Securing Pipe Penetration Seals On A Pump Cover

Last week we talked about the best way to get the most precise pipe penetrations for your pump cover. Now it’s time to turn our sights to the gaps that are created when the holes are cut. 

Pipe Penetrations Cut In The Field

Let’s start by examining piping penetrations that are cut out in the field.  If they’re cut in the field, you’ll know the exact size and location of the piping, so there should be less of a gap to fill in around the pipe. 

In this case, you’d use expanding foam to fill in the gaps around the pipe.  A trick to keep things looking nice and neat is to place a flat piece of metal or material against the exterior of the pump cover where the hole is and spray the foam from the inside out.  That way it will keep the expanding foam from leaking out of the pump enclosure and eliminate trimming the foam.  

For Pump Covers That Are Already in Place

If your project is further along or your pump enclosure is already in place, you’ll have piping penetrations that will utilize the “U-shaped” method. This type of penetration will leave a void below the piping that will need to be filled in with an insulated patch to maintain the heating capability of the pump cover.  In this case, the company that manufactured your pump cover should provide piping patches that you can secure to the exterior of the pump cover. 

Safe-T-Cover provides patches that are attached to pump enclosure using hex headed screws.  We will also provide additional material to secure the penetration seals and keep expanding foam from making its way to the exterior of the pump cover.  

Don’t Let Pipe Penetrations Delay Your Project

Piping penetrations are definitely something you want to plan for, but shouldn’t delay your project. An aluminum enclosure provides the best opportunity to get the most precise pipe penetrations.  And you’ll find that a custom enclosure is typically more cost-effective than a standard aluminum enclosure. 

By having a custom pump enclosure you can get everything you need from exhaust fans to easy access. Our “Guide to Buying and Designing a Pump Enclosure” can help explain how. It provides an overview of five key design considerations.