Alternatives to re-brazing a Copper to Copper Joint.

[Grizzly]

Hi Guys!
Has anyone come up with an alternative permanent repair other than re-brazing to a weeping copper joint?

We have a 1 5/8" copper to copper vertical joint on Glycol, which is at around 3 bar normally.
Because said joint is within the Ceiling insulation above a cooler.
"We" are very concerned about the potential fire risk and cutting the joint out and reconnecting
2 joints either side of the insulation panel, is still risky!
Plus would involve a Production Area shutdown.
The customer has allowed us to investigate a more non invasive repair.

I was wondering whether there are any systems that anyone is familiar with that may be an alternative means of repair ?
Such as say, clamping or resin bonding?
Access around the joint is good, just close to flammable polystyrene!

If a solution is found it will save a huge amount of grief!
PS We inherited said leak!
It wasn't me Gov Honest!
Grizzly

[jonjon]

Blu tack ?

[install monkey]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amalgamating-Stopping-Pipework-Carrying-Liquids/dp/B004GKSSF4
wrap whilst tensioned- then a bit of insulation tape to secure- or
http://www.flexseal.co.uk/products/plumbing-range
power wrap or jubilee clip securing a rubber puncture repair bandage/thin rubber

[The Viking]

Used THESE (http://www.teekaycouplings.com/products/p21repaircouplin.html) a couple of times in the past on CW circuits. Never intentionally for any permanent repairs but on one system the customer didn't want the production stop associated with a proper repair and the clamp was left on the leak for a good five years...

:cool:

[Tayters]

Don't know the name of the stuff but RS Components used to advertise on their counter a type of self amalgamating tape which was super duper. Red stuff that when you stretched it, the molecules did something and was good up to 120psi. Showed a video of it being used to fix a mains water leak whilst still belting out.

Not used it myself, still got a roll of Gaffa tape to use up first.

Cheers,
Andy.

[install monkey]

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/adhesives-sealants-tapes/tapes/self-amalgamating-tapes/

Don't know the name of the stuff but RS Components used to advertise on their counter a type of self amalgamating tape which was super duper. Red stuff that when you stretched it, the molecules did something and was good up to 120psi. Showed a video of it being used to fix a mains water leak whilst still belting out.

Not used it myself, still got a roll of Gaffa tape to use up first.

Cheers,
Andy.

[monkey spanners]

Reflock?

http://www.reflok.com/

Or funnel and tank pump...

[Brian_UK]

Admittedly these are from the States but give an idea of what can be available, maybe try somewhere like Pipe Centre.

Www.topazinc.com

Click on mechanical pipe repair clamps.

[MikeHolm]

http://www.piperepair.net/products/leak-repair/pipe-wrap/

Used it before. Works well

[hookster]

Easy cut out and replace with geberit mapress copper compression joints. Quick easy and non hot works.

[Grizzly]

Apart from Jonjon who cannot expect so!
I have given rep-points where allowed for everyones helpful advice.
Based upon similar suggestions from above, I am favouring the below option.

http://www.sylmasta.com/acatalog/Pipe_Repair_Products.html?gclid=CIy65uipxrkCFUXKtAodfVcAdg#

This greatly minimises the time and disruption to what is a busy production area.

plus the original joint can be accessed from the roof space above. (So no scaffold or tower required either!)


Hookster, I love the idea of the Mapress system.
But given who is paying and their idea of a masonry drill is a Rawltool and Hammer.

I would think their purchasing that system is a non starter, sadly!
Grizzly

[hookster]

:D
Well if they on a budget, pop down to your local Tesco (other supermarkets available :p) and get a bicycle inner tube. ( I cant condone using Boris Bikes to supply you while in the centre of the smog) Cut into strips and wrap tightly around pipe. Knot ends (granny knots acceptable)
Believe me this will stop more than 3 bar pressure!
£1.20 job done!! excluding Tea, bacon sarny, and fuel.

I actually carry a roll of inner tube in my tool bag all the time saved me on a lot of occasions from condensate drains to under floor etc. Funny arriving back on a site after a few years to see my temporary repair still going strong.

[Grizzly]

:D
Well if they on a budget, pop down to your local Tesco (other supermarkets available :p) and big up a bicycle inner tube. Cut into strips and wrap tightly around pipe. Knot ends (granny knots acceptable)
Believe me this will stop more than 3 bar pressure!
£1.20 job done!! excluding Tea, bacon sarny, and fuel.


Hi Hookster!
I don't know when you last bought an inner-tube, they are a lot more than £1.20.
Even when bought through my son who is assistant manager of a cycle store!
He swore that he was never going to follow me into engineering, as he did not intend to have to work like we do!
I guess He though being a qualified cycle mechanic was cleaner?
:off topic:
You must of had a good day!
Grizzly

[hookster]

£4.00
£7.00 with delivery

Ouch you right!!
cheers
Grizzly

[jonjon]

:eek:
QUOTE=Grizzly;285524]Apart from Jonjon who cannot expect so!
I have given rep-points where allowed for everyones helpful advice.
Based upon similar suggestions from above, I am favouring the below option.

http://www.sylmasta.com/acatalog/Pipe_Repair_Products.html?gclid=CIy65uipxrkCFUXKtAodfVcAdg#

This greatly minimises the time and disruption to what is a busy production area.

plus the original joint can be accessed from the roof space above. (So no scaffold or tower required either!)


Hookster, I love the idea of the Mapress system.
But given who is paying and their idea of a masonry drill is a Rawltool and Hammer.

I would think their purchasing that system is a non starter, sadly!
Grizzly[/QUOTE]


Be surprised what blu tack will do !