A chroming factory in Argentina use SylWrap Pipe Repair Bandage cut into patches to provide additional sealing security and reinforce new corners welded in place during the repair of a corroded chromic acid tank.

Case Study Overview

Site Chroming factory
Location Argentina
Repair Type Tank repair & reinforcement
Products SylWrap Pipe Repair Bandage

Tank Defect

The iron tank held chromic acid used during the re-chroming process of piston parts for oil extraction pumps. It was 10 metres long, 1.5 metres deep and 1.5 metres wide.

After a long time in service, the tank was suffering from corrosion with particularly heavy damage to all four corners. When the factory decided to repair and refurbish the tank, welded reinforcements were installed to the inside corners.

Not wanting to risk the possibility of there being leaks in the welding which could cause a future escape of chromic acid, the factory sought a means to further reinforce the welds for additional sealing security.

SylWrap Solution

SylWrap Pipe Repair Bandage was used for the reinforcement, albeit with a different application method to usual. Normally, the resin is activated and the bandage wrapped around the pipe or structure requiring repair.

Wrapping was obviously not possible to the inside of the tank. Instead, the factory unwound SylWrap Bandages and cut them into patches, making sure not to contaminate the bandage with dirt or grime.

These patches of SylWrap Bandage were activated with water. They were then pressed and smoothed as tightly as possible up the entire length of the 1.5 metre long welded reinforcement in all four corners of the tank.

Within 10 minutes, SylWrap Bandage had cured. Each corner was encompassed with a rock hard shield covering any gaps and holes which may have otherwise been left exposed, creating a watertight seal between the welds and the existing frame of the tank.

Outcome

Whilst SylWrap Bandages offers good resistance against chemicals including sulphuric acid (a stronger concentration than chromic), the factory added an acid-resistant PVC covering as a final stage of protection for the entire tank.

The acid tank was put back into operation after the tank repair with all four corners now fully reinforced, sealed and protected from corrosion and attack.

Follow Up

Several months later and the chromic acid tank remained in excellent working order. The factory have taken further stock of SylWrap Bandage for the protection of equipment and parts on-site.

Sylmasta have since recommended similar repair methods involving the cutting of SylWrap Bandage into patches to other clients in refurbishment and reinforcement applications where wrapping is not possible.

Products Used

SylWrap Pipe Repair Bandage
Water-activated wrap sets rock hard to reinforce, protect and strengthen structures

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