How to Get the Most Out of An Epoxy Stick

When it comes to repairing anything on the metal surface, the metal putty is a popular option, especially in sealing or patching leaks. Metal putty is available in liquid form or in stick form. Before buying, be sure to decide what type you are comfortable using with.

A metal putty epoxy stick is a hand kneadable, fast-setting, steel-reinforced polymer compound that quickly repairs anything made of metal or aluminium. It can also bond to other types of metal, glass, wood, plastics or masonry.

There are hefty of benefits in using an epoxy stick, such as the following:

•    It will not shrink or rust.

•    It has a putty-like consistency that eliminates drips and runs for a "no mess" application.

•    It doesn’t require any tools to use.

•    It dries quickly - allowing you to drill, saw, tape or paint the surface one hour after the application.

Whether you are purchasing metal putty or a thread locker, be sure to choose the right adhesive for the job to ensure a good result. You will usually require a specialty stick tailored for your leak repair job, but you should also do the following things to make the most out of the epoxy stick.

• Clean the surface to ensure good adhesion. Scrape off any rust build up and then wash the surface to remove debris that might affect the adhesion. No matter what type of surface you are repairing; don’t forget to clean it first before applying the adhesive.

• Wear gloves during mixing. When kneading the epoxy stick, it is advisable to wear disposable rubber gloves. They will help keep the putty clean at the same time protect your hands.

• Mix ingredients properly. One secret to getting a good result of using an epoxy stick is mixing the ingredients thoroughly. Make sure the putty achieves a certain uniform colour before applying to the surface.

• Take note of the cure time. Be sure to read the instructions and pay attention to the cure time stated. Remember, waiting too long to use may reduce the efficacy of the epoxy stick and thus will not give you the effect you want.

• Apply pressure on the repaired surface. Clamping a joint or applying pressure on the repair makes the bond stronger. It will assure maximum surface contact so you are ensured the leak is fully sealed.

• Give the repaired part some time before using again. Don’t rush the curing time and be patient. Give it time to fully dry up before returning to service. Some putties continue to strengthen over a few days after the application.

• Save unused epoxy stick. If you didn’t use the whole epoxy stick, protect the unused part carefully. Reseal the package of the epoxy to prevent extra exposure to air. It will help save the stick for future use. Exposure to air will affect the quality of the epoxy stick making it less effective.

• Design the repair. One great benefit of using the epoxy stick is that it can be shaped, drilled, sanded, and painted to give you the appearance you want to achieve. This will help hide the fact that the portion has been repaired using an epoxy stick.

Undeniably, having different types of metal repair products like the metal putty and threadlocker is beneficial to everyone, especially to people who prefer to perform do-it-yourself repairs.

4 Helpful Tips in Doing Leak Repair

Broken pipes and water leaks can be a big problem at home, which is why homeowners do a leak repair immediately. The water in supply pipes is under pressure, approximately 50 pounds per square inch, so if pipe leaks, the water sprays out with a considerable force. As an effect, the things surrounding the pipes get wet and if left unrepaired, they will be damaged in the long run.

Spotting a leaking pipe is somewhat easy to do even if it is hidden above the ceiling, under the sink or inside a wall. Once you have found it, the leak should be repaired right away to avoid further damage. Some homeowners will seek the service of a plumber to fix it while others will do a do-it-yourself (DIY) repair.

If you are doing the DIY repair, here are some things you need to know that may help you.

• Prepare for the Worst

If the leaks have been present for quite a while, you need to prepare for the worse scenario. The pipe may be deteriorated already when you find it and must be replaced entirely. Water can cause damage to the pipes when exposed for a long time. There may be rust build-up which causes the pipes to deteriorate or rot. In this case, you may try to salvage the pipes with the use of repair kits available. But the first thing to do is to diagnose the damage. If the job is beyond your capacity and requires a professional plumber, then don’t hesitate to do it. The time spent diagnosing the problem will save you money and time in the long run. Otherwise, if the damage is just small, then you can proceed with the DIY repair.

• Check Properly the Pipe

Once you have uncovered the pipes that leak, be sure to measure the outside diameter of the pipes and determine the type, such as copper, PVC, or steel. You may also take a photo of the pipes so that it will be easier to remember when you buy the needed supplies. Visit your local plumbing store and seek assistance in picking the right repair fittings. If you can’t remember the names of the fittings, show the photo you have taken to the sale person. Do you require pipe wrap? Or do you need repair putty? A good sales associate will help you find the exact supplies you need to repair the leaks. You’ll also get the instructions on how to use each supply.

• Don't Blow a Gasket Rather Replace It

Did you notice water dripping from the shower spout? The usual cause of this is either a defective washer or a defective seat within the body. It should be easy to repair as long as you have the valves to isolate the water in that area. Isolating the water in the shower area can help make the task easier. Once you have bought a gasket, disassemble the handles and take out the stem where the washer is situated, then replace the gasket, reinstall and observe it to determine if will still be a leak.

• Crowded Sink Leads to Leak

After repairing the leaks, you should perform things that can prevent the pipes from leaking again. Did you know that stuffed kitchen sink can easily spring a leak? When you add many bottles and other household products under the sink, they will be in contact with the pipes and it will difficult to detect if there are leaks. So, you may want to inspect the area more often to check for drips. You may also buy a corrosion protection to save your pipes from possible corrosion.

Composite Repair Systems

Composite repair systems using composite wrap remain a constant repair option for industries requiring the repair and rehabilitation of piping systems. Various techniques and testing methods, which have the ability to handle different critical conditions onsite, are being developed in order to meet the demands of the industry. Composite wrap materials are recognized as a reliable and effective means of repairing corrosion damage, mitigating corrosion concerns and keeping critical piping systems in production.

Fundamentals of composite repair systems using composite wrap

While operating pressure is not always high, the chemicals and the elevated temperatures of some piping processes accelerate internal and external corrosion. In most cases, wall loss is severe and in many cases, it has become a safety hazard or is leaking. Through wall defects or complete wall loss and pinhole leaking is a regular occurrence within many facilities.

In order to repair these types of defects, a composite repair system must meet the minimum requirements and perform at the expected level under extreme conditions. Whilst numerous composite wrap materials are available on the market, there are few that have the testing and capability to perform at the elevated temperatures that may be experienced.

Types of composite repair systems

Layered systems and wet lay-up systems are general types of pipe repair systems used for composite repair. SealXpert^TM Wrap Seal PLUS^TM Fibreglass Wrap employs a fibreglass system that provides strength and stiffness, a resin matrix that is used to transfer the load between fibres. The wet lay-up system involves pre-impregnated fibreglass cloth that is activated in the flied by water.

An advantage composite repair system is that the cure state tends to be monolithic and can be used to cover a range of geometries, including tees, elbows, bends and even valves. When designing a repair system using composite wrap materials, engineers must consider both strength and stiffness. From a composite standpoint, strength relates to the tensile strength of a particular system, while stiffness relates to elastic modulus. For most conventional repair systems, there is a direct correlation.

For example, a uniaxial Fibreglass system will typically have an elastic modulus order of 5 x 10⁶ psi to 6 x 10⁶ psi. The strain to failure for E-glass is on the order of 2%. Therefore, one can conclude that typical failure stresses for uniaxial E-glass systems are between 100 ksi and 120 ksi.

Benefit of Composite Repair for Pipe and Tank Leaks Using Composite Wrap:

• Customized solution for through wall defects for pipes and tank walls
• Compliant installed by trained and certified applicators
• Engineering Calculation Report and Method of Statement for each repair
• ISO24817 and ASME PCC2 standards
• Provide excellent strength, bonding and chemical resistance
• Warranty for 20 years

Repair procedure using Composite Wrap for Pipe and Tank Leaks:

Benefit of Composite Repair for Pipeline Reinforcement Using Composite Wrap:

• Customized solution for thin wall defects for pipes and tank walls
• Compliant installed by trained and certified applicators
• Suitable for wall loss up to 80%
• Engineering Calculation Report and Method of Statement for each repair
• ISO24817 and ASME PCC2 standards
• Provide excellent strength, corrosion and chemical resistance
• Warranty for 20 years

Repair procedure using Composite Wrap for Pipeline Reinforcement:

Basic Pipe Reinforcement

Pipelines form the basis for the fluid transportation in all industries, starting from drinking water to corrosive, toxic and hazardous chemicals and gases. As pipeline deteriorates due to corrosion, erosion, etc., the pipe wall thickness will be reduced. Pipe corrosion put the owner at stake and pipe reinforcement system becomes critical and necessary when the pipelines carry complex chemicals that are flammable, corrosive or toxic.

Extreme conditions or high risk working scenarios can cause pipelines to experience damage and deterioration, which includes corrosion, external damage in the form of dents, leaks and the like. The costs for repairing/maintenance of pipelines would shoot up heavily if the pipeline needed to be shut down for such pipe repair operations. It is the greatest technical challenge for any industry to source for a cost-effective solution without any compromise in technology.

At SealXpert Products, we offer a range of proven maintenance and repair solutions in accordance to ISO 24817 and ASME PCC2 standards for pipe corrosion repair that are unique in pipeline services, minimizing or eliminating the need for total pipeline downtime.

Pipeline reinforcement of Crude Oil Pipeline

Some 6000 metres of an 8 inch crude oil transportation pipeline was severely corroded. The pipeline has been in operation for 30 years and needs to be repaired and rehabilitated regularly to ensure its integrity and prolong its service life under the design operating pressure of 350psig. The Wrap Seal PLUS corrosion repair and pipeline reinforcement system was used for the pipeline rehabilitation in this project after which fiberglass repair tapes were applied to reinforce the pipe wall thickness. This rehabilitation project was completed successfully in three months.

The pipe was surface prep via cold works to the required standards of at least ST3 and surface roughness of 80 microns. Next, Wrap Seal PLUS™ standard resin and activator was applied onto the pipe surface as a stop the corrosion. This is uniquely designed as a corrosion protection system for pipelines, vessels and storage tanks. It acts as a corrosion barrier, remediates and reinforces pipes and tanks. Finally, the pipeline reinforcement for the repair location was finally carried out with the wrapping of Wrap Seal PLUS fiberglass repair tape, in accordance to ASME PCC 2 standards and ISO 24817.

Repair procedure using Composite Wrap for Pipeline Reinforcement:

How to Fix Water Pipe Leaks & Problems

Water leaks and broken pipes can be a big problem for any homeowner. Because water in supply pipes is under pressure (normally about 50 pounds per square inch), if a pipe or fitting springs a leak, the water usually sprays out with considerable force. Because of this pressure, it’s usually pretty obvious if a pipe is leaking—even if the pipe is inside a wall or above a ceiling.

Most modern home water supply pipes are copper, soldered together with elbows, tees, and other fittings. Threaded galvanized iron pipes are also common, particularly in older homes, but are being phased out because they tend to get clogged by mineral deposits over time.

If water is staining the ceiling or dripping, the leak may be directly above, although water can travel along a joist or other interior framing member and stain a wall or ceiling some distance from the leak itself. If there are no stains or drips overhead as evidence, grab a flashlight and check the pipes in the basement or crawlspace.

It always helps to have a pipe repair clamp on hand just in case a pipe bursts—especially if you live in a climate where pipes are likely to freeze. You can buy these quick-repair screw-on devices at any home improvement store or online. To fix a leak:

1 Shut off the valve that controls water flow to the damaged pipe

2 Apply a pipe repair clamp according to the package instructions—this usually involves centering a rubber sleeve over the leak in the pipe and then bolting the two-part clamp in place over the sleeve. In a pinch, you can make your own pipe repair clamp by wrapping the burst section of pipe with a strip of rubber (from an inner tube, for example) and then clamping the wrap with an adjustable hose clamp, a pipe-sleeve clamp, or a C-clamp.

3 Note that this is a temporary repair. Call a plumber if you are unable to replace the damaged section of pipe yourself.

Need help in pipe repair or leak repair? Do consult us for more information. We can also help you with composite repair. 

A Guide to Threadlocking Adhesives

Invented more than 2,000 years ago, threaded fasteners are still the most important detachable hardware used in machinery design and assembly. They can be found on practically any mechanical component, frequently holding together very critical parts. With more than 300 billion fasteners being consumed in the U.S. every year in assembly applications from automobiles and aircraft to household appliances, it is crucial that these fasteners provide predictable, uniform performance by staying tight once they are installed.

Despite centuries of improvement, threaded fasteners still fail. Fastener failure results from one of two causes. Tension relaxation is frequently caused by temperature changes, and involves the expansion and contraction of bolts and substrate materials, which reduce bolt tension and clamping force in the assembly. A second cause of fastener failure is self-loosening, which is caused by lateral sliding motion between fastener contact surfaces. While many mechanical methods, such as spring washers, wire retainers and locking bolts, have been developed in an effort to prevent uncontrolled loosening of fasteners, mechanical locking methods add substantial cost to the fastener assembly and cannot prevent the sliding motion that causes self-loosening.

Chemical threadlocking adhesives can inexpensively and permanently prevent threaded fastener failure. Introduced nearly 50 years ago by Loctite Corporation, these single component anaerobic adhesives are unique liquid resins that harden (or cure) to a tough solid when exposed to metal ions in the absence of air. This anaerobic cure mechanism allows the adhesive to flow and evenly settle to fill the grooves of threaded fasteners without curing prematurely. Any excess threadlocker that overflows the threads during application will remain liquid, and therefore can be easily wiped away.

As a liquid threadlocker cures, it forms polymer chains that find their way into every tiny imperfection in the threads. Thread friction increases with the application of threadlockers as a result of the interfacial connections that key to the surface roughness of the metal. The adhesive completely fills the microscopic gaps between interfacing threads to positively lock and seal threaded assemblies, preventing lateral movement and protecting the joint from corrosion that can result from moisture, gasses and fluids. Just a few drops of liquid threadlocker will keep a fastener torqued down in an assembly until the user wants it to come apart. Whereas threadlockers provide 100 percent contact between metal parts, a typical nut and bolt assembly may have as little as 15 percent metal-to-metal contact.

Threadlocking adhesives are highly reliable, low-cost materials that improve torque control, reduce galling and provide lubricity to achieve controlled torque during assembly. Available in different strengths for different applications, threadlockers will hold critical clamp load pressures even in the most severe environments. These adhesives offer high shear strength, good temperature resistance, rapid cure, easy dispensing and good vibration resistance.

Need a thread locker for pipe repair or pipe wrap? Do visit us for more information on choosing the correct thread locker for your threadlocking needs.

5 Features Of A Good Pipe Repair Kit

Are you having trouble finding the best pipe repair kit for your leaky pipes? It’s obviously confusing especially with so many brands and types of repair solutions available in the market. There are several factors you should consider when it comes to choosing the most effective repair kit that can solve your problem.

If you know what to look for, it will be less difficult to decide which one to buy. Here is a list of features that you must look for in a repair kit.

Quick Repair

How long will it take for the product to stop the leak? A good repair solution should be able to seal the leaks in 30 minutes or less - the shorter the better. If the label says it requires more time to solve the issue, you need to look for something else. It’s not worth it.

Invest your money on a repair kit that will demand less application and curing time. You can find repair kit that can be applied in less than 3 minutes and can stop the leak in less than 30 minutes from application. Moreover, heat may be used to decrease the curing time. So you can repair your leaky pipes in less than 30 minutes. How good is that?

Compatible With Many Surfaces

Which type of surface you can use the repair kit? A reliable repair kit should be compatible with various surfaces allowing you to solve varying issues, such as: fix pipe leaks, seal joints, reinforce thinning walls, prevent abrasion and repair underwater pipes.

You must be able to use the kit in different materials, including steel, copper, aluminium, PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), galvanised steel, stainless steel, CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Cast-iron, Concrete and FRP/GRE (Fibre-reinforced plastic/Glass Reinforced Epoxy). If you can use the pipe repair kit in numerous surfaces, it is a good purchase.

Strong Resistance To Certain Chemicals

Picture this out: After a few hours of sealing the leaks and using the pipe again, the repair solution is exhausted and worn out! It means you need to fix the leaks again. This is frustrating right? So, you should look for a repair kit that can resist certain chemicals or liquids. Another notable feature of a good repair kit is its capability to withstand various chemicals such as oil, solvents (acetone, toluene, ethyl alcohol), mild acids (hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid) and alkalis, hydrocarbons, slurries, fuels (petroleum, diesels, gasoline), organic salt, chemical (ethylene glycol, xylenes, ammonia), gases (LNG, LPG) and of course, water (drinking water, wastewater, steam).

Applicable In Different Industries

Most pipe repair solutions are suitable for home usage. You can buy it and use it for do-it-yourself repairs at home. But if you find a repair kit that can be used in several industries, then it might be a better option than a brand that is for home use only. Some leak repair solutions are employed in manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical, marine, industrial processing, petrochemical, irrigation, food processing, and offshore. Being used in these industries could imply that the product can provide dependable performance.

Easy Application

Fixing the pipe leaks should not consume much of your time. Besides, who would want to spend long hours to repair the leakage? This is why you must choose a pipe repair kit that doesn’t require complex application procedures. Some repair kits only demand few steps to solve your problem, such as:

●    Stop the pipe flow
●    Roughen the area to be repaired
●    Apply the solution to the hole, crack or leak
●    Wrap with fibreglass tape
●    Polish the wrap until bubbling stop
●    Repair completed!

With just 5 steps and less than an hour of your time, you can sit back and relax without the need to worry about the leaky pipes, again.