SYLENTMITE – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What exactly is SYLENTMITE?

A1. SYLENTMITE is a mixture of minerals, mainly calcium oxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide and silicon dioxide which when mixed with cold water, expands.

Q2. Why should I use SYLENTMITE?

A2. SYLENTMITE is used to break any type of rock, marble, granite and reinforced concrete in a safe, gentle and environmentally friendly manner without any explosion, noise, vibration, flying rock or toxic vapors. It works cleanly, efficiently and cost effectively and requires NO special training, equipment, licenses, permits or storage requirements.

Q3. When should I use SYLENTMITE?

A3. Mixing SYLENTMITE with cold water causes a chemical reaction and like all chemical reactions its speed of operation depends on temperature. Where ambient temperature is fairly constant between day and night, SYLENTMITE can be used at any time. Where there are large changes in temperature between day and night, best results will be obtained if SYLENTMITE is used either in the early morning or late afternoon.

Q4. Where should I use SYLENTMITE?

A4. SYLENTMITE should be used in a well ventilated area and can be used to fracture any type of rock, marble, granite and reinforced concrete. Areas of use include quarrying and stone dimensioning, demolition, excavating, cutting reinforced concrete, rock breaking and mining. Due to its silent operation, SYLENTMITE is particularly useful where traditional methods of demolition are not permitted such as residential areas, schools, hospitals and airports.

Q5. What about safety?

A5. SYLENTMITE works gently and quietly without any explosion, noise or flying debris. Always wear protective safety equipment such as safety glasses, dust mask, gloves and avoid contact with the skin. Do not get in the eyes or on skin or clothing. Do not breathe dust. Keep container closed. Use in a well ventilated area. Wash thoroughly after handling. NEVER look down on a loaded hole EVER.          In case of:

• Skin contact – immediately flush with cold water for a minimum of 20 minutes.
• Eye contact – remove any contact lenses and then flush with cold water for a minimum of 20 minutes.
• Inhalation – remove to fresh air and if not breathing give artificial respiration. Give oxygen if breathing is difficult and get medical attention immediately.
• Ingestion – do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical attention immediately

Q6. Who can use SYLENTMITE?

A6. SYLENTMITE can be used by anyone who has read and understood the Users Guide. No special training, equipment, licenses or permits are required.

Q7. How much SYLENTMITE do I use?

A7. One 44 lb (20kg) box of SYLENTMITE can fill up to 35 linear feet (10½ m) of 1½ inch (38 mm) diameter holes. SYLENTMITE comes in a 44 lb (20kg) box containing Eight easy to handle 5.5 lb (2.5kg) plastic bags.

Q8. What size holes should I drill?

A8. The recommended hole size is 1½ – 2 inches (38 – 50mm) diameter. Holes smaller than 1 inch (25mm) or larger than 2¼ inches (57mm) are not recommended.

Q9. How far apart should I space the holes?

A9. The spacing between holes depends on how hard the rock is. Generally the spacing should be from 8 – 20 inches (200 – 500mm) apart. Closer together the harder the rock. For reinforced concrete we recommend holes 1½ inches (38mm) in diameter spaced 12 inches (300mm) apart. Holes of 2 inches (50mm) in diameter may be drilled 18 – 24 inches (450 – 600mm) apart.

Holes should be drilled 80 to 90% of the depth of the rock. Do NOT drill holes all the way through the rock. For multiple break lines, drill several holes in lines spaced between 10 – 30 inches (250 – 750mm) apart. Closer together the harder the rock.