I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
(OP)
I am a consultant and I am providing engineering / material science services for my client who is in need of sealing a water leak in a forestry piping system. The system pumps clean and filtered water from a lake. In an unpressurized section of PVC pipe (outside / exterior location), a leak has developed. I can either remove the pipe sections, break apart the concrete footings and supports, then re-install a new section of pipe and valves - VERY EXPENSIVE !!! Or, I can inject a sealant into the pipe from an opening above, which would (hopefully) seal the water leak for good.
I am looking for a sealant (or adhesive) which I can inject down into the pipe section (about 6 inches down) which would cure underwater to positively seal the low pressure water leak. The water temp. in the summer is around 70 deg. F. The water temp. in the winter is above 40 deg. F. I'm trying to figure out the best method of injecting this sealant. My first impulse is to pour the sealant into a metal cylinder (like a grease gun), then inject the sealant (using an air compressor) to force the sealant to it's desired location.
QUESTION: WHAT TYPE OF SEALANT CAN I USE ??? WHAT TYPES OF SEALANTS WOULD CURE UNDERWATER ? WHERE WOULD I PURCHASE THIS SEALANT ? DO YOU KNOW OF ANY COMPANIES THAT CAN HELP ME OUT ?
Thank you
George Kremer - Jet Edge Consultants
I am looking for a sealant (or adhesive) which I can inject down into the pipe section (about 6 inches down) which would cure underwater to positively seal the low pressure water leak. The water temp. in the summer is around 70 deg. F. The water temp. in the winter is above 40 deg. F. I'm trying to figure out the best method of injecting this sealant. My first impulse is to pour the sealant into a metal cylinder (like a grease gun), then inject the sealant (using an air compressor) to force the sealant to it's desired location.
QUESTION: WHAT TYPE OF SEALANT CAN I USE ??? WHAT TYPES OF SEALANTS WOULD CURE UNDERWATER ? WHERE WOULD I PURCHASE THIS SEALANT ? DO YOU KNOW OF ANY COMPANIES THAT CAN HELP ME OUT ?
Thank you
George Kremer - Jet Edge Consultants





RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
There are epoxies that will cure under water, but in order to get them to stick to PVC, you need to first apply some PCV solvent. Even then, I'm not sure that you'll get the best bond. You can contact the Gougeon Brothers, the makers of West Systems Epoxies. They are very helpful and knowledgible.
3M also makes sealants for boats and of course are VERY knowledgible. I can't remember if it's Polysulphide or Polyurephane (probably polysulphide) that NEEDS water to cure. I believe that the product names are 4200 and 5200. A 3M representitive can probably help you.
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
A few words of caution..
I have been sealing fuel leaks on acft for Years... and never had much success when the problem is poorly-defined...
It sounds like You have not defined the mnature of Your pipe leak: is it a break, a crack, a hole, a loose fitting... etc?? If You don't know is that OK???
If injecting sealant under pressure, be very cautious: excess sealant could enter and plug the pipe You are trying to fix... especially if it is not sticking to the pipe. Pressure injection has to be controled.... other-wise the sealant could go any/every-where! At best, I sense that You may end-up with a temp repair.
Is pipe imbedded in the Concrete footing? If not, perhaps it could be extracted and replaced without damaging the footing. If it is, Does it HAVE to go under/thru the concret footing? If NOT, perhaps plugging the old system and then routing new plumbing around the footing [in an more accessible "way"] would be a wiser "fix".
Regards, Wil Taylor
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
I hope you've found this information helpful.
Miranda
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
I hope that I've helped,
John
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
For fast set, we have our Prime Flex 920 which is a Hydrophobic rigid foam material. We also have a slower set, yet very successful sealant Prime Flex 900 which is a Hydrophilic flexible foam sealant used for pipes and joints.
More information and case studies (including an aquarium project can be found at our website: www.primeresins.com
Julie Craig-Merced
Corporate Technical Services Engineer
Prime Resins, Inc.
2381 Rockaway Industrial Blvd.
Conyers, GA 30012
Phone: (770) 388-0626
Fax: (770) 388-0936
www.primeresins.com
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
In answer to your simplest question, I'd recommend a polysulfide type sealant. PRC-Desoto International markets several of these, and their 2701, I am told can cure underwater.
Best regards
Tom
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
Silicone
Urethane
Epoxy
Feel free to discuss other types also...
The application is not exposed to sun - but is exposed to water, ice and hot and cold outdoor air.
RE: I need a sealant that will cure underwater.
Godd luck!
Alex Shaikevitch, Performance Friction Co.