BODY
POLYTANK REPAIR
General Informafion
Repairs to polyethylene tanks can be performed easily with a miniInurn 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 carel.
Typical repairs will involve repair of two basic types of damage: blernishes 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 Vely 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 obj ect 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
altemate 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.
BODY 6
AQUATECH OPERATIONS, SERVICE AND PARTS MANUAL
A Product of Hi-Vac Corporation
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