Abstract: A method of limiting or reducing permeability of a matrix to liquid and/or gas inflow is described. The method includes limiting inflow of water, liquid and/or gas into passages such as cavities, fissures, voids and the like, encountered in formations such as geological formations though can be used to form barriers to water, liquid or gas flow through a matrix. The method includes steps of measuring one or more parameters relating to the matrix and selecting one or more components of a multi-component sealing composition with reference to the measured parameters. The selected components are introduced into the matrix where it is set or coagulated in a non-exothermic or low exothermic process to form a seal barrier.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening adjacent portions of a structure requiring fastening is described. The present fastener enables delivery of grout or a sealing composition into a passage between or adjacent the portions of the structure or between adjacent parts of the structure. The portions of the structure may include tubbing rings and segments thereof. The fastener includes an inlet and at least one outlet. The inlet and at least one outlet are connected by a channel. Grout or sealing composition can be delivered into the inlet where it flows through the channel, outwardly through the at least one outlet and into the passage requiring sealing. A method of sealing a passage in a formation using the fastener is also described.

Abstract: A method of limiting or reducing permeability of a matrix to liquid or gas flow is described. The method includes limiting inflow of water and/or gas into passages such as cavities, fissures, voids and the like, encountered in formations such as geological formations. The method includes steps of measuring one or more parameters relating to the matrix and selecting one or more components of a multi-component sealing composition with reference to the measured parameters. The selected components are introduced into the passage where it is set or coagulated to form a seal. Method is also described whereby the passage is sealed with a sealing composition comprising a grout component and a grout curing agent. A portion of the grout component is mixed with a portion of grout curing agent, the ratio of each being selected with reference to the measured parameters. The combined grout/curing agent are introduced into the passage where rate of curing or setting is controlled by modifying the ratio.

Abstract: A method of sealing a passage in a body with a sealing composition comprising (a) a major proportion of a latex emulsion or colloid; and (b) a minor proportion of lauric acid or a laurate compound; and (c) at least one further selected additive, ideally a latex coagulation inhibitor, wherein said composition is pumped into said passage where it is set or coagulated to form a seal. Advantageously, the laurate compound is ammonium laurate and coagulation is conveniently induced by adjusting pH of the sealing composition from alkaline to acidic pH range. The method is particularly well suited to sealing in faulty formations or sealing sites and may be used in sealing within salt mines which contain brines.