Seal for Life Casing Seals & Flange Seals: Proven Protection for Challenging Applications

    

When it comes to protecting critical pipeline components, some applications simply refuse to cooperate. Off-center carriers. Large sizing disparities.

That’s where Seal for Life (formerly Raychem) Casing Seals and Flange Seals truly shine.

These aren’t just “wraps.” They’re engineered sealing systems designed to solve real-world field challenges.

Key Advantages:

• Fiber-reinforced, multi-layer heat shrink backing

• Integrated fiber mesh layer for enhanced penetration resistance

• Coated with a very aggressive mastic sealant

• Works even when the carrier pipe is not centered inside the casing

• Approximate 66% shrink ratio

That high shrink ratio is critical. It allows the material to conform across a wide range of casing-to-carrier pipe diameter ratios — without sacrificing seal integrity.

The aggressive mastic flows into irregularities, filling voids and creating a durable moisture barrier. The fiber reinforcement provides mechanical strength to resist damage and environmental stress.

The result? A reliable seal in one of the most challenging spots on a pipeline.

From the Jungle to the Jobsite: Raychem LTPS in Iquitos, Peru (1975)

 Get your passports ready — we’re heading to Iquitos, Peru, July 1975.

The project? A 24” crude oil pipeline.
The setting? Deep in the Amazon.
The timing? Right at the beginning of a coating revolution.

When this line was being built, Raychem’s pipeline division was barely two or three years old. The division really began gaining traction around 1972–1973, meaning this Peru project happened while the market was still very much in its infancy.

At the time, traditional field joint protection methods like:

• Cold-applied tape

• “Granny ragging”

• Other hand-applied systems

were the norm.

And then came heat-shrink technology.

Raychem’s LTPS (Large Tubular Pipe Sleeves) were quickly becoming a serious disruptor. For many contractors, this was their first exposure to a system that combined:

• Factory-engineered consistency

• Strong technical performance

• Faster, more predictable application

• Improved long-term corrosion resistance

Compared to traditional methods, tubular shrink sleeves offered something different: engineered performance rather than improvised craftsmanship in the ditch.

(And yes — if you’re still a believer in granny ragging as the pinnacle of technical achievement, we can respectfully agree to disagree.)

It’s important to remember where we are in the timeline.

In 1975, Raychem had not yet introduced the wraparound shrink sleeve. That innovation was still about a year away. At this stage, LTPS products were slipped over the pipe before welding — a method that required planning but delivered strong, uniform protection once installed and shrunk.

The wraparound sleeve would eventually change field joint coating logistics forever. But in Iquitos, tubular sleeves were already proving that heat-shrink technology could compete — and win — against legacy systems.

Projects like this 24” crude oil line in Peru weren’t just installations — they were proving grounds.

They demonstrated that:

• Heat-shrink sleeves could perform in challenging environments.

• Application speed could improve without sacrificing technical performance.

• Innovation in field joint coatings was not only possible — it was necessary.

In 1975, the pipeline coating market was just beginning to evolve. What seemed disruptive then is now standard practice.

And it all happened one joint at a time — even in the middle of the Amazon.

Training in the Field: JSI’s BBS Bumper System for Bundled Road Bores

This morning, our very own Ron Lamont braved the cold and windy weather (a brisk 27°F) to provide on-site training for a client, demonstrating the effectiveness of JSI’s BBS bumper system for bundled road bores. Despite the freezing conditions, the system was applied smoothly and efficiently—proving that when it comes to protecting pipes in harsh environments, our technology delivers.

One of the most important aspects of this system is its ability to protect both factory-applied and field joint coatings during the bundle pull-through process. With no risk of pipe-on-pipe rubbing or banging, the integrity of the coating remains intact. Even more crucially, the system prevents weld-on-weld abrasion, which could compromise the integrity of the entire project.

What makes JSI’s BBS bumper system even better is how it’s applied. Unlike other methods that may require abrasive treatments, our system doesn’t damage any coatings. We only need a clean surface—free from dust, dirt, or oil—before application. This ensures that the coatings are protected from the get-go, preserving their integrity all the way to the installation phase.

In a world where every detail counts, it’s critical to avoid damaging your coatings before they’re even in the ground. With JSI’s BBS bumper system, you can rest assured that your infrastructure will be safeguarded against the rigors of the field, ensuring long-lasting performance and reliability.

At JSI, we’re not just about providing products—we’re about providing solutions that stand up to the toughest conditions. Ron’s field training today was another reminder of how our expertise is helping clients across the industry execute projects with confidence and ease.