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Whether it is your grounding system or earthing system, right backfill compound is extremely important to determine the performance of such systems in the long run and safe. These compounds enhance the conductance of the soil and decrease resistivity which can then work together with the grounding electrodes and other systems for best performance. But considering that various soils will affect the effective performance of the system, the right backfill material should be decided according to the type of soil. This allows your grounding system to function properly, and be safe, over time. We will dive into how the correct backfill can enhance your system!
Common Problems in Backfill Systems
High Soil Resistance: In certain soils, especially rocky or dry soils, the conductivity of the soil is low, and electrical current cannot flow freely, and this makes the grounding system ineffective.
Corrosion: In various soils, the chemicals available in the soil would cause corrosion to the grounding rods and over the time, it may reduce its performance.
Moisture Variability: Certain soils can get too dry and make the grounding systems difficult to operate. Some soils remain too moist and without the proper intervention can develop corrosion.
Grounding failure is one the main issue from those which can cause risk to safety and equipment too. This is where Ashlok range of backfill products come in.
Ashlok’s Backfill Compounds: Customized to Your Soil
1. Electrodite
Best Suited For: Dry, rocky or sandy soils
Why It Works:
Moisture Retention: Holds water in the soil (prevents soil from drying out), helping the grounding system work better.
Hygroscopic Properties: Expands when it absorbs water (keeps constant contact between the electrode and soil).
Fault Current Discharge: Quickly spreads excess electricity (fault current) into the ground safely.
Natural Material: Natural materials are used to spread fault current.
Versatile Performance: Under ideal moist conditions, its resistivity is less than 5 ohm-meter, while in dry conditions, it exceeds 5 ohm-meter.
2. Conductolite
Best Suited for: Wet soils and wet conditions.
Why It Works:
High Conductivity: Low electrical resistance which increases the reliability efficiency of earthing systems.
Moisture Independence: Functions with resistivity < 0.5 ohm-meter even in dry soils.
Hygroscopic Properties: It takes moisture to enhance conductivity and disperse current efficiently.
Corrosive Resistance: It will guard earthing parts against corrosion and increase life span.
Soil pH: is effective in soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 8.0 and is designed for virtually all soil environments.
3. Zetalite
Best Suited For: Soil with high salinity or an aggressive soil environment.
What It Does:
Improves Soil Conductivity:Reduces resistance in the soil surrounding the electrode to improve grounding.
Moisture Retention: High in water and minerals content, the soil retains moisture for a constant supply of essential nutrients.
Durable Composition:Avoids shrinking or cracking and sustains stability over the years.
Thickening Properties: Forms a stable, ion-transmitting layer on the electrode surface that enables optimum flow of fault current.
4. Terraion
Best Suited For: Soil with high resistivity and placement in an area where moisture levels fluctuate.
Why It Works:
Lowers Resistivity of Soil : It restores conduction of earth soil for grounding.
Eco-Friendly Solution: Prevents the groundwater from being polluted and reduces having corrosion of electrodes.
Conductive Pathways: These when mixed with water creates a large complete conductive solution to improve fault current disbursal.
Compatible with other Ashlok compounds such as Conductolite, Humedite, and Electrodite.
pH Stability: Effective within the soil pH range of 7.0-9.0.
5. Humdite
Best suited for: Agricultural and organic soils.
Why It Works:
Moisture Retention: Attracts moisture and keeps it near over a long period to ensure conductivity.
Low Electrical Resistivity: Keeps resistance low (approximately 0.5 ohm-meter) to allow for optimum discharge of fault current.
Semi-Permeable Gel Formation: Associates with water to a form a gel in the vicinity of the electrode, causing shrinkage reduction and minimizing the loss of contact with soil.
Durable in Semi-Rocky Terrains: Functions well on difficult soil terrains without compromising its steadiness.
Soil pH Compatibility: Works best in soils between 7.0 and 8.0 in pH.
Ashlok’s backfill products are specifically designed to meet the demands of various soil types:
- Electrodite for dry, rocky, or sandy soils that need moisture retention.
- Conductolite for wet, swampy areas that need to prevent corrosion and ensure conductivity.
- Zetalite for high salinity and aggressive soils that require corrosion protection.
- Terraion for areas with fluctuating moisture and high resistivity.
- Humdite for agricultural soils that require organic content for effective grounding.
With the right type of backfill compound you can address some more generally experienced problems with ground connections such as a high soil resistance, corrosion / passivation, and instability of moisture content. Ashlok offers a complete range of backfill products, providing perennial, cost-effective and high-performance earthing solutions in the widest possible range of soil types.
Grounding Simplified with Ashlok
Soil is unique and must be considered on a case-by-case basis when determining which backfill compound is appropriate for the soil to be used, since this is fundamental in assuring a safe and effective grounding system. Ashlok offers a portfolio of backfill products such as Electrodite, Conductolite, Zetalite, Terraion, and Humdite that are designed to counter soil-specific challenges. We offer quality backfill solutions, so you can rest assured your grounding system will excel regardless of soil conditions.
With the right backfill compound for your requirement, Let Ashlok help you achieve a safer, more effective grounding system. Get more info about our products and see how we can help you choose the top solution for your project, write to us right now.