NATURE OF DEFECT
Four 54″ Sulzer raw water pumps had developed multiple through-wall leaks around the circumferential flange welds and bellows on the inlet suction pipework. The pumps could not be individually isolated, requiring the repairs to be completed under live operating conditions.
SOLUTION
Metalyte Pipeworks designed live leak sealing and composite repairs to arrest the active leaks and restore the integrity of the flange and bellows connections on all four pumps without isolating the pumps.
REPAIR METHOD
The leaks were arrested using composite containment collars and specialist injected sealants. The areas were then rebuilt and profiled before installing 12-layers of Caymen engineered composite. The repairs were compression wrapped, cured, inspected and finished with two coats of protective coating.
CONCLUSION
The leaks were successfully sealed and the completed composite repairs passed hardness testing, restoring the integrity of all four pump connections without requiring isolation or replacement of the pipework. The repairs allowed the pumps to remain in service whilst avoiding significant downtime and replacement costs.
