In the next couple of weeks, we will be applying HydraWrap to the exterior of two vertical digester pipes for a public works department in Wisconsin. These pipes are 27.5” in diameter and each has an 18-foot-long section that has begun corroding. Our carbon fiber fabric and epoxy system were chosen to restore this aging system and provide a barrier against future corrosion.

Today, we discussed all the details of the project and Mike Fox demonstrated the proper application of this structural repair. Every project is unique and this was a good opportunity to iron out details such as exactly where each wrap should terminate on the digester pipes. Our field crew has a lot of experience with fabric and epoxy systems, but frequently reviewing how our products work, ensures that our crew is a well-oiled machine and each member is confident in their abilities.

We reviewed each step of the application. Starting with grit blasting, we were able to achieve a clean but textured surface on a corroded test pipe. Mike stressed that extra caution be taken at points in the digester pipe that may have greater wall loss. We then verbally ran through how to mix and apply primer. Mike then explained that the entire repair area must have a minimum of two layers of fabric. Then crew members mixed the wet out epoxy and saturated the carbon fiber fabric. This fabric was then slowly applied to another test pipe, ensuring no bubbles or wrinkles compromised the repair.

I’m glad HydraTech puts so much emphasis on training and retraining its crew members. It makes sure we are ready for anything on each job site.