I have to set a line pump on a street and go strait down 40ft then into a tunnel 500ft. I can run high pressure and 4 inch steel. Question is can it pump strait down into a thrust block 90 and run the 500ft. Should there be a diversion on the strait down sections the 40ft strait down sections that is. My thoughts were open the section after the thrust block prime then connect and prime the 500ft. I was told it would plug constantly in the strait down section. Hooy I thought ounce primed it should fly. 1/2 inch agg. Plastisized.

Any time you prime system down hill; use a rabit/sponge to keep the mix from segregating/separating at the bottom .In SC we use a yard of pump prime grout. 1.wet all the system to be used pipes/hoses .

2.wet ball/sponge thoroughely.     3.put ball in swing 90. 4.fill hopper with primer grout,   start  pumping the rest of your grout and follow with concrete . You should be good to go once the ball/sponge comes out .                 

Thanks guys its been many years since a line pump. The ball ahead seems a good idea, I do remember mixing a bag of powder to its dryer slump to keep its slickness. I wonder if pumpimg strait down will create a plug I just don't see that happening at 40ft. then another 90 through a thrust block. Ounce primed it should fly right /wrong?

I didn't think the vertical seection would effect it, my placer said it would constantly plug there hmm I don't think so. But the thrust block at the to before the drop and one at the bottom would make it crazy if it did. We are bidding on this now and have to make a decision soon. Thanks for the sdvice.

Mix is an important factor,the richer the better.I have pumped 1200 ft both uphill and downhill in the mountains.Uphill goes with saying mix and water content makes it work.Downhill pumping it needs to slide drier to prevent segragation.Using something ahead of the grout is a good option like mentioned before.

Thanks all I just had a meeting with the contractor.

It looks like one tunnel is 1500ft long the other 2400 ft long.

Change of plans, crane down two line pumps one inside the other down in the hole and boom into one line pump. Braceing pipe against the dig site may be a pain as it has to be torn down and setup 6 times, so just crane down the truck pump and rent a trailer pump for the inside, now who can loan around 2000ft of steel LOL.