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Yorkshire Water’s time-saving 3M manhole cover repair kit

A novel application for an existing 3M product has given Yorkshire Water a time-saving manhole cover repair solution. When staff at the company, which maintains just under 1,000kms of water and sewerage pipework, and deploys a team of street furniture operatives to deal with reports of damaged covers, realised that in many cases the manhole cover frame was compliant but the lid had dropped within, they approached 3M to discuss a solution that would avoid excavations and time-consuming replacements. “W
September 26, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
A novel application for an existing 152 3M product has given Yorkshire Water a time-saving manhole cover repair solution.

When staff at the company, which maintains just under 1,000kms of water and sewerage pipework, and deploys a team of street furniture operatives to deal with reports of damaged covers, realised that in many cases the manhole cover frame was compliant but the lid had dropped within, they approached 3M to discuss a solution that would avoid excavations and time-consuming replacements.

“We had worked with 3M previously, regularly using Scotchkote pipe lining products, and decided to consult with them about our problem," said Nicola Duckett, contract support technician for Yorkshire Water.

“After recommending the Scotchkote Engineering Repair Kit, which had not previously been used for this application, we were provided with full training and support from our partners at 3M.

Each treatment with the kit has resulted in cost savings compared to replacement, as well as a reduction in disruption for road users. The environmental benefits are also significant, reducing material sent to landfill and fewer carbon emissions.”

The Scotchkote Engineering Repair Kit is said by 3M to be a fast and effective solution for sunken or rocking covers, safely levelling the cover with minimal disruption to road users and negating the need to replace the manhole device. At the heart of the kit is 3M’s Scotchkote Urethane Metal Repair RG501: a rapid-repair curing system for rebuilding or repairing metalwork with a good mechanical strength. The kit also includes Scotchkote 020 Cleaner and Scotchkote Release Agent 035 to ensure good adhesion and enhance the reliability of the repair. It’s available through Maker Coating Systems, suppliers of specialist coating products and consultancy services for industrial applications.

Ian Tindall, business development director for 3M’s infrastructure protection division said, “The Scotchkote Engineering Repair Kit by 3M is an ideal solution for repairing metal manhole covers, providing a repair strong enough to deal with the weight of traffic yet which cures in only 30 minutes, allowing the cover and therefore the road surface to be returned to full use much more quickly than if excavating the surface and replacing the cover entirely.”

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