The recent InstaGrout Barrier seals transformer pad, J box, and switchgear base openings simple. The material helps prevent outages and service disruptions by creating a resilient and impermeable barrier that keeps out moisture and stops rodents, snakes, and insects such as wasps, spiders, and fire ants from burrowing up through earthen gaps into the pad enclosure.
InstaGrout’s polymer matrix material is easy to mix on site and, unlike concrete, requires no water to cure. Field crews combine the pre-measured components and shake or stir them for just 30 seconds. The sealant is then poured into the transformer pad opening. In hard to reach spots or when trying to direct the product between conduit stub-ups, use a 6-foot long piece of 2-in. PVC pipe like a chute to deliver the product to those areas. Always begin at the back of the opening and work toward the front for better coverage. The self-leveling mixture spreads out and flows evenly throughout the pad opening.
InstaGrout rises to a 3-in. depth, expanding around complex conduit stub-ups. The product can be installed while equipment is energized. Make sure to follow all company work method procedures to ensure safety near energized equipment. The only site preparation required is to plug any gaps or holes inside the opening that could allow product to flow outside the pad opening. We recommend using a layer of sand to level out the bottom of the pad openings. Sand provides an even surface and allows sealant to flow into narrow openings easier. Sand also mixes with the InstaGrout polymer matrix technology, creating a stronger bottom barrier. Use of pea gravel in the base is not recommended, because InstaGrout can seep through loose gravel, reducing expansion depth and seal integrity.
The material adheres to fiberglass, polymer concrete, and concrete pads. It tolerates environmental extremes and effectively seals uneven ground. Unlike concrete, the material will not settle, crack, or cave in when performing service work or transformer change-outs. The strong, lightweight seal withstands freeze-thaw cycles and environmental extremes. It is compatible with cable jacket materials and will not corrode metal. If a new service or change-out is required, use a saw to cut out an opening to perform the work. To fill in the cut-out area, simply use more of the material to repair it, as it adheres extremely well to itself. The material also fills small gaps caused by transformer change-outs not matching up with the existing pad. The material comes in two sizes. Catalog number PMT-1 covers a 1-ft2 to a 3-in. depth, and catalog number PMT-3 covers a 3 ft2 to a 3-in. depth.
American Polywater Corporation
www.polywater.com/instagrout.asp
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