Keeping wastewater treatment plants operating
As Australia’s population increases so does the reliance on wastewater treatment. The role of treatment plants is becoming more important in treating wastewater and producing recycled water, biosolids and biogas. These processes can be disrupted by corroding and deteriorating assets causing lengthy downtime and maintenance. To keep wastewater treatment plants operating efficiently it’s important to install an appropriate protective coating.
Wastewater contains a harmful mixture of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), chemicals, bacteria and other contaminants that can quickly degrade and corrode concrete assets in wastewater treatment plants such as wet wells and tanks.
H2S is absorbed by the concrete surfaces and oxidises, it then becomes sulfuric acid which lowers the pH levels of the concrete, compromising its durability and promoting corrosion.
When corrosion and degradation occur, extended downtime is often needed to perform costly maintenance which can put a strain on the sewerage system.
In order to keep a wastewater treatment plant running smoothly, an appropriate chemical resistant coating should be installed on concrete assets to prevent corrosion and deterioration.
Withstanding the test of time
Hychem’s TL5 epoxy liner was specifically designed to provide long-term fast-turnaround protection of water and wastewater assets, and has been used for over 20 years in Australia’s varied and harsh environments.
Colin Murphy, Product Manager at Hychem, said, “The product holds up well to the rigours of a harsh chemical environment, and can last the distance. We have clients who have reported minimal change to the lining they had installed 15-20 years ago.
“Water authorities can be assured that when they choose TL5 to coat their asset, they are choosing a product that will last well into the future.”
TL5 has a number of benefits including rapid turnaround time, good moisture tolerance and avoidance of intercoat adhesion, all of which save time and money.
It can be applied with a coverage in excess of 6mm in one application using a wet-on-wet spray technique, or it can be trowelled where spray application is unsuitable. Not only can it be installed on new concrete to prevent acid corrosion, it can also be installed on damaged concrete to halt corrosion damage.
TL5 is approved by SA Water and is also compliant with the requirements of Sydney Water Standard Specification 204.
A quick turnaround
Hychem also manufactures under licence GeoCast with Reliner MSP which is used for relining water and wastewater assets, and is specifically designed for horizontal, vertical and overhead surface repairs. It is suitable for a range of wastewater applications, including grit chambers, manholes, pipes, pump stations, tanks and wet wells.
GeoCast with Reliner MSP is made up of a blend of polymer modified mortar, a dry microsilica powder, polypropylene fibre and other selective admixtures. It has demonstrated over 20 years of proven successful installations in the US and has a design life of over 50 years.
“GeoCast with Reliner MSP is designed for quick turnaround with an initial curing time of 4.5 hours, and the asset can return to service within 18 hours. Accelerators can also be used to speed up this process,” Mr Murphy said.
“We also offer a range of Velosit rapid cure mortars for the water industry, including WP 120 and RM 204. WP 120 is a highly flexible polymer modified cementitious waterproofing slurry for concrete and masonry, and is a good substrate for coatings and overlays. With its quick curing time, and crack bridging and abrasion resistant properties, it’s a great option for water and wastewater infrastructure such as treatment plants.
“We understand how important it is to protect your assets and keep them functioning at peak capability for as long as possible. At Hychem we can assist you in making sure you select the right product for the environment to ensure the best and long lasting results.”
For more information contact Hychem on (02) 4646 1660.