Using Crackamite: Storage & Precautions

Packaging and Storage

Crackamite is packed in 4 anti-moisture bags of 5 kg each and then placed in a waterproof carton with a total weight of approximately 20 kg.

Although Crackamite is packed in anti-moisture bags, long storage may cause deterioration of its working ingredients. Therefore, store in a dry place and use it as soon as possible.
When storing, do not place the bags of Crackamite directly on the floor. Put them on a pallet and keep in a dry warehouse. Crackamite stored in this manner, can be effectively used for 1 year.
Crackamite should be unpacked properly in a low moisture environment before use.
When storing the portion of Crackamite remaining after use, remove air out of the bag, seal it and use as soon as possible. However, as it may get exposed to moisture, there is a risk of Crackamite losing its effectiveness once the bag has been opened.
If you receive damaged bags of Crackamite, they may not work due to chance of moisture absorption.

Recommendations For Crackamite Usage

Use a pair of safely glasses, rubber gloves and dust mask when working.
DO NOT look at any hole closely or directly within 2 - 3 hours after filling, as there may be splatter or a blowout.
Store mixed or dry Crackamite properly.
Choose the correct grade according to the working conditions.

Usage tips to achieve better results:

Mix well and pour, while agitating the slurry, to make sure that no air gaps are left in the hole.
Fill the hole almost to the top, leaving at least ½ inch before reaching the top.
In summer, the best time to use Crackamite is early morning or evening when temperature of the material is low. High material temperature might cause blowouts.
In summer, cover the holes to avoid direct sunlight, by using a tarpaulin or wet hay.
When the ambient temperature is high, put some ice into the water, and then mix with Crackamite.
Depending on the material to be cracked, Crackamite may be mixed with more water to lower the costs.
For better results, it is important to note both air and material temperature. Material temperature is the temperature inside the rock or concrete which can be different from the air temperature. DO NOT GUESS! Tie a string on the thermometer and lower it into the drill hole.
In winter, mix 1% calcium chloride with Crackamite.
If Crackamite has completely dried into powder and there are no cracks, then pour additional water onto Crackamite filled holes.
Never fill glass or metal containers with Crackamite or any container that widens towards the bottom.
Never pump Crackamite with pressure.
Mixing by hand lengthens mixing time, and is more likely to result in a blowout.
When rock or concrete temperature is above 23°C, add approximately 150 ml of extra water per 5 Kg bag.
Holes have to be cleared after hole drilling
For marble the hole depth has to be 95% - 98%
To make the splitting faster, more number of holes are to be made closer to each other.
For 5 kg of Crackamite 1.5 ltr clean cold water has to be added.
The mixture has to be continuously stirred to avoid lumps
The mixture has to be poured within 10 minutes of preparation
After filling the holes, cover the same with tarpaulin to avoid direct sunlight
Cold Water may be added to the holes after 2 hours to speed up the process.
For 5 kg powder add 1.5-ltr water, the total volume will become 2.68 ltr. This is sufficient to fill 11 running feet of 32 mm holes with the mixture.
Shelf life of Crackamite is one year - Two years depending on the storage conditions, i.e. humidity, ambient temperature etc.
The best results can be achieved with experiments on the actual work site, as the hardness, density and other parameters of stone / concrete to be cracked and working conditions vary from time to time and place to place.

Safety Precautions

Do not use Crackamite for purposes than cracking rocks or concrete.
Crackamite is a highly alkaline product. The ph reaches 13 after contact with water and can cause severe irritation to mucous membranes, especially eyes. Rinse with large amounts of water any portion of the skin that comes in contact with Crackamite. Consult a doctor immediately.
Wear safety glasses, rubber gloves and a helmet during Crackamite handling, mixing and filling. Wear a dust mask when using Crackamite in poorly ventilated areas such as tunnels or mines.
Do not pour and leave Crackamite in bottles or cans to avoid shattering of the bottle or can.
Do not look directly into any holes for at least 6 hours after pouring. Crackamite may splatter or blow out of the hole due to heat generation when temperature of material to be broken is over the temperatures found in the temperature chart. Do not get your face close to or stand near filled holes for at least 3 hours after completion of filling.
Shelter the holes from rain or sunlight only with a tarpaulin sheet.
Do not use hot water.
Do not mix over one bag (5 kg, 11 b.) of Crackamite with water at a time.
Use the proper grade of Crackamite .
Keep out of reach of pets and children

Notes On Crackamite Working

The most cost effective demolition technique for ledge demolition is a combination of Crackamite (to produce cracks) and a hydraulic hammer or a jackhammer. Drill holes can be spaced out further in this case.
The best way to demolish underwater rocks or concrete is to build a cofferdam and pump out the area. Crackamite hardens in fifteen to twenty minutes, and after that the area can be flooded again.
Crackamite must be used in holes; pouring it into existing cracks in the rock will not work.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times by everyone in the area. Hard hats and steel-toed boots are a good idea on any construction or demolition site.
When using the usable temperature chart, bear in mind that the actual drill hole temperature may be much higher than the surrounding air temperature if it is in the sun or affected by nearby heat from machinery or from drilling the holes.
Cold temperature, hard rock, or holes spaced too far apart can lengthen breaking times. If it did not crack overnight - wait a while before assuming failure. Crackamite continues to increase pressure for 24 - 28 hours
When mixed, if Crackamite begins to steam in the bucket, add ½ gallon or more of water, stir, and throw it away. You've allowed too much time to pass from beginning to mix.
If filled holes start to smoke or steam, that is a sign they may be about to blowout. Immediately clear the area of people. The vapours are only steam, and are not hazardous or toxic in any way.

Blowouts - Causes and Precautions

What can cause a blowout?

Using too large a hole diameter.
Using too warm mix water. See the temperature chart.
Using too little water, especially when rock or concrete is above 23 °C.
Too much time passing between beginning to mix and filling holes.
Mixing by hand.
Guessing at drill hole temperature instead of measuring it.
Guessing at water temperature instead of measuring it.
Holes that are too shallow. Depth MUST be 4 times the diameter or more.
Allowing the powder to become too hot before mixing with water.
A "know-it-all" attitude that causes some people to ignore this manual instead of reading it thoroughly, cover to cover.
Holes drilled closer than 10 " apart in soft rock or concrete, in hot weather
Drill hole diameter 1½" is the best to work with
Blowouts will usually not occur more than 3 hours after filling holes.

How to prevent blow outs

Use the right grade of Crackamite for the temperature range, especially with rock or concrete.
Keep every source of heat away from Crackamite
Do no store Crackamite in direct sunlight or near a source of heat. Cool Crackamite before use.
Do not mix Crackamite into small or narrow-mouthed plastic cans or bowls. Instead use a metal bucket.
Cool every tool you are going to use before mixing.
Use the indicated water amount (1.5 litre for each bag of 5 kg of product)
Do not use hot water to mix Crackamite
Mix manually no more than two bags (10 kg) for each batch at a time.
Mix thoroughly, avoiding lump formation for at least 2 - 3 minutes.
If the mortar becomes slightly stiff, add a little more water to achieve the right fluidity.
Pour all freshly mixed mortar into holes within 5 minutes of mixing.
Do not overfill the holes
Do not tamp filled holes with bars or similar tools
Do not plug holes with hard or setting materials after filling.
Do not pour Crackamite mortar into glass bottles or similar containers; the pressure will shatter the glass. Dispose off unused mortar only after substantial dilution with water on an open surface.

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