The problem of leaking non-metallic expansion joints is a problem that needs to be dealt with quickly and carefully, as it can have a serious impact on the plumbing system and may pose risks to the safety of people and property. Here are the general steps for dealing with non-metallic expansion joint leaks:
1. Immediate shutdown
Stop running: First of all, the machine should be stopped immediately, and the power supply of related equipment or systems should be turned off to ensure safety.
Pressure relief and evacuation: Then remove pressure and media from the pipeline system to avoid greater losses caused by leakage.
2. Inspection and Evaluation
Locate the leakage point: Carefully check the specific leak location of the non-metallic expansion joint to determine if it is due to aging materials, improper installation, or other reasons.
Assessing the extent of damage: Confirm whether only a partial repair is needed or the entire expansion joint needs to be replaced.
3. Selecting Processing Method
Repair (if applicable)：
Clean and inspect leaks to remove dirt and other impurities.
Use appropriate repair materials and techniques for repair, such as polymer sealant, high temperature resistant glue, etc.
For smaller breakages, you can try to fill the gaps with non-metallic skin, but if it is a toxic gas leak, it must be replaced rather than repaired.
change：
If the expansion joint has been aged or seriously damaged, it should be replaced with a new expansion joint in time.
When selecting a replacement, ensure that its model and material meet the requirements of the original piping system, and that it is installed and adjusted according to the correct installation method.
4. Precautionary measures
Strengthen maintenance management: Check the status of non-metallic expansion joints regularly and record the working condition so as to detect problems early.
Optimize the operating environment: Improve the surrounding environmental conditions, such as reducing the presence of corrosive substances, controlling the amplitude of temperature change, etc.
Select high-quality products: When purchasing new expansion joints, choose products with reliable quality and excellent performance, and consider using more durable materials, such as four-layer Teflon film, thermal insulation felt, composite loop belt with temperature-resistant covering cloth, etc.
5. Special case handling
Application of wet flue gas desulfurization system: For the non-metallic expansion joint used in the wet flue gas desulfurization system, because there is a large amount of weak acid water in this environment, it is easy to cause the damage of the fabric layer inside the expansion joint and cause leakage. In view of this situation, a special on-line plugging method with full sealing technology can be adopted to fundamentally isolate the direct contact between flue gas and expansion joint, and ensure the normal operation of the process.
Filling trench scheme: By filling the groove of the expansion joint with a high-elastic sponge-like polyurethane filler which is resistant to high temperature and corrosion, and sealing it with high-elastic acid-resistant glue to prevent the buildup and corrosion of weak acid water.
6. Safety Precautions
During the handling process, it is necessary to comply with relevant safety regulations and operating procedures, and take necessary personal protective measures, such as wearing protective gloves and goggles.
Ensure that the site is well ventilated, especially if dealing with hazardous gas leaks.
7. Subsequent testing
After completion of the repair or replacement, a comprehensive pressure test and other necessary functional tests should be performed to ensure that the repaired expansion joint has no new leak points and can be put into operation safely and reliably.
Through the above steps, the leakage problem of the non-metallic expansion joint can be effectively dealt with, and at the same time, daily preventive maintenance should be paid attention to, so as to prolong the service life of the expansion joint and ensure the stable operation of the system.