Manhole Chimney Seal F-88: Eliminate Costly Infiltration Problems

Ground water infiltration can have a significant effect on the cost of treating sewage in municipal wastewater systems. Infiltration can cause dilution of solids in the sanitary sewer which in turn will decrease efficiency of treatment once the sewage arrives at the treatment plant. Additionally, heavy volume from excessive infiltration problems could cause the plant to exceed capacity. This adds up to increased treatment costs at the plant or a need for larger treatment facilities to accommodate the excessive flow rates.

Wm. Neundorfer & Company has over 40 years of experience providing coatings for sewage treatment systems across Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Western New York. In this article, we discuss how SAUEREISEN Manhole Chimney Seal No F-88 can help reduce ground water infiltration in one part of the collection process, the manhole chimney.

A means to keep operational costs in check, as well as operate within the design capacity of the treatment facility, is to address any target infiltration areas where ground water may be working its way into the collection system. One area where many municipalities see a significant amount of water infiltration is at the manhole chimney. Given the large number of manholes within any community’s collection system, it is easy to see the potential for how leaking manhole chimneys can contribute to large amounts of ground water infiltration into the collection system.

To reduce the issue of infiltration at the manhole chimney, many local municipalities and communities have turned to SAUEREISEN Manhole Chimney Seal F-88 as a solution. Manhole Chimney Seal is an elastomeric, fiber-reinforced, asphalt-modified urethane lining compound.  It is used as a chemical-resistant membrane or gasket seal for the prevention of water infiltration. Manhole Chimney Seal has excellent adhesion to most substrates. As a high solids elastomer, it is recommended when movement from temperature change or other causes will be encountered.  It also maintains excellent elasticity and adhesion over a temperature range of -30 degrees F to 250 degrees F.  Its flexible barrier will resist freeze/thaw stress and movement. Manhole Chimney Seal resists alkalies, salts and acids.

When applied in the chimney of the manhole, Manhole Chimney Seal forms a semi-soft, elastomeric lining to the chimney, manhole frame, and any adjustment rings to which it is exposed.  It bonds to solid and properly prepared concrete, brick and metal, forming a barrier to ground water infiltration in the chimney section of the manhole.

Application of Manhole Chimney Seal is done in a four-step process: Area Preparation, Mixing of Materials, Installation, and Setting and Curing.

Area Preparation
Area preparation is performed by removing all contamination, rust scale, loose concrete or mortar and any concrete laitance by mechanical means such as grinding, power tooling or abrasive blasting to leave a uniform surface profile similar to medium to course sandpaper on all masonry surfaces.  Once complete, all loose or missing concrete or mortar joints should be replaced and allowed to cure before proceeding.

Mixing of Materials
Mixing requires vigorously shaking Hardener Part A before combining with Resin Part B.  Using a slow speed ½” drill with “jiffy” blade, mix product to ensure proper blending.

Installation
Installation of Manhole Chimney Seal is performed by hand to a minimum of 125 mills thickness.  For best results, it is recommended that a heavy rubber glove be used for application and one unit be allotted per manhole.

Setting and Curing
Manhole Chimney Seal has a working time of 45 minutes and will take an initial set in approximately one hour at 70 degrees F.  Allow 24 hours before exposing the installation to heavy water or direct chemical exposure.

As mentioned above, once set, SAUEREISEN Manhole Chimney Seal No F-88 will form to a semi-soft elastomeric state.  It will bond to all brick, concrete and metal surfaces within the manhole chimney and serve as an infiltration barrier within the chimney.  Its chemical resistant nature allows it to perform within the H2S environment of the municipal wastewater collection system, and the 126% elongation factor allows it to survive tough freeze/thaw environments.

For more information or details on how SAUEREISEN Chimney Seal No F-88 can help reduce and prevent infiltration in your collection system, contact Wm Neundorfer & Co today!  We have the expertise and experience to ensure you get the wastewater corrosion-control advice and recommendations you require for your specific application.