BELZONA STOPS LEAK IN A HYDROPOWER PLANT
Industry: Power (POWR)
Application: TCC-Tanks and Chemical Containment Areas (TCC)
Substrate: Steel
Customer Location: Hydropower Plant, S.E. Washington, USA
Application Date: February 2015
Problem: Weld failure at the bottom of the reservoir resulting in an active oil leak, creating a hazard as well as potential ecological contamination.
Photograph Descriptions
- Inside the powerhouse.
- Inside the turbine housing.
- Active leak.
- Completed application.
Application Situation
Oil sump reservoir in the bottom of a turbine in a hydro dam.
Application Method
The existing paint had already been removed to identify the source of the leak. The surrounding surface was properly cleaned and roughened by hand with emery paper. Located at the bottom of a 3' tall reservoir, there was gravitational pressure resulting in a low pressure, slow leak. Using Belzona 1212, an oil tolerant, fast curing material, a small steel plate was bonded over the leak. A second plate was also bonded in a second layer over the repair location to ensure success.
Belzona Facts
Due to the location, the alternative options were to either 1) wait until there was to be a major overhaul of the turbine that required the entire unit be removed or 2) pump the reservoir empty, purge the reservoir to remove flammability and secure a hot work permit to repair by welding. With Belzona 1212, approximately $50.00 USD was invested for materials, thus providing a safe and cost-effective solution.
