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.

CCS Weave: The High-Shrink Material That’s Changing the Game

 

When it comes to high-performance sealing solutions, Covalence has engineered something truly remarkable: CCS Weave. This innovative material is used to create Casing Seals, Flange Seals, and other applications where a high-shrink product is essential. But what makes CCS Weave stand out in a crowded market? Let’s dive in.

1. Unmatched Shrink Ratio
CCS Weave boasts an impressive 66% shrink ratio. To put that into perspective: a 24-inch casing pipe could see the Caseal shrink all the way down to just 8.5 inches if allowed. This dramatic shrink capability ensures a tight, secure fit, even on irregular surfaces.

2. Durable, Multi-Layer Construction
At the heart of CCS Weave is a fiber-reinforced sheet laminated between two layers of polyethylene. This construction delivers exceptional performance in key areas:

• Penetration resistance – tough enough to withstand challenging environments
• Abrasion resistance – maintains integrity over time
• Elongation – flexible enough to handle complex applications

3. Hyper-Aggressive Mastic Sealant
A seal is only as good as the bond it creates. CCS Weave utilizes a hyper-aggressive mastic sealant that adheres well to a variety of substrates—even when surface preparation isn’t perfect. This ensures reliable sealing performance across diverse field conditions.

High-shrink materials can introduce a unique problem: how to keep the material intact during the shrinking process. Covalence tackled this challenge by borrowing a brilliant technique from Raychem, developed decades ago. Since 1995, we’ve been sewing a nylon zipper into the sleeve using Kevlar thread.

When the ends of the sleeve are zipped together, even the extreme 66% shrink ratio isn’t enough to break the threads. This simple yet ingenious solution allows CCS Weave to deliver maximum shrink performance without compromising structural integrity.

CCS Weave isn’t just another sealing material—it’s a high-performance solution designed to meet the demands of today’s toughest applications. With its impressive shrink ratio, multi-layer durability, and clever engineering, it’s a product that engineers and field teams alike can rely on.

It’s more than cool—it’s next-level material innovation.

Stopaq: The Common Sense Tank Chime Repair Solution

If you’ve followed some of my previous posts on Stopaq visco-elastic coating systems, you’ve likely seen how effective they can be when it comes to repairing and recoating tank chimes. Today, I want to walk through the application process—and highlight a few key advantages that really set this system apart in the field.

One of the first things that stands out is the minimal surface preparation required. Unlike traditional coating systems that often demand abrasive blasting and extensive prep work, this process eliminates the need for sandblasting altogether. That alone can significantly reduce both project complexity and cost.

Another major benefit is the simplicity of the application. There’s no need for specialized spray equipment or complex tooling. The system is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, allowing crews to get the job done efficiently without a steep learning curve.

And perhaps most importantly, the time savings are substantial. Because of the streamlined process, you can complete projects with fewer crew members and in far fewer hours compared to conventional methods. In today’s environment—where labor availability and project timelines are constant challenges—that’s a game changer.

If you’re looking for a faster, simpler, and more efficient way to handle tank chime repairs and recoating, this is definitely a system worth considering.

Feel free to reach out if you’d like more information or want to discuss how it could fit into your next project.