Case Histories

PMP repair steel pumping main in Northern Ireland

PMP have used their proven AMEX®-10-Seal system to successfully repair a major leak in a pumping main for The Water Service in Northern Ireland. The leak in the 1 m-diameter steel pipe, working at about 6 bar, was so severe that, upon arrival, PMP engineers were confronted by the sight of water bubbling up through the ground. The repair to the leak, in Drumaroad, Ballynahinch, required that the pipeline be closed for one day to allow the engineers access to fit the seals. A total of four, 995 mm-diameter seals were fitted, each 500 mm wide.

The AMEX®-10-Seal is a low profile mechanical seal for internal repair of leaking pipe joints. A robust section of rubber that spans the joint is fitted using hydraulic expansion of stainless steel compression rings, thus eliminating the use of chemical adhesives and their associated hazards. The seal is able to accommodate substantial joint movement and provides abrasion resistance. Each seal has an independently verified life expectancy of more than 50 years.

The Water Service, an Executive Agency within the Department for Regional Development providing water and sewerage services to over 730, 000 customers throughout the province, called PMP to repair the leak based on the quality of previous work that PMP had undertaken for them. Additionally, the AMEX®-10-Seal system was the least invasive method of repair available. AMEX®-10-Seals can be fitted to all pipe sizes, where man access is achievable. By completing all repairs internally, trenching and service costs are avoided.

Tony Budde (from The Water Service) commented: ‘We needed a failsafe repair and PMP are second to none. The quality is first class.’ Mr Budde added that, should it be necessary, The Water Service would definitely use PMP again.