When it comes to pumping concrete, not all mixes are the same. Concrete mixes containing a coarse aggregate or low water-cement ratios increase the risk of something going wrong during the job. And sometimes even the most dependable pump primer isn’t enough to help reduce wear and tear on the equipment. That’s why Fritz-Pak developed our Slick-Pak II as both a pump primer and a pumping aid. For standard mixes, you can prime as you normally would and just start pumping. For those harder-to-pump mixes, Slick-Pak II can be added directly to the concrete truck. The lubricating agents act as a suspension in the mix to keep the aggregates from getting caught against one another as they travel through the pipe. This reduces the pressure needed to pump the mix and significantly decreases the risk of a plug. Like, Slick-Pak original, Slick-Pak II comes packaged in our signature, water-soluble bag for easy use.
Why Use a Pumping Aid or Pump Primer?
Concrete pump admixtures, such as Slick-Pak II, are designed to improve the performance and decrease the risk of problems at a job site. For more information on how using Slick-Pak II could improve your next pump job, check out the videos below.
How does Slick-Pak II work?
It contains water thickeners and lubricating agents. As Slick-Pak II goes through the pipes and hoses it leaves a coat of water and lubricating agents and effectively wets all surfaces. As the concrete comes behind the Slick-Pak II it does not lose water and the lubrication allows it to slip through the pipe.
What is the difference between Slick-Pak and Slick-Pak II?
Both products have water thickeners and lubricating agents. Slick-Pak has a higher proportion of lubricating agents than Slick-Pak II, thus it is better used as a pump primer. Slick- Pak II has a higher proportion of thickeners, thus it is better suited as a pumping aid, as well as being an excellent pump primer.
Which states have approved this product through the Department of Transportation?
Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, & Wyoming
Does Slick-Pak II have fluid loss properties?
Yes. The thickeners used in Slick-Pak II work as fluid loss additives in the concrete.
If I have a long run of hose or pipe, should I increase the Slick-Pak II concentration to make it more effective?
No. A too-high concentration may thicken the concrete excessively and produce a plug in the line. It is better to increase the volume of Slick-Pak II used to insure complete coverage and wetting of the line.
What is the best way to prime horizontal lines?
Slick-Pak II will tend to run on the lower part of the line, it is recommended to use a rubber ball in front of the priming solution to avoid only wetting the bottom of the line.
Why do I get plugs when priming for concrete with superplasticizers?
Slick-Pak II requires water to hydrate, so when Slick-Pak II is made with too little water it will absorb water from the concrete in order to hydrate. Concrete with superplasticizers tends to have a low water content, so if the Slick-Pak II absorbs any water from the plasticized concrete, it will have a tendency to plug. For priming for concrete with superplasticizers, we recommend increasing water content be used to prepare the priming solution.
If I do not have a bucket available, can I prepare the priming solution in the hopper?
Yes. Most operators do it that way. Be sure that the bag dissolves completely by directing the water stream over it.
How long in advance do I need to prepare my priming solution?
You need at least 5-10 minutes for the product to dissolve. Once it dissolves, it will stay stable for several hours, so you can prepare your priming solution well before the concrete arrives.
Will it build-up in the pump pipes and hoses?
No.
Can Slick-Pak II be added directly into the Ready Mix truck?
Yes. It will make the concrete more pumpable.
Does Slick-Pak II contain bentonite clay?
No. Slick-Pak II does not contain bentonite or any other type of clay.
