From Alaska to Memphis: The Evolution of Heat Shrink Technology

 

“Long distance information, get me Memphis, Tennessee!”

That’s where this stop takes us—June of 1976. The pipeline industry was in the middle of a quiet but important transition, and once again, innovation was being driven by necessity.

Not long before this, Raychem had made a name for itself by developing coatings used on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. One of those key products, Arcticlad, was engineered for extreme conditions—applied with specialized equipment on the unforgiving slopes of Alaska.

But as with most innovations, the next challenge wasn’t invention—it was adaptation.

By the time we arrive in Memphis, Raychem is working to modify that same Arcticlad technology for a much more practical application: coating pipe bends in the field—without the need for large, specialized equipment.

This was a big deal.

Bends have always been tricky. Unlike straight pipe, they introduce geometry that doesn’t cooperate easily with rigid or pre-formed coatings. The goal here was to create something flexible, field-friendly, and reliable—without sacrificing performance.

What we see in these early applications is a product that works… but still has some growing up to do.

Today, that evolution has led us to Flexclad Heat Shrinkable Tape—a far more refined and contractor-friendly solution.

Available in:

• 2", 3", and 4" widths
• 50-foot rolls

Flexclad is designed specifically for applications like these—tight geometries, field installs, and situations where simplicity matters. Even better, it’s readily available and kept in stock at our production facility in Conroe, Texas, just outside The Woodlands.

The photos from that 1976 Memphis job tell a familiar story—one that anyone who has ever worked with a “new” product can appreciate.

It’s a bit clunky.

You’ve got:

Hand application

One person dedicated to running a torch just to keep the pipe preheated

Constant adjustments to get the material to cooperate

And the result?

Functional—but not exactly pretty.

Wrinkles show up throughout the installation. At first glance, you might assume poor adhesion or trapped air. But in reality, those wrinkles are something different: pockets of adhesive that cooled too quickly, before the heat-shrink backing had a chance to fully conform and smooth out the surface.

In other words—it wasn’t a failure. It was a process still being refined.

What makes this moment in Memphis interesting isn’t just the product—it’s the process.

This is what innovation actually looks like in the field:

• Trial and error
• Imperfect installations
• Learning how materials behave outside of controlled environments

Those early “good enough” results laid the groundwork for the solutions we take for granted today.

Modern products like Flexclad eliminate many of those early challenges:

• Easier handling
• More forgiving installation
• Consistent performance across a range of conditions

The jump from Arcticlad on the Alaskan slopes to Flexclad in today’s field applications is a great example of how the industry evolves—not in giant leaps, but in steady, practical improvements.

Memphis, 1976 wasn’t about perfection. It was about progress.

And sometimes, a few wrinkles are just part of getting there.

Enhance Your Pipeline Protection with Henkel’s STOPAQ Composite Wrap

 

When it comes to safeguarding pipelines from environmental stressors and physical damage, Henkel's STOPAQ product line offers an innovative solution: the Outerglass Shield. This composite wrap material, crafted from a robust glass fiber fabric impregnated with a water-curable polyurethane (PU) resin, provides exceptional protection in various challenging conditions. Whether you're dealing with harsh weather, marine environments, or general physical wear, this tough, versatile wrap is designed to offer both long-lasting protection and enhanced durability.

What Makes the STOPAQ Composite Wrap Special?

The STOPAQ Outerglass Shield is engineered to perform in a wide range of demanding applications. Its unique water-curable resin makes it easy to apply, and its glass fiber reinforcement ensures it holds up under stress. As both a physical protective layer and an Anti-Corrosion Coating (ARO), this material is perfect for shielding pipelines from environmental damage while maintaining the integrity of field joint coatings.

If you’ve been looking for a reliable and tough outer coat, STOPAQ's composite wrap is a great choice. But how exactly does it fit into the broader pipeline protection scheme? Let’s take a look at some of the common applications:

Common Applications for STOPAQ Outerglass Shield

1. Soil to Air Pipeline Transitions
   In areas where pipelines transition from buried soil to exposed air, physical protection is crucial. The STOPAQ Outerglass Shield provides an extra layer of defense in these sensitive areas, helping to prevent wear and tear from external elements. The added strength of the composite wrap ensures long-term protection.
2. Splash Zone Coatings
   When pipelines are exposed to wet/dry cycles, currents, or floating debris—particularly in offshore environments—the coating can quickly degrade. STOPAQ Outerglass Shield is ideal for splash zones, where it’s vital to maintain an effective protective barrier. It’s built to withstand the continuous wear caused by harsh marine conditions.
3. ARO for Field Joint Protection
   Field joints are often the most vulnerable part of a pipeline, prone to corrosion and damage from external elements. STOPAQ's composite wrap serves as an effective ARO to safeguard field joint coatings. By providing extra protection, it helps preserve the integrity of your pipeline and extends its service life.
4. Mechanical Protection for Pipe Saddles
   Adding mechanical protection to pipe saddles is essential to prevent abrasion and physical damage during installation and operation. The Outerglass Shield acts as a durable layer, shielding pipe saddles from wear and enhancing the long-term performance of your pipeline system.
5. Additional Tough Outer Coats for Various Pipeline Components
   From bends and tees to valves, flanges, and other fittings, the STOPAQ Outerglass Shield can be applied to any area requiring extra protection. It’s versatile and designed to perform in various situations, making it a must-have for maintaining the durability of critical pipeline infrastructure.

Henkel's STOPAQ product line, specifically the Outerglass Shield, offers a combination of practical and robust features that make it a go-to choice for pipeline professionals. 

In conclusion, Henkel’s STOPAQ composite wrap offers an excellent solution for protecting pipelines in a wide range of environments. Whether you're dealing with transitions from soil to air, splash zones, or field joint coatings, the Outerglass Shield provides an essential layer of defense. By choosing this high-performance material, you’re ensuring your pipeline's integrity, durability, and longevity.

Have you used STOPAQ’s composite wrap in your pipeline projects? Share your experience or reach out to learn more about how this material can enhance your protective coatings today!

A Look Back at Innovation (and Cigarettes) on the Pipeline Right-of-Way

 

Let’s start with the real question—because you know it crossed your mind too: back in the 1970s, how many packs of cigarettes did a pipeline crew go through in a single day? A carton? More? Honestly… I’d believe it.

Different time, different jobsite culture. And while a lot has changed since then, one thing hasn’t: the constant push to solve problems in the field.

We’re still in Bakersfield, California, in the early days of wrap-around shrink sleeve technology. At this point, the industry was transitioning from tubular sleeves—an important innovation, but one that came with limitations.

This particular project introduces a new challenge: an insulated pipeline.

The original tubular sleeves developed by Raychem were designed to slide over the pipe before welding. That works well—until insulation enters the picture.

With an insulated line, a tubular sleeve would have needed to:

• Be large enough to fit over the insulation during installation
• Still be capable of shrinking tightly down onto the steel pipe

That’s a big ask.

This is where the wrap-around shrink sleeve starts to shine.

Instead of sliding over the pipe, it wraps around the joint after welding—making it far more adaptable, especially in cases like insulated lines or field repairs.

It’s another example of Raychem doing what they did best:

• Thinking ahead
• Solving problems before they became widespread
• Constantly innovating for new applications 

It’s a mindset you still see today from companies like Henkel—always working multiple angles and anticipating what the market will need next.

Now, if you take a closer look at this particular installation… it’s not winning any awards.

There are visible wrinkles in the closure strip—something that would raise eyebrows today. But context matters:

• The technology was brand new
• Installers were still learning the process
• Best practices were being developed in real time

So if you happen to be the installer from 1976 reading this—no disrespect. You were laying the groundwork the rest of the industry would build on.