Norway: Stopaq Case Study

 Another STOPAQ Case Study: Norway 

This latest STOPAQ® case study, completed by the good people of Norway, is a perfect example.

The project site presented a uniquely challenging set of conditions. Noise levels were so extreme that workers could only be exposed for 15 minutes at a time without proper hearing protection. In an environment like that, speed of installation wasn’t just a convenience, it was a necessity.

As if the noise alone weren’t enough, the operating conditions raised the bar even higher. Several of the lines were running at temperatures above 95°C (203°F), while also being subjected to significant vibration and pipe flexing. To make matters more complicated, sand blasting was not an option for surface preparation.

In short, this was not a job for an ordinary coating system.

The solution needed to be:

• Fast and easy to install

• Capable of handling high operating temperatures

• Flexible enough to withstand vibration and pipe movement

• Effective without blasting surface preparation

• Durable, reliable, and cost effective

For those new to STOPAQ, the answer might come as a surprise. For those with experience, it won’t.

The solution was Wrappingband CZHT combined with an HTPP Outerwrap. Simple.

This system delivered exactly what the project demanded: excellent corrosion protection under extreme conditions, quick installation in a high-risk environment, and reliable performance at elevated temperatures—all without the need for sand blasting.

And as an added bonus?
The system also provided a noticeable noise-dampening effect, which turned out to be the cherry on top of an already cost-effective, high-performance coating solution.

This project is another reminder that when conditions get tough, simplicity and proven technology often win. STOPAQ once again delivered a solution that met every requirement—and then some.

Sometimes, the best answer really is the simplest one.

Raychem Historical Snap Shot Series:

 Blast From the Past: San Juan, Puerto Rico — October 1975

This week’s blast from the past takes us to San Juan, Puerto Rico in October of 1975, and it’s a special one for more than one reason.

Front and center in this snapshot of pipeline history is JSI’s own Sam Damico, one of the founders of Joint Specialists. Beyond his technical skill, Sam was known as a genuinely good, kind, and generous person. He left a lasting impression on everyone who worked with him, and he is deeply missed by many to this day.

At the time, the pipeline industry was still in the early days of Raychem’s pipeline solutions, and this project highlights one of the most innovative technologies of that era: GRS (Gas Repair Sleeves). These heat-shrink sleeves were designed to do something remarkable for their time—seal active, leaking natural gas lines without shutting them down.

The challenge in San Juan was a leaking flange, a situation that even today demands careful planning and execution. Sam tackled the repair using a GRS heat-shrink sleeve, a torch, and putty filler—simple tools by today’s standards, but cutting-edge technology back then. With skill, confidence, and experience, he successfully sealed the leak and restored integrity to the line.

Looking back, it’s impressive how much was accomplished with ingenuity, hands-on expertise, and a deep understanding of materials and application. These early successes laid the groundwork for many of the gas repair and sealing solutions we rely on today.

This moment isn’t just a piece of industry history—it’s a reminder of the people who helped build it.

Powercrete R95: THE High Build Epoxy

 

Product Spotlight: Powercrete R95 — A Field-Friendly High-Build Epoxy

When it comes to protecting field joints and targeted sections of pipe, crews need coatings that are tough, flexible, and practical to apply in the real world—not just in a lab. That’s exactly where Powercrete R95 shines.

Powercrete R95 is Henkel’s (formerly Seal for Life) high-build, novolac hybrid, two-part epoxy, engineered specifically for demanding field applications. Designed to perform in challenging environments, R95 is rated for continuous service temperatures up to 203°F, making it a strong choice for a wide range of pipeline and facility projects.

R95 can be used as a stand-alone coating, delivering robust corrosion protection on its own. It also plays well with others. Many operators use it as an additional protective layer over FBE or other epoxy coatings, adding extra insurance where conditions are especially aggressive or where coating damage is more likely.

One of the standout features of Powercrete R95 is its ability to be applied up to 30 mils in a single pass. Like all high-build epoxies, achieving that thickness does require some attention from the applicator—but fewer passes can mean faster application and fewer opportunities for defects.

Packaging is important in the field, and R95 checks that box as well. It’s available in:

• 2 lb kits

• 4 lb kits

• 50 ml repair cartridges

• Custom kit configurations

Powercrete R95 is one of the most field-friendly epoxies we’ve seen—whether you’re coating a field joint, touching up a damaged area, or handling small repairs without wasting material.

Powercrete R95 was designed with applicators in mind. It’s a reliable, flexible option for crews who need epoxy performance without unnecessary complexity.

If you’d like to learn more about Powercrete R95 or discuss where it fits into your next project, we’re always happy to talk.