Rehabilitating Four Risers In A Cooling Water System

Rehabilitating Four Risers In A Cooling Water System

Market

Hydroelectric Plant

Challenge

Four risers that were part of a cooling water system at a power plant were showing signs of aging. Two were supply lines and two were return lines. There was extensive exterior corrosion and interior damage that was a result of frequent temperature changes. These risers were 72” in diameter and the damage was at the soil-to-air transition where the steel pipe met the bar-wrapped concrete pipe. The facility knew they needed to take action quickly when a leak was discovered.

A rusty old riser at a power plant
Many rolls of HydraWrap fabric
An active leak in a riser at a hydroelectric power
Interior surface of a riser at a hydroelectric power plant

Engineered Solution

HydraWrap was chosen as it offers a structural repair that protects against corrosion. HydraLine was selected to be applied prior to the HydraWrap to address the divots in the surface.

Scope

The exterior was to be repaired on all four risers and two of the risers were to be repaired internally. First, the surface was grit blasted and pressure washed. Then a rust inhibitor was applied. Next, polyethylene fibers were added to HydraLine to thicken the epoxy into a malleable paste. This was then molded into the surface to restore the contour of the pipe. HydraWrap fabric was then saturated with epoxy. Eight layers were applied to the interior repairs and four layers were applied to the exterior repairs. Finally, the exterior received a weatherproof coating. The entire installation process only took four days.

A rusty old riser at a power plant
An inside view of a riser that has signs of aging
An old riser being repaired
A portion of a riser that has had its surface ground clean

Solution

HydraLine provided a smooth uniform surface so that HydraWrap could properly be applied and bring new life to this aging system. These four risers have no leaks, new strength, and a layer of protection against corrosion. The process was less expensive and more time efficient than replacement.

HydraWrap applied to the interior of a riser at a hydroelectric power plant riser
HydraWrap applied to the exterior of a riser at a hydroelectric power plant
HydraWrap applied to the exterior of a riser at a hydroelectric power plant
Old risers that have been repaired with carbon fiber fabric composite system and epoxy topcoat