METHOD TO REPAIR COMPROMISED INLET OUTLET PIPING
Pipe fractures in cooling staves of blast furnaces are a common failure mechanism Herein is a repair method for a cooling stave utilized in a blast furnace, the cooling stave having a compromised stave inlet outlet pipe attached to the cooling pipe in the cooling stave, the method comprises of the steps of inserting a rigid pipe into the compromised stave inlet outlet pipe to form a first annulus; inflating a bladder disposed inside the inner pipe and cooling stave; injecting a first uncured epoxy material into the first annulus; permitting the first uncured epoxy to cure; and removing the bladder.
1 . A method for repairing a cooling stave in situ wherein, the cooling stave having a stave inlet outlet pipe attached to a cooling pipe in the cooling stave, the method comprising:
inserting a pipe into the stave inlet outlet pipe to form a first annulus;
inflating a bladder disposed inside the pipe and cooling stave;
injecting a first uncured epoxy material into the first annulus;
permitting the first uncured epoxy to cure; and
removing the bladder.
2 . The repair method of claim 1 wherein a first end of the pipe distal to the cooling stave further comprises a means for introduction of the first uncured epoxy to the first annulus, and a second end of the pipe proximal to the stave further comprises means for venting air displaced during injecting of a first uncured epoxy into the first annulus.
3 . The repair method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
applying an outer pipe external to the stave inlet outlet pipe to form a second annulus;
injecting a second uncured epoxy material into the second annulus; and
permitting the second uncured epoxy material to cure.
4 . The repair method of claim 3 wherein the first and second uncured epoxies are cured concurrently.
5 . The repair method of claim 3 wherein the first uncured epoxy is cured before the second uncured epoxy is cured.
6 . The repair method of claim 3 wherein a first end of the outer pipe distal to the cooling stave further comprises a means for introduction of the second uncured epoxy to the second annulus, and a second end of the outer pipe proximal to the cooling stave further comprises a boot adapted to form seals with the outer pipe and the cooling stave, and the second end having an aperture in open communication with the second annulus.
7 . A method for repairing a cooling stave in site, comprising:
rethreading an aperture in the cooling stave formed after removal of a compromised stave inlet outlet pipe;
installing a new inlet outlet pipe;
inserting an inner pipe into the new stave inlet outlet pipe to form an annulus;
inflating a bladder inside the inner pipe and the cooling stave;
injecting an uncured epoxy material into the annulus;
permitting the uncured epoxy to cure; and
removing the bladder.
8 . A repair system kit for a cooling stave utilized in a blast furnace, the cooling stave having a stave inlet outlet pipe comprised of:
an inflatable bladder;
an inner rigid pipe;
a grout inlet; and
a vent tube.
9 . The repair system kit of claim 8 further comprising a concentric outer pipe; and a flexible rubber seal.