An Emergency Repair For A Power Plant

An Emergency Repair For A Power Plant

Market

Power & Utilities

Challenge

A power plant’s pump station in Texas discovered its 132″ pipeline had become compromised. A leak was found at a single joint and a repair was needed that could be implemented quickly, minimizing downtime.

A retaining band sitting in a pipe
looking down on a ladder that allow entry to a pipe
A ladder allowing entry to a pipe
A compromised pipe joint
A long run of pipe
A compromised pipe joint
A retaining band sitting in a pipe
A retaining band sitting in a pipe

Engineered Solution

A single extra-wide HydraTite Internal Pipe Joints Seal with three retaining bands and a test valve was the chosen targeted and trenchless repair.

Scope

The power plant personnel ensured that once our four-man crew arrived, the pipeline was out of service and the joint was fully preparedfor installation. Once on-site, our crew positioned the rubber over the joint, placed the retaining bands over the rubber, and expanded them with the hydraulic expander. The pressure was dispersed by tapping the retaining bands and when the correct pressure was reached, wedges were inserted into the retaining bands, locking them in place. Finally, the test valve was opened and air was pumped behind the rubber. A soapy water solution was sprayed on the outer edge of the entire seal and inspected for bubbles that would indicate escaping air. The seal passed the air test and the valve was closed. The whole process was completed in a single workday.

HydraTite being installed by two technicians in a large-diameter pipe to seal a joint
A technician pumping a hydraulic expander to install a HydraTite Internal Pipe Joint Seal over a joint in a pipe
A technician installing HydraTite in a large diameter pipe
HydraTite being installed by two technicians in a large-diameter pipe to seal a joint
A technician pumping a hydraulic expander to install a HydraTite Internal Pipe Joint Seal over a joint in a pipe
A technician installing HydraTite in a large diameter pipe

Solution

HydraTite eliminated the leak efficiently and within a short window of downtime provided by the power plant. The project was such a success the power plant called us back to repair another pipeline the next year.

Sister Project At The Same Location

HydraTite sealing a joint from the inside
An air pump being used to test a HydraTite seal installation
HydraTite installed over a joint with three retaining bands
HydraTite installed over a joint with three retaining bands
An air pump being used to test a HydraTite seal installation
HydraTite installed over a joint with three retaining bands

Sister Project At The Same Location

HydraTite sealing a joint from the inside