Flexcrete solution for power station chamber refurbishment

A protective coating manufactured by Flexcrete Technologies, part of the AkzoNobel group of companies, has been used to refurbish a surface water drain chamber at Dungeness B Power Station in Kent. Cemprotec E942, a waterborne cementitious coating, was chosen due to its rapid curing nature and ability to allow a speedy return to service.

Operated by EDF Energy, Dungeness B Nuclear Power Station was due to be decommissioned in 2018 but following £150 million extra investment, the station is expected to generate electricity until 2028. The chamber forms part of the surface water drainage system and is the authorised minor discharge route for waste condensate water being discharged. Although the chamber was intact, there were voids in the mortar and cracking around pipe penetrations. A protective lining was required that would tolerate the heat from the water being discharged.

CSC Services UK Ltd, a specialist repair and coatings contractor to the power and water industries, was appointed to carry out the application. The drain was first blocked and CSC Services installed an over-pumping system to isolate the chamber. The chamber was lined with Cemprotec E942 to provide a durable waterproofing solution with excellent resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage.

Cemprotec E942 can be applied to damp substrates with lower levels of preparation than conventional coatings. Its fast curing nature allowed a rapid return to service of the water drainage system. There are no concerns when Cemprotec E942 is applied in confined areas, as it has a water-based composition with no hazardous solvents or heavy odours.

Alan Smith, Project Engineer from Dungeness B Power Station said: “The work required confined space access and was subject to plant isolation. The refurbishment was completed to a very high standard and within programme.”