Engineers from Planned Maintenance
(Pennine) Limited (PMP) have successfully repaired a leaking joint
in a sewer pipe bridge using AMEX®-10-Seals. The pipe bridge
carries sewerage over the River Darwen, at Pleasington, in Lancashire.
A leak would cause a serious pollution risk to the environment and
so immediate attention was required. The pipe bridge carries a box
culvert, the geometry of which meant that this repair was the first
time that PMP had used AMEX®-10-Seals on non-circular pipes.
The location of the leak meant that internal access was difficult
but PMP engineers were able to successfully access and repair the
joint with a minimum of disruption. The restricted access also determined
the type of seal used. AMEX®-10-Seals have a verified, guaranteed
lifetime of over 50 years and so once the joint was repaired further
access should not be required.
Balfour Beatty’s prior experience of PMP’s work, coupled
with recommendations, prompted their involvement. Site agent Michael
Bolton commented: ‘The location was very awkward for any form
of repair but this system appears to be quite favourable. As such
we are considering PMP for further projects.’
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 uses of chemical adhesives
and their associated hazards. The seal is able to accommodate substantial
joint movement and is abrasion resistant. They can be fitted to
all pipe sizes, where man access is achievable, without the costs
of trenching and associated services.
