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HomeMy Public PortalAboutHow Perma-Zyme Works White Paper.pdf SUBSTRATA... SOLUTIONS POWERED BY ENZYMES How Perma-Zyme Works An In - Depth Explanation on Enzymes PERM -ZYME. SUBSTRATA.. How Perma-Zyme Works SOLUTIONS POWERED BY ENZYMES An In-Depth Explanation on Enzymes Light Duty or Farm Roads wear quickly, even with minimal traffic. Standard Duty paved or unpaved rural roads are equally subject to decay. Heavy Duty roads, such as those _ serving Open Pit Mines, Reclaim Facilities, or Garbage Dumps, require constant maintenance just to keep them passable. All of this can become a matter of history provided your road • surfaces are properly prepared. The preparation can be from a variety of soil stabilization solutions but one solution that will provide long term life is Perma-Zyme. Perma-Zyme works by naturally bonding the clay particles together to create a concrete-like surface with no environmental impact. Some might think of Perma-Zyme as a magic potion but one will quickly realize that it is pure science. Enzyme Overview Enzymes are the product of a living organism which act to enhance a chemical or biochemical reaction without undergoing any change themselves. They can perform a function innumerable times, for as long as they exist. Some reactions proceed naturally at a steady pace, and sometimes that pace must be increased to achieve a desired effect. That is the job of a catalyst, like an enzyme. Before Enzyme After Enzyme To make a real life comparison, picture your 2PM slump has kicked in and you are dragging. It is taking forever for you to complete the easiest tasks. You then reach for your daily afternoon coffee and then all of the sudden you are on fire and knocking out all of your tasks. In this example the coffee is an enzyme, an enzyme speeds up a process and decreases the energy required to complete that process. Enzymes are proteins comprised of chains of amino acids, generally numbering between 100 to 1,000 discrete elements. They can be long and string-like, and typically they fold back upon themselves in a kink like fashion dictated by the sequence of the amino acids. Each "kink" can happen in only one way. After a fixed number of kinks Enzymes and Proteins have occurred, it allows an early part in the chain to lie to one (and only one) specific portion dozens, or even hundreds of connections further away. This is repeated as often as necessary to align unique 4 4 sections for each protein, and when they are together, they provide an ?.4IKA 11- activation site that speeds up one very specific chemical reaction and no other.together, they provide an activation site that speeds up one very specific chemical reaction and no other. S "BSTRATA_ substrata.us How Perma-Zyme Works 2 Typical Characteristics of Enzymes • They are biological catalysts • They lower the required energy for a reaction • They speed up reactions • They are unaffected by that process, and can be reused indefinitely Action of Enzymes • Some combine small elements to make bigger molecules • Some disassociate elements to free them for other purposes • Some extend the function of an existing molecule Substrate Enzyme as a Soil Stabilizer Enzymes are always in motion, waiting to encounter a substrate. Substrates are molecules or "surfaces" with which they can react. Active Site Each enzyme is "keyed" so that only one substrate will fit its "lock." Enzyme When an enzyme and substrate meet, the action is performed, and the enzyme releases the substrate and bounces around, waiting to encounter another substrate. This is why you do not need a large quantity of enzyme to enhance a reaction. For example, lab tests of a typical soil could show 20% clay, plus varied and appropriately-sized aggregate (composed of larger objects for the clay to attach to). For this, you would apply one gallon (3.8 liters) of Perma-Zyme for every 160 cubic yards (122 cubic meters) of material. This small quantity is enough to trigger the desired action and bond the soil particles together. How Perma-Zyme Works Perma-Zyme increases the wetting action of water by reducing its •.. •� + = surface tension through the use of surfactants. This allows the water • to to penetrate the prepared layer and escape quickly. However, instead of leaving cavities behind, it draws the water-suspended clay in, filling Native Soil Perma-Zyme Cured Soil the voids so the clay can bond to the aggregate, which creates a very dense and strong layer. Increased "wetting" is one factor. Perma-Zyme then catalyzes the plentiful organic components,forming a reactant intermediary,resulting in an ionic/cationic exchange. In clay minerals, the exchangeable Cation Exchange Capacity: is a cations, or its total Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), includes, Na+, measure of the soil's ability to K+, Mg2+, or Ca2+, which allows isomorphous substitutions in the hold positively charged ions. lattice which, in this case, allows the insertion of the enzyme. Naturally clay particles have a negative charge in theme, while Perma- Na+ (Sodium) Zyme has a positive charge. When the clay soil and Perma-Zyme meet K+ (Potassium) each other they create an electrochemical reaction and permanently Mg2+ (Magnesium) bonds the particles together. Ca2+ (Calcium) After the Perma-Zyme and clay soil have bonded together the soil's properties have now changed rendering the layer waterproof, so that it strongly resists further shrinking, or a decrease in density through swelling. Upon completion of the electrochemical reaction the enzyme itself is completely biodegradable. The excess is no longer required, and dissipates safely, with no environmental impact. By increasing the lubricity of the treated soil, Perma-Zyme makes it SUBSTRATA_ substrata.us How Perma-Zyme Works 3 Before much easier to compress. This close association results in a material with very high compressive strength. Moreover, in situ testing shows good performance in freeze-thaw environments.As the last of the water evacuates, the particles come closer and closer together providing the opportunity for new strong bonds to build. Curing and fundamental setting generally occurs within 72 hours, however it should be noted that this process continues for up to an additional six weeks, depending on prevailing weather, and ambient 3 Days After temperature. During this maturation period the material continues to become progressively stronger each day as new bonds are formed, until the last of the excess water escapes. �.. By this process Perma-Zyme alters the index and engineering '-' properties beyond mere swelling and shrinkage, to include enhanced shear strength, the liquid limit (plasticity vs. liquefaction state), and its ability to conform. With the pore-water removed, and clay particles replacing it, density rises, coherence increases, and a very stable 6 Weeks After binding is achieved. It becomes concrete-like. Curing and fundamental setting generally occurs within 72 hours, however it should be noted that this process continues for up to an additional six weeks, depending on prevailing weather, and ambient temperature. During this maturation period the material continues to become progressively stronger each day as new bonds are formed, until the last of the excess water escapes. By this process Perma-Zyme alters the index and engineering properties beyond mere swelling and shrinkage, to include enhanced Plasticity: the quality of being shear strength, the liquid limit (plasticity vs. liquefaction state), and easily shaped or molded. its ability to conform. With the pore-water removed, and clay particles replacing it, density rises, coherence increases and a very stable Liquefaction: is a phenomenon binding is achieved. It becomes concrete-like. in which the strength and stiffness of a soil is reduced by Enzyme Requirements earthquake shaking or other rapid loading. • Appropriate moisture level • Acceptable pH level • Acceptable temperature rangeSufficient enzyme concentration • Presence of an adequate quantity of substrate Chemical Bonding of Soil While covalent bonding is the first choice for clay when immobilizing Non-covalent bonding: is a type enzymes, non-covalent bonding is the predominant type of of chemical bond that typically intermolecular force in supramolecular chemistry. These non-covalent bond between macromolecules interactions include dipole-dipole bonds, ionic bonding, hydrogen (very large molecule, such as bonds, Van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. protein). In the presence of clay,these enzymes effectively catalyze the reactions between molecules, turning them into a cementitious mixture, with characteristics reminiscent of polymers. The mobility of the molecules provides plasticity making the resultant new material both tough and able to resist loading because the newly formed material possesses shape-memory. This characteristic is invaluable for creating resilient roadbeds. SUBSTRATA_ substrata.us How Perma-Zyme Works 4 100 0 Perma-Zyme Requirements 90 10 8==-= 2.=3D Clay is Requisite 7D 6D--��4D percent While we could speak of deprotonation of hydroxyl groups (OH) on percent -------- SILT SD SD surfaces generating negatively charged sites(e.g.,silica and aluminum), 40 SANDY V V y60 instead, suffice it to say that positively charged enzymes are readily CLAY CLAY LOAM SILTY adsorbed and fixed inplace primarilybythe electrostatic interactions 30 � 4� CLAY LOAM ,o 20 .AM ®._MEufim 80 present in this substance. Clay, therefore, is essential to the process. SILTY 10 SANDY 'LOAM 90 Clays, however, are hydrophilic by nature, therefore they need to be LOAMY 0 SAND SAND- . ANIL 100 transformed to hydrophobic to achieve impermeability, plasticity, 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 anti-shear strength, compressive strength, and all the other desirable characteristics for creating a durable roadbed. This requires organic molecules to be present so that the (exchangeable) cations in the Hydrophilic: having a tendency interlayer matrix can be replaced with organic cationic molecules to mix with, dissolve in, or be (typically quaternary alkylammonium ions). This is how we create the wetted by water. "organoclays" (modified phyllosilicate), composed of covalently linked organic moieties. Hydrophobic: tending to repel Cations allow soils to keep nutrients available for plants to grow. Clay or fail to mix with water. has cations naturally. Sandy soil does not. Therefore this process should not be used on soils without clay, although sandy soils rely on having a sizeable organic component to sand can undoubtedly be a component. Sandy soilds rely on having a sizeable organic component to provide the necessary cations so that plants can grow. The CEC (Cation Exchange Capacity), or lack thereof in sandy soils, directly affects the ability of Perma-Zyme to complete its task. As any soil becomes more acidic, the common cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+, or Ca2+) are replaced by H+ (Hydrogen) alternatives such as H+, A13+, and Mn2+. These do continue to support A13+ (Almunium Cation) the process. Mn2+ (Manganese Cation) It is not realistic to think that there are naturally soils that have 100% clay or another soil type, most soils have a variety of characteristics. Some soils have silt mixed with clay while other soils have larger rocks and other objects in the soil. For Perma-Zyme to be effective the clay content or passing the #200 sieve needs to be at least 15%. It is also ideal for the soil to have a variety of sieve sizes, such as rocks and pebbles. This helps the soil's strength because the soil will bond around the larger sizes and increase the cured soil strength and shear strength. No Rain Rain expected within 48 hours after beginning application is sufficient reason to stop construction. Simply put, too much water will compromise the compaction process and turn the soil into a slurry. The soil must have the proper moisture content. Rain expected beyond 48 hours is acceptable and doesn't affect curing, though curing continues for a total of 72 hours after application begins. The Procedure in a Nutshell 1. SOIL TEST: Generally conducted in a laboratory, a Sieve & Optimal Moisture Test will tell you if your soil is appropriate as a candidate Most common soils are good prospects. You're looking for about 20%clay with cohesive fines,for strength,and water impermeability, SUBSTRATA. substrata.us How Perma-Zyme Works 5 and larger particles to enhance mechanical properties like shear- resistance, and compressive strength. 2. How Much Perma-Zyme? Moderate traffic necessitates a 6" roadbed; for heavy traffic 12" is required. In all cases, Perma-Zyme quantities remain the same, applied at a rate of 1 Gallon per 160 Cubic yards, or 1 pound per 18 cubic yards. 3. Commence construction: If no rain is predicted for 48 hours, and the temperature will remain above 50 °F/10 °C, excavate Apply Perma-Zyme, in the proper dilution, via water truck. 4. Apply Perma-Zyme, in the proper dilution, via water truck Pro Tip: Always add Perma-Zyme to the water truck after it has the appropriate volume of water on board. This avoids having a truck full of foam! No mixing is required. 5. Mix treated soil with a blade attachment front-to-back and side-to- side to obtain a homogeneous mixture. 6. Compaction with Sheep Foot, in 3-6" lifts. When approaching optimum compaction, finish with a smooth drum compactor to complete leveling. Science Behind Steps Aggregate Optimum Moisture �► The technique described requires that the soil is appropriately moist, if- r Z ideally 4% less than optimum, prior to the waterborne application of - r Perma-Zyme. This described "optimum" is the level that renders the best compaction, and the application itself will raise it to that level. Native Soil If it is too wet,the soil must be dried before the Perma-Zyme application, since excess moisture can compromise the product's action. It is also essential not to pre-wet the roadbed ahead of the water-truck • .' , . :, • application of the Perma-Zyme. • Grading It must be graded to the appropriate level, often 6 inches (15 cm) in-depth for a standard duty road, before being treated with Perma- Zyme via water truck. Immediately after application, the roadbed should be bladed along its length and from edge-to-edge to ensure a homogeneous mixture with Perma-Zyme being distributed evenly throughout the soil. Compaction Since Perma-Zyme works by electrochemically bonding the soil particles together, the closer the soil particles are together the more 4100.. effective the Perma-Zyme application will be. Ideally, if available, the • i soil should be compressed with a Sheep Foot(aka Padfoot)compactor. The Sheep Foot compactor is much more effective at a greater depth. FEN • While the task can be completed with just a plain, smooth drum knot eve• compactor, it will take longer. The Sheep Foot provides both vertical and horizontal compression of the soil. This is vital because it removes cativations and decreases intramolecular distances so that electrochemical interlinking can take place. SUBSTRATA_ substrata.us How Perma-Zyme Works 6 Due to enhanced lubricity,compaction happens very quickly compared to compressing untreated soil,speeding up the entire process.Once the preferred compression level is approached, a smooth drum compactor is desirable to finish the job, and render the final surface. Drying Time Drying time is unnecessary, as the road is ready for light traffic immediately once compaction is concluded and will not be compromised. The road will continue to cure whereupon it will reach full-strength. Expectations of Perma-Zyme Not a Dust Suppressant—decreases dust The cementation of particles significantly reduces dust. No more massive dust clouds behind your vehicle, making it difficult or dangerous for someone to follow you. Roads behave like concrete roads, significantly decreasing erosion. Lifespan of Dirt Roads Dirt roads acquire ruts, potholes, and other hazards to you and your equipment. The same road, treated with Perma-Zyme, will last 8 to > 12 years with very little maintenance. Repairs If it does acquire rus or damage, reapply a dilute solution of Perma- Zyme to unlock the bonds once again. Rework the material to your satisfaction, and allow it to cure for 72 hours. Lifespan of Paved Road A Perma-Zyme base is very durable. If you elect to top it with Asphalt or Chip Seal, that base is further protected, and you are looking at a life span in excess of 20 years. Conclusion Some might think of Perma-Zyme to be a liquid form of magic but it is actually a clear and proven science. By understanding how Perma- Zyme works one will be better equipped when the application process comes. Perma-Zyme will naturally strengthen high clay soils, soils that would otherwise be deemed unstable and or unbuildable. When using Perma- Zyme it is vital to ensure the soil has the proper clay content to make sure your application will be successful. It is easy to test the quality of your soil, obtain the construction equipment, and even easier to use Perma-Zyme to apply to make sure your road maintenance is effortless, too. SUBSTRATA. substrata.us How Perma-Zyme Works 7