Case Study: Pump Output Pipe Repair at Nuclear Power Plant

UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS specialises in providing advanced repair solutions for critical infrastructure. This case study highlights the successful repair and protection of pump output pipes at a nuclear power plant using our UPS 200 EG CERAMIC REPAIR PASTE and UPS 205 FG FLUID GRADE CERAMIC.

At a nuclear power plant, the pump output pipes had suffered significant abrasion and corrosion damage over time. This deterioration posed a serious risk to the integrity of the pipes, which are critical for the plant’s operation. Immediate repair and protection were essential to prevent further damage and ensure the continued safe operation of the facility.

‍

The main challenge was to effectively repair the eroded and pitted areas of the pump output pipes and apply a protective coating that would offer long-term resistance to further abrasion and corrosion. The solution needed to be durable and suitable for the demanding environment of a nuclear power plant.

Unique Polymer Systems provided a comprehensive solution using our UPS 200 EG Ceramic Repair Paste and UPS 205 FG Fluid Grade Ceramic. The repair process involved the following steps:

‍

Surface Preparation

- All internal surfaces of the pipes were prepared by abrasive blasting to ISO 8501/4 SA2.5(SSPC SP10 / NACE 2) with a minimum angular blast profile of 75 microns. This preparation ensured a clean and appropriately roughened surface for optimal adhesion of the repair materials.

- The blast surfaces were then cleaned and degreased using UPS 9918 MEK Cleaner to remove any contaminants before the repair process.

Application of UPS 200 EG CERAMIC REPAIR PASTE

- UPS 200 EG was applied to rebuild eroded areas and repair pitting. This step restored the structural integrity of the pipes, filling in the areas that had suffered the most damage.

Application of UPS 205 FG FLUID GRADE CERAMIC

- The entire internal surface of the pipes was coated with two layers of UPS 205 FG. The first coat, applied at 400 microns, was in grey, followed by a second coat in blue at 400 microns. This dual coating not only provided a robust protective layer but also made it easier to visually inspect the application for complete coverage.

The repair process successfully restored the pump output pipes to their original condition, providing them with a durable protective coating. The application of UPS 205 FG FLUID GRADE CERAMIC ensured long-term resistance to abrasion and corrosion, extending the service life of the pipes and maintaining the safety and efficiency of the nuclear power plant.

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of UNIQUE POLYMER SYSTEMS' repair and protection solutions in critical applications such as nuclear power plants. Our advanced materials and thorough application process provided a durable solution that will protect the pump output pipes for years to come.