Services
POLYTANK REPAIR
General Information
Repairs to polyethylene tanks can be performed
easily with a minimum of training. Repair technicians must exercise prudent
caution against melting completely through the poly material, but extreme
caution is generally not necessary. What this means is that the technician
must realize that dire consequences are possible but not likely if he/she
is reasonably careful.
Typical repairs will involve repair of two basic
types of damage: blemishes to the surface, and cracks or holes through
the material. A different repair approach will be appropriate for each
type of damage.
Blemish repairs
Blemishes to the surface of the poly tank can
usually be repaired by first cleaning the area to remove any grease, oil
or dirt. Then apply heat using an electric heat gun. Such guns, in the
range of 1000 to 1300 watts allow the application of heat in controllable
amounts to avoid quick burn through which is possible with a flame such
as from a propane torch. Aquatech does not recommend the use of a torch
to repair poly tanks.
Using the heat gun, and varying the distance
of the gun from the surface of the material, work the heat in a circular
motion around the blemished area until the surface begins to become shiny.
At this point the technician should become very careful as the poly material
is beginning to liquefy and will begin to flow. By allowing just enough
flow to fill any surrounding blemishes, and using a smooth metal object
such as a spoon or spatula, the material can be manipulated and be made
smooth. In cases where the material may have been heavily gouged, and
some material has been lost, the use of a stick of polyethylene material
melted into the affected area can help fill it, then the tool can restore
the smooth surface.
Cracks and holes
When a crack or hole has developed in the polyethylene
material another approach is advisable. Cleaning the affected area is
very important. It may be necessary to scrape away some of the material
if it is badly contaminated with grease, oil or dirt. The repair is best
done when it can be approached from both sides, although there are cases
where this will clearly be impossible.
Using an electric soldering gun with a wide,
flat tip suitable for working with plastics, dip the hot tip into granulated
polyethylene (provided by Aquatech) and work small amounts into the crack
or hole. Repeat as many times as necessary to build the affected area
up to the surrounding surface. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side
if possible.
Use a smooth metal tool such as a spoon or spatula
to work the material to conform with the surrounding surface. A heat gun
may used as a final step to completely smooth the area, but is not required.
Areas repaired with either technique will have
all the qualities and properties of strength and stability as the original
area. Repaired sections can be put into service immediately upon cooling.
Recommended tools
Tools recommended are a heat gun, 1000-1300 watts.
Several manufacturers offer such a gun in the price range of US$60.00
to US$150.00. Some manufacturers include Master, Weller and Ideal. These
heat guns are also excellent tools for thin wall shrink tubing and special
solder/shrink electrical terminals. A soldering gun capable of accepting
alternate tips is also recommended. Such soldering guns can be purchased
at electronic supply houses such as Radio Shack, or at common retail outlets
such as Sears. Weller is a respected manufacturer of good soldering tools.
Forming tools which are metal and smooth can be made from common items
such as kitchen utensils, or purchased from body shop suppliers. Since
many different applications are possible, experience is the best judge
of which particular tool to obtain.
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