Leaking, corroded pump

When one of four circulating water pumps at the Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) Chalk Point Generating Station began to leak, engineers began to worry. The power plant is Maryland’s largest, serving Washington, D.C., and suburbs. The specially designed 20-year-old pump, which handles 127,500 gallons of cooling water per minute, showed cracks in its casing and pitting from corrosion. Estimated replacement cost was over $1 million. In their search for a cost-effective way to repair the pump, PEPCO contacted Devcon, who recommended a repair solution that took less than two weeks and saved PEPCO hundreds of thousands of dollars. First, PEPCO employees sand blasted, solvent washed, and coated the pump with Devcon FL-10 Primer. They then filled cracks, pits, and holes with Titanium Putty, a titanium-reinforced epoxy compound with high compressive strength (to 18,800 psi), excellent temperature resistance (to 350° F), and exceptional resistance to chemical and acid corrosion. Finally, they applied Devcon Brushable Ceramic, a brushable, two-coat, corrosion-resistant epoxy coating which produces a smooth, long-lasting, protective surface. All work was performed by PEPCO maintenance personnel. The Devcon regional manager was on site during the repairs to provide technical/application assistance. The pump was back in service in less than two weeks. For additional information, contact David Bongiorni, Market Development Manager, Devcon, 30 Endicott Street, Danvers, MA 01923, Toll-Free: 1-800-933-8266, TEL: (978) 777-1100, FAX: (978) 774-0516, www.devcon.com.