MAKING METERS RUN LONGER1/

Fine silt of the Columbia River and heavy irrigation combine to wear
out water meters on the Greater Wenatchee Project.

The abrasive, a flour-fine glacial silt from the Canadian Rockies,
gets into the bearings and gear-wheels of the district's 500-odd
meters. Routinely the meter condition is checked about every 3
years. Heavy water use, however, spins the meter parts faster and
they cut out more rapidly, sometimes in the second season.

When this happens the patrolman, taking one of his five-times-a-season
readings finds the meter has jammed and stopped, or else its little
plastic water wheel is spinning gaily along without affecting the
speedometer-like window on top.

The worn drive mechanism is pulled out, a spare installed, and the
broken-down unit goes back to the district shop. There Mr. Coy Clark,
East Unit irrigation operator, repairs it.

Mr. Clark noticed that the most troublesome part of the meter was a
little worm gear - hardly as big as a walnut. The grip and friction
setween the ridges of the worm and the teeth of a pinion gear would
cut away one face of the worm gear spiral thread.

Looking at the assembly Mr. Clark noticed that the other face of the
thread was still in factory condition. He turned it end for end so
that the good face became the operating surface and - behold! - he
had a combination that ran as if new.

This and other handikinks won Mr. Clark a Bureau of Reclamation cita-
tion and a raise in pay last season. Mr. Boyd Walter, project engi-
neer, said that Clark's tinkering has saved the district perhaps
$1,200 and is being suggested to other districts.

Coy Clark has been with the irrigation project since 1962. He was
with the predecessor United Water Company for 15 years before that.
All this time he has been concerned with getting water to the people
who need it and with watching how they use it after they get it.

Up to this point Mr. Clark says that there hasn't been much need for
meters on the East Unit. The pumping capacity has been adequate for
demand. Landowners are charged for and entitled to a basic three
acre-feet per season. Many get along nicely on this amount.

The East Unit soil is light and not very deep with a porous stratum
beneath. So you can put on any amount of water you want. After the

1/Reprinted from the Wenatchee Daily World, with special permission
from the editor.

17


TABLE 2

Pounds of Anhydrous Ammonia Required Per Hour To

Add 100 ppm for Different Waterflow Rates

Flow rate, gpm 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Anhydrous ammo-

nia, pounds

per hour S 10 15: 20 25 30 35 40
Flow rate, cfs 0.25 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 2.0 Pa) 3.0
Anhydrous ammo-

nia, pounds

per hour 6 ll 17 22 34 45 56 68

TABLE 3

Pounds of Chemical Additives Required Per ilour To Increase the

Concentration of Calcium and Bicarbonate by 10 ppm for

bifferent Waterflow Rates

Flow rate, gpm 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Calcium chloride 1.8 3.5 S2. 7.0 8.7 10.4 12.2 13.9
CaCl2, 80% purity
Gypsum 2.4 4.7 7.0 9.3 11.7 14.0 16.3 18.7
Calcium sulfate
CaSO04, 93% purity
Sodium bicarbonate OF W4 21 2.8 345 4.2. 4.8 (5.5
NaHCO3z, 100% purity

Flow rate, cfs 0.25 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Calcium chloride 2.0 3.9 5.9 7.8 11.7 15.6 19.5 23.4
CaCl2, 80% purity
Calcium sulfate 2.6 5.3 7.9 10.5 15.7 20.9 26.7 31.4
CaSO4, 93% purity
Sodium bicarbonate 0.8 1.6 2.3 3.1 4.7 6.2 7.8 9.3

NaHCO3, 100% purity

te RR

ll


1/2''x1" Rubber Strip 3

'

|

Turnbuckle| use

sleeve.
Sigeve meporae

Keyed Joint completed. i

See detail B,-
1

HON 1S

Piano Hinge Joint

sed jo expand

Butt Joint.
See detail A

to 0D. o'
|
i

Te) #
Ix! x4 Cleats

I72''x 1" Rubber

12 Ga. on | olled-

*
=Piano Hinge Joint

t

Detail A’

_z Piano Hinge

Strips —_,

2-ES

Mxt"x a |
Cleats 1

i

\

ia

|
|
|

SECTION A-A

U
Note For use in repairing leaks in pipe lines
of 2!" diameter and larger Drawing not

to scale

UNIT
DEFARTMEN
BUREGU OF

HAMMOND PROJECT NEW MEXICO
WEST HIGH LINE DISCHARGE LINE
HINGED METAL SLEEVE &

orawn. HW, sugM
TRACEO -PECOMMENZEL
CMECKED APPROVED

DURANGO, COLO. APR.24,1967 ]343-406-347

21



1. Suitable water composition for calcium carbonate precipitation.
2. Proper flow rate of water to provide sufficient time for
precipitated calcium carbonate to enter and fill the cracks in

the pipeline.

3. Proper selection of injection rates for anhydrous ammonia
and other chemical additives when needed.

4. Control and monitoring of the treatment process.
5. Safety measures.

Suitability of Water for Treatment

For calcium carbonates to precipitate, the water must meet specific
chemical requirements. It must contain 50 to 100 ppm (parts per
million) calcium; and 150 to 300 ppm or more bicarbonate. For maximum
utilization of these chemicals the ratio of calcium to bicarbonate
should be 3:1. Also, the magnesium to calcium ratio on a ppm basis
should be less than 0.6; otherwise, the tendency for calcium carbonate
to precipitate is reduced. A chemical analysis of the water is sug-
gested to determine the calcium, bicarbonate, and magnesium content
before making plans to treat a pipeline.

If the chemical analysis shows the water to be low in calcium content,
calcium chloride (CaCl2) or gypsum (CaSO4 . 2H2f) can be added to
raise the calcium level. For waters low in bicarbonate, commerical
grade sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), more commonly known as baking soda,
can be added to the water to increase the bicarbonate content.

Chemical Reactions

The chemical reactions for calcium carbonate precipitation are as
follows:

ds NH3 + H20 ——> NH40H
(ammonia) (water) (ammonium)
(gas) (hydroxide)
an 2NHgOH = # =~ Ca(HCO3)2._ ~ ——»
(ammonium) (calcium)

(hydroxide) (bicarbonate)

(NH4)2CO3 + CaCO3 { 1/ + 2H20
(ammonium) (calcium) (water)
(carbonate) (carbonate)

1/Precipitates out of solution. Insoluble in water.


soil is full, the excess just keeps on going down. So many use an-
other foot of supplemental water, which takes a different rate. Some
even use excess water, up to twice the basic amount.

When the other 25 percent of the district is developed, the meters
will show their real value, Clark said. The system was designed to
furnish 4 acre-feet to the project. When all the land is in use
clear out into marginal areas, there won't be as much cushion in the
pumping capacity. Deliveries and use will have to be smoothed out to
give everyone his share. The meters will be needed then to make sure
this happens.

The district force gets a foretaste of this condition now, sometimes,
when field men tell orchardists that next week is time to apply a cer-
tain spray. They shut down their sprinklers in unison to get their
spraying done, then start irrigating again with dramatic results on
the telemetering equipment in the district office. Then that pow-
dered quartz in the water starts rubbing metal off the steel gears of
Clark's meters again.

ek eR Re

SAFETY BELT STILL TOP LIFESAVER

Speaking at the site of the National Safety Council's Winter Driving
Tests at Stevens Point, Donald Huelke, Professor of anatomy at the
University of Michigan, said that instead of demanding more safety
features in cars, the public should make use of the features already
available. Stating that the safety belt still is the key to saving
lives, he said that in his recent studies of 139 fatal accidents,

40 percent of the 177 persons killed would have been saved had they
been wearing lap belts. Another 13 percent would have been saved if
shoulder belts had also been used. 'We could save the lives of one-
half of the people killed in crashes in the United States if everyone
wore seat and shoulder belts," he said.

a ed

Hit the Brakes! How good are winter tires with metal studs? Under
some conditions - icy roads at zero degrees or dry roads at any tem-
perature - they aren't significantly better than ordinary tires,
Cornell University scientists have found. But under right condi-
tions - icy pavements at around 32° - stopping distances are cut by
30 percent.

kk RR

18


DREDGER MODIFICATION
(Suggestion No. R5SRG-67-12)

Here are two very practical ideas that were presented by Mr. Sherman
C. Scyrkels, of the Las Cruces Irrigation Field Branch, Region 5, Las
Cruces, New Mexico, to eliminate excessive wear to various parts of a

dredger.

While these dredges are not widely used now, this idea may

be of interest to those still having them in service and could have
some practical application wherever chain drives are used on machinery
subject to excessive wear in mud and water.

Photograph 2 - P23-D-63313

24

In the normal operation of the
dredger it was discovered that
a considerable amount of wear
was caused by the buckets and
chains dragging over the bottom
standard crossarm and wearing
the bottom trip of the buckets
and also the crossarm. To
alleviate this problem a spacer,
or a piece of 4-inch channel
steel was installed to the sup-
port of the top bucket roller.
This raised the bearings and
shaft so that the bucket roller
carried the buckets over the
bottom crossarm without touch-
ing it, thereby eliminating wear
on both the crossarm and the
bucket bottom trips. See Photo-
graph 1 at left.

Mr. Scyrkels also found that the
chain carrying the buckets be-
came worn so that it caused wear
to the arm of the hydraulic ram
of the bucket boom to such a de-
gree as to require replacements
at 6-month intervals.

In order to eliminate this ex-
cessive wear, idler rollers were
devised and installed, one on
either side of the crossarm at
the end of the boom. The rollers
were supported by triangular
standards fabricated from angle
iron scraps. Discarded tractor
crawler rollers were used and
the bearings supplied with pres-
sure grease fittings, as shown
in Photograph 2.

GPO 849-424


Photograph 3 - P343-D-63310

a vertical position, is visi-
ble in the background, also
note the 1/2- by 1l-inch rub-
ber gaskets at top and bottom.
A locking key can also be seen
projecting beyond the edge of
the sleeve near the center of
the turnbuckle.

Photograph 2, on the preceding
page, shows sleeve in a par-
tially collapsed position.
Photograph 3, at left, shows
the two halves in a fully col-
lapsed position. Piano hinges
are used near the center of
each half section. Photograph
4 below shows the hinged metal
sleeve installed inside a 21-
inch-diameter concrete pipe.

For more information regarding this suggestion, you may write to the
Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Post Office Box 11568, Salt

Lake City, Utah

84111.

Photograph 4 - P343-D-63311

20


zg xlg "x5" Strap with

z'x45" Slot (Weld to disc), key slot x45"
. _--Fabricate cover
Pe / from $" pattern
T 4 ¥
K YU yi a f
oI
wel —— aes
, 7 JIS oo A
a ‘t-See Detail B
$" Dia, bolt “Spring - loaded

garage door

(Remove head, /
latch

weld bolt 7
to cover )-~

Soo eps . ‘ ‘

Buyyte Strap (Drill 2" holes 4 a 8S Dia. disc (Drill hole to fit

8 ae Le iat SK connecting rod to door latch)
for zs" bolts and j§" hole \

in center for 2" Dia. smooth rod)” “~$" Dia. x" Smooth Rod

MANHOLE COVER LATCH
(NO SCALE)

y See Detail A
Approximate

\ position with
\ latches open

4S.
. —
Lett side of ew
atch same 30 / i
as right aM is Strap ite
Rod
ees DETAIL B
LATGH BOX
MANHOLE COVER (2 REQ’D)

(BOTTOM VIEW)

(FIELD WELD To
MANHOLE FRAME)

Bin: ) (Drill plate, weld
TOP 4 Eee on top side,
grind flush)
DETAIL A LIFTING HAND

15


amount at a pil of 8.4 (the level of pH at which the carbonate ion
exists in solution). Water should be treated with anhydrous
ammonia until the pH ranges from 9.0 to 9.8 for clear water and
9.5 for ordinary canal water. Because suspended materials such
as silt, clay, algae, and other impurities in canal water tend to
trigger spontaneous precipitation of calcium carbonate, the pll
must be kept below 9.6. When the pH rises above 9.6 in surface
waters the injection rate of anhydrous ammonia must be reduced.
The pH can be measured with pii (Hydrion) paper, which is readily
available. The paper should be wet sufficiently long for full
color development and compared with standard color-pH chart pro-
vided with the pH paper. Paper covering the pll range of 8.2 to
9.8 is recommended.

3. Sampling and chemical analysis of treatment water. - Periodic
sampling from stations downstream from the anhydrous ammonia in-
jection site and on-site chemical analysis for calcium and other
constituents provide the rate of precipitation and may suggest
adjustment in calculated injection rates to attain optimum chem-
ical conditions. Procedures for on-site chemical analysis are
described in detail in ChE-79. (See footnote on page 1). Photo-
graph 3 below, shows water being checked on site for calcium

and magnesium content. However, this procedure is not always
necessary.
4, Experience. - It is suggested before embarking on major treat-

ments that operators undertake small-scale tests to gain experi-
ence and to observe the formation and effect of the calcium carbonate.

Safety Measures

Safety measures should be
observed in any treatments
attempted:

1. Caution is necessary in
the handling of ammonia gas
since it is highly irrita-
ting to the eyes and mucous
membranes and can cause death
or permanent injury after
very short exposure to small
quantities.

2. Caution is required in
the disposal of ammonia-
treated water to insure that
it does not enter potable
water supply systems.

Photograph 3 - P413-i)-63302


The injection rates of anhy-
drous ammonia in pounds per
hour for various flows are
given in Table 2, page ll.

Requirements for calcium and
bicarbonate. - As stated pre-
viously, the water to be
treated should have at least
50_ppm of calcium, 150 ppm of
bicarbonate, and a magnesium
to calcium ratio of 0.6 or
less. Many natural waters do
not contain an adequate amount
of these constituents and,
therefore, chemical additives
must be placed in the water to
be treated.

The injection rates for cal-
cium chloride or gypsum and
sodium bicarbonate are listed
in Table 3, page 11. Note
Photograph 1 - P413-D-63300 that the amount listed will
increase the calcium and

bicarbonate concentration by 10 ppm.

The quantities listed in Table 3 are based on the purity usually avail-
able for these chemicals, 80 perecnt for calcium chloride, 93 percent
for calcium sulfate, and 100 percent for sodium bicarbonate. If a
material of different purity is used, the injection rates should be
changed by a factor found by dividing the Table 3 listed purity by the
actual purity of material used. (Listed purity+actual purity).

For example, if sodium bicarbonate (NalICO3z) is 90 percent pure, then
the rate given in Table 3 would be increased by a factor of 1.11 (100
+90) and if calcium chloride (CaCl2) is 90 percent pure, then the
rate would be decreased by a factor of 0.89 (80 +90).

The choice between using calcium chloride or gypsum will depend on cost,
application equipment, and available mixing time in the system. The
solubility of gypsum is about 100 pounds per 6,000 gallons of water
while calcium chloride readily goes into solution and thus may be easier
to use.

Preparation of Materials

Calcium chloride, gypsum, or sodium bicarbonate are usually injected
into water as a liquid solution or as a partly dissolved slurry depend-
ing upon the solubility of the salt. The solutions or slurries are
generally prepared by adding 50 or 100 pounds of the additive to 100


Adjusting Waterflow Rate

In the chemical sealing of concrete pipelines, the rate of waterflow
should be adjusted to obtain adequate precipitation time in the pipe-
line being treated.

The rate of flow for treatment of a pipeline depends upon several
factors:

1. Diameter of pipe.
2. Length of pipe to be treated.
3. The length of time precipitation will take place.

Precipitation will usually occur over a period of 4 to 10 hours,
although at times it may continue for several hours more. It is
suggested that for purposes of calculation a precipitation time of
8 hours be used.

In the case of a long pipeline, it will be necessary to either (a)
treat the line by sections or (b) adjust the rate of flow so that the
treated water will pass through cracked reaches within the recommended
8-hour period. For example, if precipitation does stop at the end

of 8 hours, in the case of a pipeline through which water requires

20 hours to flow, the lower end will obviously not receive treatment
for the last 12 hours unless adaptation is made.

Since the chemistry of calcium carbonate is very complex, and the rate
of precipitation can not be readily predicted, the precipitation time
is only an estimate. Also, calcium carbonate may continue to precipi-
tate beyond the length of pipe to be treated. For this reason, it is
suggested that the treated water be allowed to continue flowing down-
stream to obtain as much benefit as possible before disposing of it.
It must also be kept in mind that it may precipitate on valves or
other equipment where it can be harmful.

Table 1 on page 10, has been prepared as an aid in selecting the rate
of flow in a full pipeline for various diameters and flow units.

Material Requirements

Injection rate for anhydrous ammonia. - For most treatment operations,
the application of 100 ppm of anhydrous ammonia is sufficient to pre-
cipitate calcium carbonate. At this concentration, nearly all of the
active components in the water will be acted upon to form calcium car-
bonate. Also, the rate of crystallization will be favorable for seal-
ing action. For these reasons, it is recommended that the starting
injection rate of Nz be 100 ppm. Photograph 1 at top of next page
shows a gage on an NH3 tank calibrated to release the required amount
of anhydrous ammonia.



AUTOMOBILE SAFETY CHECK RESULTS

Faulty rear lights, headlights and stop lights again ranked one-two-
three as the leading causes for rejection of the more than 350,000
cars and trucks failing the 20th annual National Vehicle Safety Check.
Turn signals, brakes and tires followed in that order.

Over 4,700 local community groups and government agencies partici-
pated in the voluntary program during 1967, chiefly in states not
requiring official motor vehicle inspection. Detailed results
received from approximately one-third of these individual safety
checks were compiled by the Auto Industries Highway Safety Committee,
annual sponsors with a leading magazine in cooperation with the
Association of State and Provincial Safety Coordinators.

Other safety-related items covered in the bumper-to-bumper checks
included the exhaust system, windshield wipers and washers, horn,
steering, all glass and mirrors. In the vehicles rejected, a total
of 437,771 items were reported "in unsafe driving condition" due to
maintenance neglect. The top offenders, rear lights, were noted
88,432 times.

The chairman of the Auto Industries Highway Safety Committee and vice
president of marketing for a prominent automobile manufacturing com-
pany, says "A burned-out taillight is a minor matter and easily fixed,
if it's known about. But the motorist driving a dark road at night
minus a taillight could be in for a serious, even fatal, accident.
The same is true of any other unsafe driving condition of which the
motorist is unaware. ‘This is why our committee for many years has
advocated periodic inspection required of all vehicles, and why we
are gratified that the National Highway Safety Bureau has included
required inspection in its new standards for state highway safety
programs."

During 1966-1967, 11 states passed laws requiring periodic inspection
of all motor vehicles, bringing the total of inspection states to 31

and the District of Columbia. Other states have such legislation in
progress. However, some programs will not become operative until 1969.

Traffic Safety

tee RK

16


the water is to be enriched with calcium or bicarbonate salts, the
injection sites must be located upstream from the site of anhydrous
ammonia injection. It is necessary that the materials be completely
dissolved and mixed in the flowing water before reaching the anhy-
drous ammonia injection site. When both calcium and bicarbonate addi-
tives are required for effective precipitation, the materials are
introduced as calcium, sodium bicarbonate, and anhydrous ammonia in
that order.

Photograph 2 on the preceding page, shows sodium bicarbonate being
introduced into a lateral at a turnout structure, while in the
background NH3 is being introduced into the same lateral through a
pipe vent.

Selection of Length of Time for Treatment

The length of application time and extent of treatment will depend
upon several factors such as size of cracks, chemical action, cost of
material and application, etc, After the results of a trial run have
been observed over a period of several days, guidelines can be estab-
lished for local conditions.

Experience, so far, has indicated that 24 to 96 hours is the usual
length of time for most treatments, depending on the severity of
leakages.

In some instances the drying up of ponded water from leaks will be an
indicator of success in sealing cracks.

Special Conditions of Treatment

If possible the pressure in the pipelines being treated should be
increased so that the flow of the treated water will be from the pipe-
line, through the cracks, to the surrounding area. This may be accom-
plished by increasing the water level in system to near ground level
at an open turnout.

Control and Monitoring of Treatment

Essentials of successful treatment include:

1, Adjusting injection rates of the anhydrous ammonia, calcium,
and bicarbonate. - Milkiness in ammoniated waters is a sign of spon-
taneous precipitation necessitating a decrease in anhydrous ammonia
injection rates. Hard precipitates of calcium carbonate are formed
at a slow rate and are not readily scraped off coated surfaces.

2. Monitoring the plil/ of the water. - Under most conditions, cal-
cium carbonate begins to precipitate from waters in very small

1/pH is a measure of alkalinity or acidity of a solution. A pH of
7 is neutral, over 7 is alkaline, under 7 is acidic.


SEALING SUBMERGED GATES AND VALVES
(Suggestion No. R6-68S-58)

This device for sealing submerged gates and valves was suggested by
Gilbert D. Davis, Project Superintendent, Canyon Ferry Project,
Helena, Montana, and built under his direction and guidance. The
idea works, and is used to obtain a final tight seal each time the
emergency gates at a dam are closed.

The Sawdust gun device, in the photograph below consists of a 4-inch
pipe about 6 feet long, capped at the top end and fitted with a hose
connection for compressed air. The lower end is fitted with a cap
held in place by friction clips so it can be blown off by air pres-
sure. The cap is chained to the gun body for safekeeping. Just
above the cap is a 1/2-inch circular pipe manifold fitting around
the 4-inch pipe. There are four nipples welded into the manifold,
pointing upward. Each nipple is capped and each cap has a 1/8-inch
hole drilled in it. The manifold is connected to a verticle pipe
fastened to the side and extending to the top of the gun. This
pipe is also connected to an air hose.

Operation of Gun

A sketch and a parts list for
the gun will be found on the
following page. Two air hose
connections, Parts 6 and 7, on
the sketch are used to lower
the gun to the water surface.
Air is turned into the manifold
and the gun is lowered cap first
into the water, just ahead of
the gate. Air from the four
jets helps pull the gun down to
the desired elevation and when
gun is in position, a small
amount of air through the jets
help to hold the gun in position.
Air is also turned into the cou-
pling (Part 6 in the sketch)
through the main tube, dislodg-
ing the cap and ejecting saw-
dust into the water. This
device can be quickly returned
to the surface by discharging
air through the main tube while
the holddown jets are shut off.

Advantages of Sawdust Gun

The diffused sawdust above the
gate is drawn into cracks or

22


7%

United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

BULLETIN NO. 67
— January, February, March 1969
=
Ltd
(——

-_

(——}

—

[——]

——"

>
<=
a2
ee
73
_

In This Issue:

Guidelines for Sealing Concrete Pipelines with
Anhydrous Ammonia

Loop of Chain Cleans Tractor-Shovel Bucket
Vandal-Resistant Manhole Cover

Automobile Safety Check Results
Making Meters Run Longer

Hinged Metal Repair Sleeve for Concrete Pipe
Sealing Submerged Gates and Valves
Dredger Modification


Example of Pipeline Treatment

This example follows the steps outlined in the summary.

1. The length of the pipeline has been determined to be
4,000 feet and diameter 18 inches. Because there is no
intermediate structure in the pipeline, it is necessary to
treat the line in one length. The length of time for treat-
ment selected will be 24 hours.

2. Chemical analysis of the water indicates it naturally
contains:

20 ppm of calcium
100 ppm of bicarbonate
18 ppm of magnesium

Note that the calcium content is deficient by 30 ppm, the
bicarbonate content is deficient by 50 ppm, and the
Magnesium 18

Calcium ratio = O° or 0.9, which is too high.

3. Determine rate of flow of water to travel through the
4,000 feet of pipeline in 8 hours. From Table 1, the average
velocity for 100 gpm in an 18-inch pipe is 456 ft/hr. There-
fore, it would normally require 8.8 hours (4,000 ft/456 ft/hr)
for water to reach Station 4,000 feet, using precipitation
time of 8 hours, then discharge rate must be increased 1.1
times (8.8 hrs/8 hrs) or 110 gpm.

4. From Table 2 calculate the amount of anhydrous ammonia to
be used for a flow rate of 110 gpm. The amount of anhydrous
ammonia would be 5.5 pounds per hour (1.1 x 5) for an injec-
tion rate of 100 ppm.

5. Table 3 is used to calculate the amount of calcium and
bicarbonate to be added to the water. From Table 3 the calcium
chloride needed would be 1.8 pounds per hour for 10 ppm per

100 gpm; therefore, for adding 30 ppm for 110 ppm, the amount
would be 5.9 pounds per hour (3 x 1.8 x 1.1).

Also, from Table 3 the sodium bicarbonate needed would be 0.7
pound per hour for 10 ppm per 100 gpm; therefore, for adding
50 ppm the amount would be 3.9 pounds per hour (5 x 0.7 x 1.1).

Checking the Magnesium ratio after adding calcium:
Magnesium ratio = 18 or 0.36 (which is well below 0.6)
Calcium 50


3. Care must be exercised when disposing of ammonia-treated
water on croplands. Careful selection of crops that can with-
stand high concentrations of ammonia is required. Since this
will probably vary for each locality, it is advisable to check
with water users. A 4-inch application of water treated with
100 ppm of anhydrous ammonia is equivalent to putting on 74
pounds of nitrogen per acre. Thus, the amount of nitrogen
applied can be adjusted by the amount of water in an irrigation.

4. <Ammoniated water should not be disposed of in waterways or
ponds supporting fish and other wildlife unless adequate dilution
is made in the receiving water.
5. Ammonia, even in trace amounts, is extremely corrosive to
copper alloys often used in hydraulic machinery, heat exchanges,
piping, etc.

Summary

The following are the steps to be taken in treating a pipeline:

1. Determine size and length of pipeline.

2. Have water analyzed for calcium, bicarbonate and magnesium
and also determine pH.

3. Select flow to travel through reach of pipeline in 8 hours.

4. Plan to use 100 ppm of anhydrous ammonia and determine
amount needed.

5. Calculate amount of additive to place in water for:
a. 50-ppm calcium (minimum)

b. 150-ppm bicarbonate ions (minimum)

Magnesium

r] 6
ratio of —
Calcium 7 f io oF less

6. Select injection sites.

7. Select approximate length of time of treatment
(usually 24 to 96 hours).

8. Monitor injection process.

9. Provide means for disposing of treated water.


gallons of water and mixing thoroughly in tanks equipped with agita-
tors. A more dilute solution or slurry may be used for lower rates
of injection.

Calcium chloride is generally available in granular form, while sodium
bicarbonate is available in powder form. Gypsum, a salt of lower sol-
ubility, is better used in the powder form rather than granules because
the powder form is less likely to clog the injection equipment. O&M
Bulletin No. 28 describes various types of equipment for adding gypsum
to irrigation water.

Calcium and bicarbonate solutions or slurries should be prepared indi-
vidually and never together because calcium carbonate can precipitate
from such a mixture in the mixing tank.

Introduction of Materials

Anhydrous ammonia, calcium, and bicarbonate salts may be introduced
into canals or ditches, air vents, control boxes, or any other open
structures. The delivery end of the injection line should be posi-
tioned where flow is somewhat turbulent so that adequate mixing will
take place.

Anhydrous ammonia is usually introduced at the head end of the pipe-
line to be treated, or slightly upstream from the pipe entrance. If

Photograph 2 - P413-D-63301


HINGED METAL REPAIR SLEEVE
FOR CONCRETE PIPE
(Suggestion R4-68S-7)

Repair of leaks in pipelines are generally more accessible and easier
to make from the outside of the pipe. However, there are locations
along pipelines such as under roadways or under structures, in areas
of high ground water, etc., and where it is not practical or economi-
cal to repair the leak from
the outside. In such cases
- it would be desirable to make
the repair from inside of the
pipe. Mr. Herbert L. Davis,
of the Hammond Project, New
Mexico, has developed a method
of repairing pipe leaks from
inside the pipe, that has proven
to be very successful in a
number of emergency repair
jobs on the project's 2l-inch
pipe line.

The repairing of these circu-
lar cracks in the West High-
line pump discharge line (21-
inch-diameter concrete pipe),
Hammond Project, New Mexico,
was accomplished by the use
of hinged metal sleeves placed
inside the pipe. As the
method of repair has effec-
tively prevented leaking from
the cracks for an entire irri-
gation season, (about 7 months
of operation), it may satisfy
a similar need on other proj-
ects, particularly, where only
the inside of the pipe is acces-
sible for repair, and/or when
emergency type repairs are
required. An overall sketch
of the hinged metal sleeve is
shown on page 21.

Photograph 1, upper left,
shows the hinged metal sleeve
fabricated from 12-gage sheet
metal. Note the removable
turnbuckle which is used to
expand sleeve into full open
position. A half section of
a second sleeve, standing in

Photograph 2 - P343-D-63309

19


GUIDELINES
FOR
SEALING CONCRETE PIPELINES WITH ANHYDROUS AMMONIA1/

Introduction

Several years ago, after using anyhdrous ammonia (NH3) in solution
with irrigation water to fertilize crops on his lands, a farmer in
the Chowchilla Irrigation District of California discovered that leaks
in concrete pipelines through which the water had flowed had suddenly

stopped.

This apparent miracle led to experimentation by the irrigation dis-
trict, then to scientific investigation by the University of California
at Davis, under a contract grant financed by the Lower Cost Canal Lining
Program of the Bureau of Reclamation. Practicality of the anhydrous
ammonia sealing method was thus verified and suggestions for its
appropriate use developed.

The story of the miracle has already been partially told in an earlier
Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Bulletin2/. The present article,
based largely on the published University of California findings, in-
cluded in the Research Report (ChE-79) discusses recommended tech-
niques for pipeline sealing by this new method.

In general, the process consists of adding anhydrous ammonia to water
flowing through a pipeline. Reaction of the fertilizer with calcium
and bicarbonate ions in the water forms calcium carbonate which flows
into and is deposited in the cracks thus forming a seal.

The treatment process when properly conducted will seal ring cracks,
longitudinal splits, and fractures between the pipeline and its control
structure in both monolithic and precast concrete pipelines including
small-diameter farm distribution systems. In cases where cracks are
so large as to require repeated treatment, however, this method may
prove too costly.

General Guidelines

Sealing of leaky concrete pipelines by treating irrigation waters with
anhydrous ammonia is possible if certain requirements are met. These are:

1/Adapted by Engineers J. V. Walker and W. R. Morrison, Office of Chief
Engineer, Denver Colorado, from Division of Research Report ChE-79,
"Field Technique for Sealing Leaky Concrete Pipelines with Ammoniated
Irrigation Waters,'' Messrs. Tanji, Doneen, Kubes, Simmons, OCCS Program,
1968. Available at $0.75 a copy by writing Chief Engineer, Bureau of
Reclamation, Code 841, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225.
2/H. V. Eastman, Secretary-Manager, Chowchilla Water District, "Miracles
Do Happen," Irrigation Operation and Maintenance Bulletin No. 52.


LOOP OF CHAIN CLEANS TRACTOR-SHOVEL BUCKET1/

A loop of chain, fastened inside the bucket of a big tractor shovel,
helps clean out sticky clay material as it loads trucks on a freeway
grading project in San Diego, California. The grading contractor is
using the tractor shovel and a spread of bottom-dump truck trailers

to excavate and haul 3.5 million cubic yards of excess material from
one large cut.

Plat) Npeory

dn

This tractor has a shovel with a 10-yard bucket and excavates a wide
range of materials, among them a sticky adobe clay found in the upper
portions of the excavation. The material began building up in the
bucket until the machine had to be stopped periodically while work-
men cleaned out the accumulated adobe by hand.

Working with the factory representatives, the contractor came up with
the idea of hanging a piece of chain loosely inside the bucket, see
photograph above. Workmen welded a pair of heavy steel eyes inside
the bucket and opposite each other, then hung a length of heavy chain
between them. The chain has enough slack to allow it to swing freely
when the load is dumped, keeping the bucket clean - and requiring no
maintenance.

1/This article reprinted by special permission from the editor of
Contractors and Engineers Magazine, issue dated September 1968.

ke RR

12


lifting key with key slot
covered by the locked hasp.
A sketch of the cover and
locking assembly can be
found on page 15.

Vandals have attempted entry
and did succeed on one occa-
sion to break the hasp from
the cover but were unable to
remove the cover to gain
entry.

If further information is
desired regarding this sug-
gestion, please write to the
Regional Director, Bureau of
Reclamation, Post Office
Box 1609, Amarillo, Texas
79105.

Photograph 3 - P825-D-63306

Photograph 4 - P825-D-63307

14


IRRIGATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
BULLETIN No. 67

January, February, March 1969

INTRODUCTION

An article starting on page 1, describes a method for sealing narrow
cracks in concrete pipelines by the addition of anhydrous ammonia and
other materials to irrigation waters. Ammonia will produce a hard cal-
cium carbonate precipitate in a water having the proper physiochemical
characteristics. The precipitate then deposits in the cracks in the
pipe and seals the leaks.

On page 12 is an article reprinted from Contractors and Engineers
Magazine describing one contractor's idea to prevent material buildup
inside a tractor-shovel bucket when sticky adobe clay is being excavated.

A suggestion starting on page 13, describes a vandal-resistant man-
hole cover that is preventing loss and prohibiting entry to galleries
in a dam on the San Angelo Project, Texas.

The results of an automobile safety check program can be found on
page 16, and, on page 18, you will find short articles on automobile
seatbelts and studded winter tires.

liow to make water meters run longer is told in this human interest
story on page 17, reprinted from the Wenatchee (Washington) Daily World.

"Hinged Metal Repair Sleeve for Concrete Pipe," is the title of an
article on page 19. The idea was developed on the Hammond Project,
New Mexico, for emergency repair of leaks in large diameter pipe from
the inside,

A method of sealing submerged gates and valves with sawdust by using
an air gun was suggested by the Project Superintendent, Canyon Ferry
Project, lielena, Montana. The gun and method are described beginning
on page 22.

Two workable ideas can be found in an article on page 24 for modify-
ing a dredger, The Las Cruces Irrigation Field Branch, New Mexico,
Suggests its modifications can probably be applied to any chain-driven
machine that is exposed to mud and water.


|. "0.0. Aluminum sprinkler pipe 6"long

2. 4"I.0. Steel pipe i23"long for weight

3. Circular air manifold (2"pipe) with 4- jets
4. Cop with spring friction clips

5. £" pipe airline to circular manifold

6. Twist lock air coupling to 2"

7. Twist lock air coupling to 4" pipe

$" Pipe cap
with g" hole
4-e0.---

SECTION A-A

holes where leakage is occuring and plugs these areas. As the sawdust
swells, it seals more tightly.

This piece of equipment was developed in an effort to eliminate the
use of cinders or abrasive-type materials that were being used as a
sealant. As sawdust is not abrasive, it can be safely used to seal
equipment headgates or stoplogs. Only the amount of sawdust required
to make the seal will remain below the surface. This is an advantage
over some other heavier and abrasive-type materials that have been
used in considerable quantities to effect a seal, as a great deal of
this is floated into shaft packings and machined areas causing damage.

The sawdust gun is light and can be used easily by one man at any
location where an air supply or portable compressor is available.
Any sawmill produces sawdust that is an ideal mixture of fine and
coarse materials. In one typical test, the sawdust gun reduced an
estimated flow of 40 to 50 gallons per minute from a 12- by 22-foot
fixed wheel gate, to a mere trickle. This was done using only two
tubes of sawdust. Considering the size of this gate and the fact
that it was 90 to 100 feet below the water surface, this gun proved
to be a very real effective maintenance tool.

If additional information is desired regarding this suggestion,
please write to: Regional Director, Bureau of Reclamation, Region 6,
Post Office Box 2553, Billings, Montana 59103.

a

23


The Irrigation Operation and Maintenance bulletin is published quar-
terly, for the benefit of irrigation project people. Its principal
purpose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and mainte-
nance information. It is hoped that the reports herein concerning
labor-saving devices and less costly equipment and procedures, devel-
oped by resourceful project people, will result in improved efficiency
and reduced costs of the systems for those operators adapting these
ideas to their needs.

To assure proper recognition of those individuals whose suggestions
are published in the bulletins, the suggestion number as well as the
person's name is given. All Bureau offices are reminded to notify
their Suggestions Award Committee when a suggestion is adopted.

a a ed

Division of Irrigation Operations
“Office of Chief Engineer
Denver, Colorado 80225

COVER PHOTOGRAPH:

This is a view of anhydrous
ammonia being introduced into
a Lateral through a vent pipe
in an attempt to seal cracks
in concrete pipe.

Photo P413-D-63299



Approximate material costs are as follows:

Anhydrous ammonia $0.07 per pound
Sodium bicarbonate 7.50 per 100 pounds
Gypsum or calcium sulfate 1.00 per 100 poundsl/
Calcium chloride 6.00 per 100 pounds

These costs will vary in different localities. Of course, the quan-
tities used are never as exact as calculated and if gypsum is used
in place of calcium chloride, the cost is usually lower.

The estimated material cost for the 24-hour treatment described in
the example above would be:

Anhydrous ammonia $0.07 x 5.5 x 24 = § 9.20
Calcium chloride 0.06 x 5.9 x 24 = 8.50
Sodium bicarbonate 0.075 x 3.85 x 24 = 6.90

Total $24.60

TABLE 1

Average Velocity of Water for Different Pipe
Diameters and Flow Rates

Pipe Waterflow Rates
diameter 100 gpm _1 cfs
Inches Average velocity in feet per hour
8 2,310 10,320
10 1,470 6,610
12 1,022 4,587
18 456 2,046
24 255 1,146
30 164 735
36 114 $10
42 83 374
48 64 286

I/This cost can be as high as $8.00 per 100 pounds depending on

purity and refining of gypsum used.

10


VANDAL-RESISTANT MANHOLE COVER
(Suggestion R5-68S-3)

Mr, W. D. Nelson and Mr. H. E. Stanley of the Water and Land Opera-
tions Office, San Angelo Project, Veribest, Texas, combined their
talents and came up with this very inventive idea for a vandal-resis-
tant manhole cover. Besides
the replacement cost of
covers lost or stolen, it is
essential that trespassers be
prohibited from entering the
spillway gallery at Twin
Buttes Dam and possibly dam-
aging ladders, gates, or grat-
ings; or harming themselves
by falling in the unlighted
passageway.

This cover was fabricated in
the headquarters shop after
several covers with conven-
tional fasteners, including
padlocks, had been stolen or
thrown into the spillway.

The device is relatively
economical to fabricate uti-
or lizing plate steel and two
3304

heavy-duty barn-door-type
latches. Photograph 1 at
upper left shows the cover
locking assembly, and Photo-
graph 2 at left shows posi-
tioning of the cover locking
latches.

Photograph 1 - P825-D-6

A T-key inserted in a slot
and rotated about 90° releases
the latches and serves as the
lifting handle. Photograph 3
on next page shows the top of
the cover with the combination
lifting handle-key in the un-
locking position.

Extra protection is provided
by a flap over the key slot
secured by a padlock. Photo-
graph 4, also on the next
page, shows the cover and

Photograph 2 - P825-D-63305