In Situ Remediation of Iron Pipe Leaks with Calcium Carbonate, Silica, and Wood Ash Particles in Potable Water Systems

What is it about?

The novel approach using in situ clogging of small leaks by waterborne or water-formed particles might be used to extend the lifetime or improve the performance of vital water infrastructure assets. Addition of calcium carbonate particles (∼8.8 μm), silica particles (∼29 μm), or wood ash particles (∼160 μm) increased the percent of remediated leaks in iron pipes to 8.3%, 83%, and 83%, respectively, versus 0% in a control with no added particles. Smaller leaks were remediated with a higher percentage of remediated leaks over the 58 day duration of this experiment, as indicated by calcium carbonate with 33% remediated leaks for 280 μm leaks versus 0% for 400–1000 μm leaks; silica, which had 100% remediated leaks for 280–400 μm leaks versus 67% for 700–1000 μm leaks; and wood ash, which had 100% remediated leaks for 280–700 μm leaks versus 67% for 1000 μm leaks. The strength and durability of the clogged leaks could be strong: 27–73% of remediated leaks were able to withstand 100 psi pressure.

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