FAQs

Temperature is a very important factor when considering the use of composites for structural reinforcement. Epoxies are very temperature sensitive. Too much heat and they will cure too quickly. If it is too cold, they may not cure at all. With our polyurethane systems, such as Aquawrap®, temperature has less of an effect on its curing, however, they still have an upper and lower limit. Refer to the technical data sheet for the particular product you will be using for more information on upper and lower limits for installation and in-service temperatures.

Aquawrap® will cure in about an hour in most conditions. This is cured to a point where the material is dry to the touch, not the point at which it has reached its "full properties" cure. This will take approximately 24 hours at 77°F. PowerSleeve® is temperature sensitive, and as such, its cure time will vary. Each resin system cures at different rates, but for comparison purposes, our Standard Matrix system will cure in about 40 minutes at 77°F.

For steel substrates, we recommend cleaning to at least a NACE II or SSPC-10 level. The better the cleaning and preparation, the better the bond will be. In some cases, bond has a significant effect on the performance. For concrete surfaces, above and below the water line, all loose debris, coatings, marine growth, etc. must be removed. This can be done with high pressure water blasting or sand blasting. All surfaces need to wiped clean prior to installation of the composite system chosen.

Yes, in certain cases. Epoxies are more likely to seal, on their own, as opposed to a polyurethane system. If there is an existing leak, it is best to shut down the system and plug the hole with an epoxy putty, and then install the composite. If there is an active leak and the line cannot be shut down, more advanced leak repair methods must be used. Composites should not be installed over an active leak. The product inside the pipe can have adverse effects on the resin during the cure, which can have a detrimental effect on its properties. For lines that are not leaking but are expected to hole through during the lifetime of the repair, special precautions need to be observed. Is the matrix compatible with the product? How many layers do I need for leak retention? How long does it need to last? If you have a special application, please contact our technical support staff.

For piping applications, Air Logistics has an easy-to-use calculator to determine the number of layers required based on the size of the pipe, wall thickness, wall loss, type of damage, etc. For other applications, we use in-house engineering to make a determination for the method of repair. Four layers are our recommended minimum for any application.

Composites are also known as fiber-reinforced plastics. Plastics are subject to degradation from ultraviolet light, water intrusion, and other environmental factors. Applying an external coating ensures the composite will perform at its highest level throughout its repair life.

Pre-impregnated fabrics have the resin applied to them under factory controlled conditions. The resin/glass ratio is able to be watched closely and be kept within tolerances. Pre-impregnated fabrics are generally easier to use in the field, as the installer does not have to mix resins and apply that to the fabric in the field. Wet-layup systems are just that, applying wet resin to the composite reinforcement fabric out on the jobsite. This can be done by hand or by using an impregnating machine. Although time-consuming, in some cases, this process can be beneficial. Where difficult applications are encountered, the installer can pre-cut and position the dry fabric to make sure it will fit where it needs to go. Using a fabric that is already wetted out can make doing this difficult. Pre-cured systems are impregnated and cured solid at the factory. They are not easily modified in the field, and their rigidness can make for a difficult installation.

Air Logistics has been dealing with composites for over 40 years! Most composites were introduced into the aerospace industry, but have since had a powerful impact on many markets. Sports equipment, race cars, boats, and infrastructure components and countless other products have benefited from the advantages composites have to offer.

Composites have been an excellent repair method for years, but they are just now becoming "mainstream". As more composite repair systems are used on high-profile applications, the more accepted they become. New technology coupled with excellent past performance has thrust composites into the limelight. Their relatively low cost enables repair instead of replacement, which saves money for other investments.

Composites can last one year or last fifty years, depending on the application. Just like any other material, they will degrade over time. Steel will rust, concrete will crack, paint will peel, and composites will lose their strength. Our long-term tests show that Aquawrap® will retain better than 50% of its strength over twenty years. Epoxy systems have a high initial strength, but weaken more over the long term. Both types of material have been in use in various applications for decades.

We consider permanent to be the design life of the component when it was first installed. If a steel pipe was designed to last fifty years but has suffered damage at twenty years into its life, we consider a permanent repair to last thirty years. In some cases, our composites are used to extend the design life of the damaged component. In that case, the environmental and load conditions need to be addressed to determine a life span for the repair.

Our manufacturing facility is located in Azusa, CA USA. Our climate-controlled impregnation room is a critical part of the production process. We custom blend our own formulation of polyurethane resin and have complete control over its manufacture. Our Southern California location is perfect for year-round production, with no stoppages due to extreme weather. And being on the West Coast, we are able to take care of those