The efficacy of 3M’s fast-setting polymeric pipe lining products in optimising water quality and minimising the risk of failure of ageing iron drinking water pipes has been amply demonstrated following a routine pipe exhumation in Northern England.
Once lined, returned-to-service mains are routinely exhumed to sample the effectiveness of the lining application. The results are added to the lining records for that area.
In this instance a 5” (125mm) diameter cast iron water main, estimated to have been in service for around 50 years, had been treated two years previously with 3M Scotchkote Rapid Setting Polymeric Lining 169HB in order to address significant water quality issues.
A section of this main, buried underneath a grass verge adjacent to a main highway, was selected for retrieval so the lining could be inspected and its condition assessed. The water supply to the main was turned off, but the main remained charged with water during excavation.
Once a length of pipe had been exposed to reveal a jointed section, the pipe was cut either side of the spigot and socket joint to enable recovery of the joint section. A sledgehammer was then used to remove the cast iron pipe between the cut sections and expose the lining.
Despite the aggressive nature in which the pipe was removed, the lining survived intact. There was also no evidence of water having permeated the lining.
The removed section of lining showed that the original application process, using specialist lining equipment to treat the pipe in situ, had been successful in creating a smooth internal layer with an even material thickness which faithfully followed the internal geometry of the pipe.
No defects were found within the pipe, even after the aggressive recovery process, clearly showing the strength and suitability of the product for in situ water pipe lining.
Carl Bradley of 3M’s Corrosion Protection Products division explained: “After many years and even decades in service, the insides of cast iron pipes can become clogged with minerals and other contaminants, with potentially major impact on water quality. They are also more prone to physical failures as they age.
“In situ lining has become very much established as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to excavation and replacement of entire mains – and this example clearly shows how modern lining equipment and products are able to deliver effective, consistent, robust and long-lasting protection – mitigating against issues of both water quality and pipe failure.”
3M Scotchkote Rapid Setting Polymeric Lining 169HB is an in situ spray- applied, rapid-setting semi-structural lining for the rehabilitation of drinking water distribution pipelines between 75mm and 300mm in diameter. It provides a high build lining that will remain intact in the event of pipe fracture due to ground movement. Its rapid curing characteristics allow the start of return-to-service procedures within 60 minutes of application.
For further information call 0845 602 8083 or visit www.3M.co.uk/scotchkote
3M and Scotchkote are trademarks of 3M Company.
Once lined, returned-to-service mains are routinely exhumed to sample the effectiveness of the lining application. The results are added to the lining records for that area.
In this instance a 5” (125mm) diameter cast iron water main, estimated to have been in service for around 50 years, had been treated two years previously with 3M Scotchkote Rapid Setting Polymeric Lining 169HB in order to address significant water quality issues.
A section of this main, buried underneath a grass verge adjacent to a main highway, was selected for retrieval so the lining could be inspected and its condition assessed. The water supply to the main was turned off, but the main remained charged with water during excavation.
Once a length of pipe had been exposed to reveal a jointed section, the pipe was cut either side of the spigot and socket joint to enable recovery of the joint section. A sledgehammer was then used to remove the cast iron pipe between the cut sections and expose the lining.
Despite the aggressive nature in which the pipe was removed, the lining survived intact. There was also no evidence of water having permeated the lining.
The removed section of lining showed that the original application process, using specialist lining equipment to treat the pipe in situ, had been successful in creating a smooth internal layer with an even material thickness which faithfully followed the internal geometry of the pipe.
No defects were found within the pipe, even after the aggressive recovery process, clearly showing the strength and suitability of the product for in situ water pipe lining.
Carl Bradley of 3M’s Corrosion Protection Products division explained: “After many years and even decades in service, the insides of cast iron pipes can become clogged with minerals and other contaminants, with potentially major impact on water quality. They are also more prone to physical failures as they age.
“In situ lining has become very much established as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to excavation and replacement of entire mains – and this example clearly shows how modern lining equipment and products are able to deliver effective, consistent, robust and long-lasting protection – mitigating against issues of both water quality and pipe failure.”
3M Scotchkote Rapid Setting Polymeric Lining 169HB is an in situ spray- applied, rapid-setting semi-structural lining for the rehabilitation of drinking water distribution pipelines between 75mm and 300mm in diameter. It provides a high build lining that will remain intact in the event of pipe fracture due to ground movement. Its rapid curing characteristics allow the start of return-to-service procedures within 60 minutes of application.
For further information call 0845 602 8083 or visit www.3M.co.uk/scotchkote
3M and Scotchkote are trademarks of 3M Company.
