assorted Hand Tools
• Mountain Grout Ureclean Wipes or Rags