by: Andy P & Peter A.
After several recces we returned to see if we could reduce the air leaks which are preventing the vacuum from working and moving water from the mill pond to the canal. Digging under the top collar we exposed all around the joints. Applying a liberal coating of marine sealant magic sticky stuff and then a heat sealed top coat of tanking material finished off with cable ties.
Could do with the vacuum pump back for a full test but the vacuum cleaner did get water 3/4 of the way up the pipe. Another half meter might do it.
So far so good.
We also dug out the bottom pipe and moved it over slightly just in case. Hot digging but at least it's in the shade. The tension mounts.
At present, the control gear has been removed for repair. It failed when the system was last run and the duty cycle + ambient heat took their toll.
There has been great effort put into sealing the joints, but unfortunately over time, the seals seem to degrade. There are significant stresses on the system due to the weight of water and also ground/thermal conditions. Every effort is being made to find a satisfactory solution.
