PDF Datasheet
Super Mud is a unique, environmentally safe soil stabiliser which has replaced bentonite in the construction of slurry displaced drilled shafts (bored piles), diaphragm walls and trenching applications. Super Mud offers contractors many advantages over conventional slurries, since five gallons (19 litres) of Super Mud equals one ton of standard bentonite in yield and performance. Super Mud has excellent hole stabilising qualities in that it does not disrupt the natural balance of pressure required to successfully drill large diameter holes. Since one part Super Mud is mixed to eight hundred parts water, Super Mud adds volume but not additional weight to the drilling fluid.
Super Mud creates a very pliable, ultra thin coating which controls fluid loss, yet contains the ability to flex as tools are moved past the surface. This provides a more intimate bond between the poured concrete and the walls of the formation.
Super Mud acts as a flocculant, keeping more cuttings on the auger and settling loose particles to the bottom of the hole. This results in a cleaner slurry, eliminating the need for desanding equipment.
MIXING
The pH of the Super Mud slurry must be maintained at a level of 8-10, otherwise viscosity may decrease. Therefore, a sufficient amount of soda ash should be added to the makeup water. Ig the pH of the water used for mixing is 7, a good estimate for correction of pH is 1 pound of soda ash per 200 gallons of water. Super Mud may be mixed either directly within the excavation or premixed in surface tanks. Simply pour Super Mud through a venturi type mixer or directly into a rapidly moving stream of water. Limit use of shear mixers (centrifugal pumps), overshearing can reduce viscosity.
The mixing ratio in fresh water is 800:1 (water to Super Mud), in brackish and salt water applications the ratio is 600:1 to obtain a slurry with a Marsh Funnel Viscosity of approximately 40 seconds. For detailed recommendations consult Super Mud usage manual.
SLURRY LEVEL
A head pressure must be maintained at a level of 6 feet (2 metres) above the water table. If the water table is close to grade, simply extend a surface casing above grade to allow sufficient head pressure. by doing this, and keeping the casing or guide wall full of fluid at all times, sloughing or collapsing of the excavation can be avoided.
FLUID LOSS CONTROL
High rates of fluid loss can be detrimental to the excavation. The invading fluid can reduce cohesion of the surrounding soils, increase potential for hydration of swellable clays and shales, and can cause sloughing or collapse of the hole.
If fluid loss is encountered, increase the viscosity of the slurry by adding Super Mud directly into the hole with water, or by transferring pre-mixed high-viscosity polymer slurry into the hole. Other fluid loss control agents such as Super Mud Custom Blend or Super Mud Dry may be added to the existing slurry. When available, natural silts which have already been removed from the excavation can be added. These natural silts can simply be poured into the excavation or can be applied directly to the fluid loss zone by placing them on the auger.
TESTING

There are four main properties of a Super Mud slurry that require testing and reporting:
• MARSH FUNNEL VISCOSITY (MFV) – Determines the drilling fluids ability to seal the wall from fluid loss. In most instances, a MFV of 40 seconds per quart is good for sealing. If coarse sand or gravel is encountered, it may be necessay to increase the viscosity.
• pH (POTENTIAL HYDROGEN ION) – Measures the pH level of the slurry. The range for maximum Super Mud performance is 8-10. This is the level at which the polymer molecules can fully hydrate and extend, maintaining maximum viscosity per dosage.
• DENSITY – Performed with a standard mud balance. This is also known as mud weight or specific gravity.
• SAND CONTENT – Performed with a standard sand content kit. Due to it’s flocculating ability, a Super Mud slurry will rarely test over 1.0% sand.
RECYCLING
Super Mud slurry is reusable. As concrete is tremied or pumped into place, the displaced Super Mud slurry is pumped from the top of the excavation into a holding tank or directly into the next excavation. Care should be taken not to pump any slurry into the tank that has come in contact with the concrete because the calcium shock destroys the polymer. The last 3 feet (1 metre) of slurry above the concrete interface should be wasted.
DISPOSAL
Super Mud can be broken down witha 5% Sodium Hypochloride solution (household bleach) or 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (household use concentration). Add the breaker to the Super Mud slurry ata rate of 1 gallon (3.8 litres) to each 4,000 gallons (15.15m3) of slurry to be treated. After the breaker is added, the entire system should be circulated one time to insure complete oxidation of all polymer molecules. Discard in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
Super Mud Introduction - Super Mud Advantages Over Bentonite - Super Mud Statistics - Super Mud Dry & Quik Floc