DEMM Engineering & Manufacturing
Chemical-resistant sealant locks in the leaks
The maintenance department of a major paper manufacturer was having difficulty finding a product to seal several leaks in a lamination glue reservoir.
In the manufacturing process, the paper is pulled through a bath of laminating glue. This reservoir was leaking at a rate of 1.5 totes of glue per month, adding up to an annual loss more than $20,000.
The maintenance staff had used various RTV silicones and other gasketing sealants in an attempt to prevent the leaks from within the tank. These silicones and sealants would soften or become brittle when they came in contact with the laminating glue and the leaks would reappear shortly after application.
The manufacturer contracted Loctite to provide maintenance workshop training to their staff. Staff learned that various gasketing materials can be incompatible with some f luids, and that repair the leaks in the glue reservoir, they needed a product with a high degree of chemical resistance, which would adhere to almost any surface and cure if damp or wet.
Loctite Fixmaster Metal Magic Steel was recommended by the Loctite staff. Fixmaster Metal Magic Steel is an easy-to-use epoxy putty that cures to a metal-like finish, cures under water, and adheres to most damp surfaces. It is packaged in a two-part roll. The desired amount is clipped from the roll and is kneaded until a uniform colour is obtained. The product is then ready to be formed into the leaking crack or holes, is workable for three minutes, and sets in just ten minutes.
The maintenance staff of the paper manufacturer used it to repair the leaks in the glue reservoir. The product proved to be chemical resistant by not breaking down in the presence of the glue. It adhered well to both the metal and the plastic components of the reservoir, and sealed the leaks completely. Stopping the loss of glue due to leakage.
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