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Electrolytic Ground Electrode
The SUPERIOR GROUNDING SYSTEM™ is chemically charged with metallic minerals. Condensation allows the mineral
inside the tube to extract moisture from the air through the air holes at the top of the rod. Moisture
accumulates and trickles down along the sides of the tube (passing through the minerals) to the bottom of the
rod. As the moisture mixes with the minerals, an electrolytic solution is formed. Within a short period of
time, the solution builds up pass the drain holes and leaches out into the surrounding earth. This process
creates electrolytic roots which conditions the soil and provides a reduction in resistance between the
electrode and the earth..
BACKFILL MATERIALS
The system also comes a ground enhancement material which serves three purposes:
1) Maintain moisture and the electrolytic solution within the sphere of influence.
2) Provides cathodic & corrosion protection for the electrode.
3) Enhance the surrounding soil thereby making it more conductive.
GROUND ENHANCEMENT BACKFILL MATERIALS
The recommended backfill for the SUPERIOR GROUNDING SYSTEMS™ is Electro-Fill™, a natural earth clay formed by volcanic action which is composed of montmorillonite, a hydrous aluminum silicate. This form of ground enhancement backfill material has special application, non-toxic enhancers to further improve its durability and performance. Unlike salt (which is often mixed with backfill material), this material actually protects the grounding system in a corrosive environment.
Electro-Fill™ has all the qualities of the ideal backfill material for a grounding system. It is easily compacted, noncorrosive, and conductive. When water is added to it, Electro-Fill™ will absorb up to thirteen times (24X) its dry volume. At four to six times its dry volume, it becomes a dense, paste-like clay. This consistency holds its own shape and adheres to any surface it touches.. These capabilities resolve the issues for compaction and soil/rod contact that are crucial to a grounding system.
Regardless of its environment, Electro-Fill™ absorbs whatever moisture is present into its structure and will maintain its density. Contrary to surface appearances, there are traces of moisture in almost every type of soil condition. Should the Electro-Fill™ be exposed to direct sunlight, it will begin to dry out and seal itself off, preventing the drying action from penetrating more than a few inches below the exposed surface.
Electro-Fill™ has a resistivity of 2.5 ohms-M at 300% moisture [(weight of water/weight of backfill) X 100]. This low resistivity is a result of the electrolyte formed when water is added (2). The water held in the clay's structure allows soda, potash, lime, magnesia, and other mineral salts found in the Electro-Fill™ to ionize. The result is a strong electrolyte with a pH of 8 to 10. Because it is a part of the clay itself, this electrolyte does not leach out, nor require recharging.
One 50 lb. bag of Electro-Fill™ yields approximately 17 gallons. To obtain a cubic foot of Electro-Fill™ in a slurry consistency, it is necessary to Hydrate approximately 22 lbs. of dry backfill . One 50 lb. bag of Electro-Fill™ will backfill 14 ft. of the SUPERIOR CHEMICAL GROUNDING SYSTEM™ within a 6 inch diameter hole.
 PROTECTIVE COVERS
As an added protection and for ease of access the system is accompanied
with a concrete or polyplastic plastic protective cover boxes with slotted covers to protect the electrode from debris and air holes to allow air circulation
The SUPERIOR GROUNDING SYSTEM™ not only provides a good ground, it also has the ability to dissipate lightning strikes thereby preventing damage from surges on power lines. Thus, the system not only protects valuable sensitive equipment but also reduces the risk of injury to personnel.
The SUPERIOR GROUNDING SYSTEM™ replaces the conventional grounding methods such as copper-clad rods, ufers, ground rings or grids, and even water wells. It is ideal for any soil condition ranging from the sandy Arizona deserts to the lava and rocky terrain of Hawaii to the permafrost-frost in Alaska. This self-contained system requires no periodic watering or recharging throughout its entire 5O-year life expectancy.
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Conventional Copper Clad Rod vs. SGS Chemical Grounding Systems |
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ENGINEERING & DESIGN |
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CONSTRUCTION & FIELD SERVICES |
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COMMISSIONING/START-UP TESTING |
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PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE TESTING |
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AT&T |
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BOEING |
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NORTHROP GRUMMAN |
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON (SCE) |
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