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Preserving Potable Water: A Case of Steel Pipe Repair in a Service Reservoir

The United States relies on thousands of water treatment plants to process drinking water. After undergoing treatment and traversing the delivery system, the water is channeled to reservoirs. These facilities may include pumping stations that facilitate the transfer of water between reservoirs at various locations and elevations. Service reservoirs are essential components of the water distribution system, often recognized as elevated water towers in flat areas. In contrast, hilly or mountainous regions may feature underground service reservoirs.

Over time, the pipes and tanks within these reservoirs are exposed to persistent moisture, leading to corrosion. This corrosion can result in water loss due to leaks and even the potential infiltration of the potable water supply.

At a specific underground service reservoir in the southwestern United States, the need for repair arose when three outlet pipes displayed signs of pitting and leaking. Approximately 5% of the pipes exhibited corrosion, a consequence of prolonged exposure to water and oxygen. In some areas, corrosion had deteriorated the pipes along the edge of the concrete tank, causing pitting and leaks. Importantly, the repair required a system approved by NSF-61 to ensure the safety of the potable water supply. The reservoir could only be taken out of service for a limited time, allowing for a small window of opportunity to complete the necessary repairs.

For this task, HJ3's CarbonSeal Steel Pipe Repair System was chosen. HJ3's systems have received approval from Underwriters Laboratories, adhering to ANSI/NSF standard 61, which certifies their safe use with potable drinking water. The system's installation was expedited, addressing the time constraints of the reservoir.

The restoration process commenced with surface preparation, which involved abrading the steel flange using an abrasive blast technique with NSF-61 approved media. Subsequently, the pipes were patched, primed, wrapped with CarbonSeal carbon fiber, and shielded with a chemical-resistant topcoat.

HJ3's CarbonSeal system fulfilled NSF-61 requirements and successfully restored three outlet pipes to their original design strength. The system was installed in a single day, adhering to the reservoir's stringent timeframe.

To learn more about HJ3's CarbonSeal steel pipe system and other HJ3 systems compliant with NSF-61 standards, please contact us via email or call 877-303-0453.

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