There are many ways to carry out a pipe leak repair using the GoWrap® Kit. Much depends on the urgency, access, size of pipes, location on the pipe, contents within the pipe etc.
Here are six repair options – three with GoPutty® and three without.
GoWrap® Kit Repair Options
Repair Without GoPutty®
There are times when we just need to stop the leak fast. It could be an environmental spill or similar. We are unable to prepare the surface for GoPutty® use but can use a Pressure Buddy® and GoWrap®. There may be times a leak, for example, can only be isolated long enough to apply the appropriate “non-GoPutty®” repair option and still be pressure-wrapped safely and effectively.
FOR BEST RESULTS:
The job can be easier with two people – one either side of the repair for maximum stretch of GoWrap® when wrapping. The greater the stretch the more effective the pressure on the repair. The second person can also locate the Pressure Buddy® correctly over the leak area while the other starts wrapping.
REPAIR THE LEAK FAST
Using GoWrap® and Blue Pressure Buddy®
It may be an environmental spill or similar and preparing the leak surface adequately cannot happen due to circumstances/urgency. The Blue Pressure Buddy® has a smaller surface area allowing for a greater repair pressure. It is important it is located correctly over the hole in the pipe before being stretch-wrapped using the GoWrap®. It’s a good idea to wrap the Buddy and pipe a couple of times and then adjust the position of the Buddy if needed.
NB: The Blue Pressure Buddy® produces considerable downward pressure on the leak area when stretch-wrapped. Certified to 1400kpa.
LARGER REPAIR AREAS, URGENT REPAIRS
Using GoWrap® and Green Pressure Buddy®
The Green Pressure Buddy® has a larger surface area with a slight concave shape and outer protuberance allowing downward pressure on the leak area. As with the Blue Pressure Buddy®, there is an array of circular ribs which act as a last line of defence against the pipe leak. It is important it is located correctly over the hole in the pipe before being stretch-wrapped with the GoWrap®.
NB: The Green Pressure Buddy® has a greater surface area to cover a larger repair area, and therefore a lower pressure rating than the Blue Pressure Buddy®. Certified to 750kpa.
DIFFICULT LEAK AREAS, BENDS, SMALL PIPES, etc.
Using GoWrap® only
Again, where GoPutty® and a Pressure Buddy® cannot be used, the GoWrap® itself can be used to stop the leak. The GoWrap® stretch-wrapped several times around the leak will demonstrate good compressive strength and can be used on pipe bends, tees, flanged pipe ends, etc.
NB: The GoWrap® can withstand temperatures up to 200ºC continuously, and up to 230ºC intermittently.
Repair With GoPutty®
Cut off and mix a small amount of GoPutty® to force into the leak. Use a hard implement if necessary. This prevents the contents of the pipe from continuing to leak out after isolation, so roughening, cleaning, and drying of the leak area can take place before the main application of GoPutty®. It acts as a filler separating the contents of the pipe from the Pressure Buddy® and GoWrap®.
Working (mixing) time for the GoPutty® is two minutes. Mix the two-part GoPutty® until a uniform colour. Push the GoPutty® firmly onto the leak area after preparation of the surface. Coarse emery paper is provided for roughening the surface. It needs to key into the surface for best results. The GoPutty® sets like stone after an hour.
NOTE: The GoPutty® Shear Strength >5516kpa (800lbs) on Steel (1” x 1” x 1/16”) after full cure (ASTM D-1002).
LARGER REPAIR AREAS, LOWER PRESSURE LEAKS
Using GoWrap®, GoPutty® and Green Pressure Buddy®
Mix enough of the GoPutty® to cover the leak area. Centre the Green Buddy over the GoPutty® and leak area and stretch-wrap the GoWrap® around the pipe. The Green Buddy has a slight concave shape with an outer protuberance that aids in pressing the GoPutty® against the leak area when stretch-wrapped using the GoWrap®.
NB: The Green Pressure Buddy® has a greater surface area to cover a larger repair area and therefore a lower pressure rating than the Blue Pressure Buddy®. Certified to 750kpa.
HIGHER PRESSURE LEAKS, SMALLER REPAIR AREAS
Using GoWrap®, GoPutty® and Blue Pressure Buddy®
Mix and firmly place required amount of GoPutty® around the centre of the Pressure Buddy® (as in the photo). This allows the GoPutty® to cure while the Pressure Buddy® takes the full impact of the leak area. Locate the Blue Pressure Buddy® centrally over the leak area and start stretch-wrapping. A cross can be marked to identify the exact position of the leak hole before the Pressure Buddy® with the GoPutty® are placed.
NB: This option allows immediate start-up of the process and gives the GoPutty® time to key to the surface and harden. Certified to 1400kpa.
DIFFICULT LEAK AREAS, BENDS, NARROW PIPES, etc.
Using GoWrap® and GoPutty®
Sometimes a Pressure Buddy® can’t be used because the leak may be on the inside or outside of a pipe bend or hard up against a flanged pipe end, or just a small diameter pipe, for example. However, in this case, time allows for adequate preparation of the pipe leak area for GoPutty® to be used. The pipe flow can be stopped, bypassed or rerouted to give the GoPutty® time to cure.
NB: The GoWrap® will enhance the downward pressure on the leak area forcing the GoPutty® in and around the hole or leak.
