Marconite® is a granulated conductive medium designed to replace the conventional aggregate in concrete and thereby provide a permanent medium with good electrical conductivity and high strength.
It can provide a permanent solution to problems in electrical/ constructional situations.
Marconite® concrete is touch dry within hours, but it will be several days before it is fully cured.
Marconite® is chemically inert with very low soluble sulphate content. It can be used with all conventional types of cement, as well as most
Marconite® is the ideal solution for use in problem earth situations
a) In areas of poor soil conductivity (high resistivity) – eg rocky areas, sandy soil etc.
b) In conjunction with lattice mats/plates (where the earth electrodes cannot be deep driven)
c) Where space is limited
Depending on the surrounding soil conditions Marconite® can reduce electrode resistivity by up to 50%.
Electricity is conducted in much the same way as via metal, through the movement of electrons and direct contact with the carbonaceous particles that compose Marconite®.
This provides a huge advantage over materials such as Bentonite, that rely on conducting electricity through the movement of charged ions. Ions require the presence of an effective electrolyte –
water and salts. Such ion type systems can dry out and without water cannot conduct electricity.
Marconite® has a resistivity that is many times lower than that of Bentonite (Marconite 0.001Ωm vs Bentonite 3Ωm) in its natural setting or untamped condition.
Through acting as a backfill, (Marconite® is a highly conductive material), the surface area of the electrode is increased, thus reducing the electrodes’ resistance to earth.
When copper conductors are encased in a Marconite®/concrete surround, this acts as a deterrent to those intent on stealing copper from cell sites and substations.
Marconite® is a granulated conductive medium designed to replace the conventional aggregate in concrete and thereby provides a permanent medium with good electrical conductivity and strength.
Plain Marconite®:
Marconite® Premix:
Density:
We recommend plain Marconite® for export markets.
Earth Rod Installation