Page 29 - Practical Machinery Management for Process Plants Major Process Equipment Maintenance and Repair

14 Major Process Equipment Maintenance and Repair

8. Epoxy grout should have a consistency very similar to that of a
hydraulic cement slurry but with self-leveling flow characteris-
tics. Epoxy grouts can generally be handled with the same meth-
ods and tools used with flow grade, sand-cement grouts. Epoxy
grout can be manually mixed in a wheelbarrow using a mortar
mixing hoe or a small cement or mortar mixer. Over-mixing and/
or violent mixing whips air into the grout, and results in a weaker
grout.

9. The actual placing of the epoxy grout can be accomplished by sev-
eral means. Some companies prefer to force the grout into place,
while others use their ingenuity and place the grout by various de-
vices. Epoxy grout is very viscous; however, it will flow and seek
its own level given time and an ambient temperature above 35°F.
Generally, it is best to start placing the grout at one end of the
baseplate or soleplate and work toward the other end in such a
manner as to force the air out from beneath the baseplate or sole-
plate to eliminate voids as the grout moves along. A floating
trowel is very helpful in forcing grout underneath by simply ap-
plying pressure on top. Plywood strips, sheet metal strips, wires,
and push rods may also be used to place the grout completely un-
der the baseplate or soleplate, but care should be exercised to pre-
vent working air into the grout.

Note: Check the forms frequently for leaks. Leaks do not self-
seal. If not stopped, they will cause voids.

10. Epoxy grout curing rate depends on the temperature and pour
thickness. Lower ambient temperatures and very thin layers of
grout require longer curing time.

Forms may be removed when the epoxy grout is adequately cured.
This generally occurs in approximately 12 to 24 hours at 75°F or
when the surface becomes firm and not tacky to the touch. When
an accelerator is used, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to
determine the typical curing times required.

11. After the grout has cured, the baseplate and soleplate should be
checked for complete grouting by tapping the baseplate or sole-
plate with a steel bar. If grouting voids are found based on a “hol-
low” sound, holes can be drilled in the baseplate or soleplate deck
at each end of the voids and the voids filled with epoxy grout with-
out aggregate; one hole should be used for the grout and the other
hole as an air vent. A grease gun is normally used to force the