Sealing the Source

Grouts and other sealing systems for manholes help municipal utility managers cut off clear-water inflow and infiltration at an important source

Manholes are an important source of I&I, and municipal managers increasingly recognize the need to plug leaks in manhole chimneys and other potential weak spots. Here is a look at some of the chemical sealants and other sealing systems available from industry manufacturers.

 

Application nozzle

The SPN Series rotary nozzle from RFI Construction Products is a high-speed device for applying grouts, mortars and epoxies to circular surfaces such as pipes, pipe fittings, manholes and shafts. Four-inch to 120-inch inside diameter lining is possible in thicknesses from 0.25 to 4 inches. The rotary head is powered by an integral air motor. 631/752-8899; www.rficonstructionproducts.com.

 

Polyurethane resin

AV-202 Multigrout LV from Avanti International is a moisture-activated, MDI/ TDI-blended polyurethane injection resin. Designed for sealing active and potential water leaks in cracks or joints in concrete structures, it can absorb up to 10 times its weight in water. It is low in viscosity to permeate well into the crack or joint, and it cures to form a resilient and flexible yet tough closed-cell foam. 800/877-2570; www.avantigrout.com.

 

Near-frictionless veneer

Blue-Tek/AR3 liner from Reline America Inc. uses various technical fabrics to create a liner with both strength and a near-frictionless veneer for improved wastewater flow and abrasion resistance. It is available in lengths up to 1,000 feet and can be manufactured to fit any diameter from 6 inches to 24 inches. It will soon be available up to 48 inches. 866/998-0808; www.relineamerica.com.

 

Mainline joint/lateral sealing

Truck-mounted grout rehabilitation systems by CUES Inc. are available for mainline joint/lateral sealing and can be equipped with the latest CCTV equipment for TV inspection. Applications include joint testing and sealing of mainline and lateral joints, manholes, junction boxes, large-diameter pipes, or any other low-pressure waterproofing applications. All systems can be configured to run urethane, acrylimide and acrylate grouts. Dry freight box (for export) and trailer-mounted systems are also available. 800/327-7791; www.cuesinc.com.

 

No torch or primer

Boa-Tape infiltration sealing tape from Pipeline Seal & Insulator Inc. requires no torch and no primer. The pressure-sensitive woven polypropylene tape seals concrete, steel and polyethylene structures. Designed to seal concrete joints against groundwater infiltration, the 50 mil elastomeric adhesive, combined with 15 mils of a woven polypropylene, makes the tape extra sticky for a strong grip. The tape sealing system also can be applied to pipe structures to control corrosion. 800/423-2410; www.pipelineseal.com.

 

Silence covers

The RAP-O manhole cover cushion from Municipal Services Inc. is a soft, pliable round cord impregnated with asphalt designed to silence noisy manhole covers and reduce wear in manhole covers and seats. The product also reduces infiltration from groundwater. 508/ 842-8901; www.rap-o.biz.

 

Wet and dry surfaces

The Manhole Rehabilitation Kit from Infrastructure Repair Systems can be applied to wet or dry surfaces by brush or trowel. The three-part kit reconditions the manhole surface by creating a waterproof, high-strength, corrosion-resistant, impermeable structural bond with the internal substrate. The kit comes with a water-borne epoxy primer that can be applied with a garden sprayer after the manhole is cleaned. Next is an InfraGard two-part epoxy topcoat that goes on wet or dry and stops infiltration or exfiltration. That is followed by Chim Coat flexible two-part epoxy chimney coating that expands and contracts with changing temperatures and traffic loads. 877/327-4216; www.irsi.net.

 

Stops corrosion

Con Shield from Con-Shield Technologies is an additive for concrete that stops the corrosion from hydrogen sulfide. There is no loss of effectiveness over time because the product is molecularly bonded to each cement particle. The product has a 100-year design life. 877/ 543-2094; www.conshield.com.

 

Built-in piston retention

B Series 50 ml cartridges from Sulzer Mixpac USA offer an innovative interface for the mixer and pre-assembled, built-in piston retention. The cartridges have a rectangular back that fits the industry standard for dispensers. They are available in 50 ml, fully assembled, 1:1 and 2:1 ratio polypropylene cartridges. Other features include a removable cap, stronger attachment flange, and separated outlets to minimize cross-contamination. 603/893-2727; www.sulzermixpacusa.com.

 

Sealing lateral cutouts

Test and Seal Packers by Logiball Inc. are for mainline joints, lateral connections and private laterals. The lateral packers are also used to stop infiltration at lateral cutouts after lining processes. 800/246-5988; www.logiball.com.

 

Watertight and flexible

Prime Flex EXP from Prime Resins is a highly expansive, watertight, flexible foam. The rapid-foaming polyurethane resin is used to seal actively leaking joints and cracks in concrete structures. Available in Quick-Mix cartridges, the dual components are dispensed accurately in 4:1 ratio. One 12-ounce cartridge makes five gallons of foam in 60 seconds. 800/321-7212; www.primeresins.com.

 

Grade adjustment

Cretex PRO-RING from Cretex Specialty Products is a concrete-alternative manhole grade adjustment system. The rings are manufactured from lightweight expanded polypropylene, known for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, stability, durability and chemical resistance. The rings nest together and fit to within one-quarter inch of finished grade. A 6-inch PRO-RING weighs 14 pounds. 800/345-3764; www.cretexseals.com.

 

Multi-layered lining

Spectrashield by Spectrashield Liner Systems is a multi-layered lining system designed to stop infiltration in manholes through the systematic layering of polymer resins. 800/284-2030; www.spectrashield.com.



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