The recommended
backfill for IONIC ELECTRODE ground rods is Bentonite.
Bentonite is an
earth clay natural formed by volcanic action; it is composed
of the Mineral montmorillontite, a hydrous aluminum silicate.
Bentonite has all
the qualities of the ideal back fill for ground rods. It is
easy to prepare, non corrosive, and highly conductive. When
mixed with water it will absorb up to 13x its dry volume and
it becomes a thick paste. This consistency will stick to anything
that it contacts, and. This helps hold the Ground Rod in place
and physically insulates it from the surrounding dirt.
In any and all environments
bentonite absorbs whatever moisture is present into its structure
and it will maintain its consistency. In direct sunlight the
top few inches will become hard and seal itself off, but the
rest of the bentonite stays moist and conductive.
Bentonite has a
resistivity of 2.5 ohms-M at 100% moisture. This low resistance
is a result of the electrolyte formed when water is added. The
water held in the bentonite clay allows the minerals in the
clay (soda, potash, lime, magnesia and other material salts)
to ionize. The result is a strong electrolyte with a pH as high
as 10.
One 50 lb. bag of
Bentonite yields approximately enough backfill for one 15' ground
rod on a 6" diameter hole.
INSTALLATION OF A VERTICAL
GROUND ROD |
Rod may be installed indoors or outdoors.
Rod needs to be situated to allow breather holes at the top
of the rod to remain clear to the surrounding atmosphere.
Rod should be located as near to the isolation transformer as
possible.
Rod should have a minimum of 5' clear space around it.
Do not locate ground rod near watershed where flooding could
occur.
Clear area to be drilled, and designate area for waste.
Auger a 6" hole into the earth 6" longer than the
length of the rod to be installed.
The top 10" of the shaft must be 12" wide to accommodate
the rod safety cover.
Unpack and inventory ground rod parts and
dispose of any waste.
Remove rod protective covers.
Clean threads on rods and coupler.
Spray threads with WD-40 type of lubricant,
and then assemble rods.
Prepare the bentonite soil conditioner.
Mix 4.5 parts water to one part bentonite. ( 14 gallons for
a 50 lb bag)
Cover bottom of trench with bentonite slurry the consistency
of pancake batter.
Lower rod into trench and center.
Fill shaft with BENTONITE slurry the consistency of pancake
batter.
Fill to within 6" of the top of the rod.
INSTALLATION OF A HORIZONTAL
GROUND ROD |
Rod may be installed indoors or outdoors
Rod needs to be situated to allow breather holes at the top
of the rod to remain clear to the surrounding atmosphere.
Rod should be located as near to the Isolation transformer as
possible.
Rod should have a minimum of 5' clear space around it.
Do Not locate Ground Rod near watershed were flooding could
occur.
Dig trench into earth 3' deep and 12" wide at bottom, designate
area for storage dirt.
Trench should have slight slope (2" over 5') away from
head of ground rod.
The top 10" of the shaft must be 12" wide to accommodate
the rod safety cover.
Unpack and inventory ground rod parts.
Remove rod protective covers.
Clean threads on rods and coupler.
Spray threads with WD-40 type of lubricant, and then assemble
rods.
Prepare the BENTONITE soil conditioner.
Mix 4.5 parts water to one part BENTONITE. ( 14 gallons for
a 50lb bag)
Cover Bottom of trench with BENTONITE slurry the consistency
of pancake batter.
Lower rod into trench and center.
Cover ground rod with the remaining BENTONITE
Backfill trench with original dirt leaving rods vertical shaft
exposed.
Fill BENTONITE in around vertical shaft to within 6" of
the top of the rod.
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