The HydraTite internal joint seal system from Cretex Specialty Products is a mechanical, trenchless remediation for the repair of pipe joints. Made to eliminate infiltration and exfiltration, the system has a rubber seal (EPDM or nitrile) that spans the joint and is held in place by stainless steel retaining bands. Each seal is custom made to ensure compliance with project specifications and is a recognized method of joint repair by AWWA manual M28.
The system can be used in virtually any type of pipe — steel, concrete, clay, plastic — from 18 to 216 inches. “It’s pretty adaptable,” says Pete Tortorici, senior regional sales manager. Seals are available in 11-, 14- and 21-inch widths.
Retaining bands can be supplied as one piece or as multiple pieces and are made from carbon steel, 304 stainless, 316L stainless or AL-6XN. The band thickness varies with the size of the seal. A stainless steel backing plate can be added behind the seal for added support when spanning voids in the pipe wall, such as for remediation of expansion joints, sealing off abandoned laterals, or repairing deteriorated joints.
Depending on the pipe diameter, a seal can be installed in about 40 minutes and can last for the life of the pipe. Able to withstand hydrogen sulfide, the joint seal system offers a cost-effective alternative to sliplining or other trenchless methods for smaller repairs. “With sliplining, there might only be a few joints in a 1,000-foot run that you might need to seal,” Tortorici says.
The joint seal is also an alternative to grouting. “With a manual seal, you put it in there and you forget about it,” Tortorici says. 800/345-3764; www.cretexseals.com.
