Henkel is addressing a very common problem with a very simple solution: a pipe bandage that reduces downtime.
Pipelines that carry slurry, water, chemicals or compressed air lie at the heart of operations, and when one cracks or corrodes, the consequences are immediate: costly downtime, safety risks, environmental hazards and lost production.
That’s why robust and rapid pipe repair solutions are not a luxury, but a necessity. In environments where access is often remote and delays are expensive, solutions that can get pipes back in service within an hour are game-changers.
A specialist in adhesive, sealant and functional coating products, Henkel Australia’sportfolio can handle any challenge with long-lasting protection.
The LOCTITE 5070 PRO Pipe Repair Kit is an prime example. The fast-curing, easy-to-use, reliable emergency pipe repair system uses a self-amalgamating tape applied over an epoxy putty to seal leaks instantly.
Designed for temporary repair of weak areas around metal, plastic and composite pipes up to four inches in diameter, repairs can be achieved in minutes without special tools or training, giving operations peace of mind between maintenance periods.
“Mine sites will have a shutdown period programmed into their operation calendar – six weeks, six months, whatever it may be – where major pieces of pipework and equipment can be changed. In between those shutdown times, if issues are found, they need something that can hold out until the next scheduled maintenance,” Henkel key account manager Neil Board said.
Speaking from experience, having worked with global companies such as BHP, Board said some sites keep a large inventory of equipment, like pipe clamps, that are expensive to replace.
“When you consider the different diameter of these pipe clamps and other key infrastructure on mine sites, it can be difficult to make sure you have the expertise to deal with every issue, especially when leaks aren’t always sealed out instantly,” Board said.
“Our solution can do that, and there’s no real training or expertise to apply.”
Conforming to different shapes and offering adhesion and pressure retention, pipes can be back in service within one hour. The repair kit’s strong adhesion forms a solid bond to stop leaks and reinforce pipe couplings.
“Once the procedure is shut down and the bandage is applied over the leak, you have no idea if it’s apprehended the problem until the system’s back up and running. That takes a lot of time and effort to fix a small hole,” Board said.
“Henkel came up with the solution so issues can be resolved whilst there’s still pressure in the pipe and operations are still going. You apply the bandage, make sure it’s done the job, and you’re done.”
The difference compared to others on the market? Increased uptime and simple application that can seal leaks while pipes are still under pressure, which also reduces the likelihood of hazardous leaks and trips and falls on site.
“There’s only one additional step in the pipe bandage process; an amalgamating tape that sits on top of epoxy putty that is placed over the hole. That further seals the leak whilst water is still flowing, so there’s no need for machine shut down,” Board said.
“This allows the pipe bandage to be applied over the top of the tape: add water, let it sit, and the system is completely sealed.”
In environments where time is critical and reliability is non-negotiable, innovations of this kind are not just advancing maintenance practices but helping to ensure greater uptime.