Penetron Helps Renovate Pullox Hill Potable Water Storage Tanks
In March 2019, the large water storage tanks at the Pullox Hill facility were returned to service after extensive repairs to the damaged concrete tanks. Penetron crystalline technology was tapped as a more economic and durable alternative to a membrane or surface-applied coating system.
EAST SETAUKET, N.Y., March 27, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In March 2019, the large water storage tanks at the Pullox Hill facility were returned to service after extensive repairs to the damaged concrete tanks. Penetron crystalline technology was tapped as a more economic and durable alternative to a membrane or surface-applied coating system.
Anglian Water, a water treatment company in Pullox Hill near Luton, England, needed to find a way to repair damaged concrete structures (and a compromised membrane) for their drinking water storage tank. The tank, located near the village of Pullox Hill, is used to store drinking water for the surrounding communities. The "balancing tank" holds approximately 250,000 gallons of water as a water supply buffer to compensate for the daily spikes in local water consumption during mornings and evenings.
The concrete tank was originally constructed in 2008 and waterproofed with a membrane held together with bitumen fillets. Over the past 10 years, the damage sustained by the waterproofing membrane allowed the ingress of water through the roof slab of the storage facility, which leaked into the drinking water tank.
Penetron UK realized that to permanently eliminate any future leaks at the Pullox Hill site, the client needed a cost-effective waterproofing solution with materials approved by the DWI (UK Drinking Water Inspectorate).
Correct Surface Prep is Crucial
The repair work on the Pullox Hill water storage tank was carried out by Betonbauen Ltd. from Caerphilly, South Wales, a certified Penetron contractor. To ensure a successful repair, the concrete surface was cleaned and fully exposed before any Penetron repair products were applied. The first step was the complete mechanical removal of the existing waterproofing membrane system, any residual primer and adhesive coatings, as well as the underlying screed, done with the help of diamond-planing.
Once clear, the exposed concrete surface needed to be prepared. All cracks (larger than 0.5mm) and perimeter upstand/slab interfaces were saw cut and routed out. All areas to be treated with a topical coating were then high-pressure-washed to open the concrete matrix in preparation for the Penetron treatment. PENECRETE MORTAR was used to fill the notches cut along the construction joints and cracks.
A coating of PENETRON slurry was applied to the whole surface of the water storage tank and allowed to cure. During the curing process, the insoluble crystals grow into the concrete structure, sealing all hairline cracks, pores and capillaries within the concrete matrix, resulting in a waterproof and durable slab.
Virtually Eliminating Maintenance Costs
"Currently, the Penetron team in the UK is seeing a lot of similar projects, where waterproofing membranes are being torn out and replaced with integral solutions," explains Stephen Mather, Manager of Penetron UK. "When applied topically, like the Pullox Hill project, maintenance costs are virtually eliminated when compared to a membrane, and the Penetron System is half the cost of resin-based chemical products, as well."
A coating of PENETRON slurry was applied to the whole surface of the water storage tank and allowed to cure. During the curing process, the insoluble crystals grow into the concrete structure, sealing all hairline cracks, pores and capillaries within the concrete matrix, resulting in a waterproof and durable slab.
Non-Toxic and VOC-Free
Because Penetron technology is non-toxic and completely free of volatile organic compounds (VOC), Penetron crystalline products are 100% safe for use in potable water applications. In addition, Penetron products are approved by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) and have been widely used in LEED-certified and Green Building Initiative (GBI) projects around the world.
"The repair work at Pullox Hill was a complete success," adds Stephen Mather. "And the client was also very pleased that our solution drastically reduced any time needed for future maintenance, thanks to the self-healing capabilities of the crystalline technology."
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels.
For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700.
SOURCE Penetron
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