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.

Don’t Leave Your Bundled Bore Bumper System to Chance

 

Bundled directional drills are complex. They’re expensive. And they carry long-term consequences if something goes wrong.  So here’s a simple Public Service Announcement:

If your company does not have a thoughtfully written specification for bumpers on bundled bores, you are taking a serious risk with your pipeline.

When multiple 20" and 30" pipelines are bundled together and dragged thousands of feet through a bore, pipe-on-pipe contact isn’t a possibility — it’s a certainty. The real question is whether you’ve engineered protection into the project or left it up to chance.

Our BBS (Bundled Bumper System) was designed specifically to address these risks. It isn’t improvised. It isn’t pieced together on-site. It’s engineered for the application.

Here’s what that means:

• Two-part epoxy bonding agent applied directly to the factory-applied coating — with no abrasion required

• Bumper material backed by decades of bore experience

• Leader strip protection on the front end of the bundle

• A proven durometer rating engineered to handle the load

Most importantly:

The system is guaranteed to stay in place
The system is guaranteed to maintain the spacing you specify

Spacing isn’t cosmetic. It’s protection. Lose spacing, and you lose coating integrity. Lose coating integrity, and corrosion becomes part of your future maintenance plan.

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What Happens Without a Specification?

Let’s talk about what I’ve actually seen, including as recently as this morning.

If you don’t clearly write a bumper specification into the project, the decision doesn’t disappear. It simply shifts downstream.

And when cost pressure takes over, here’s what that “system” often becomes:

• A 1-inch rope

• Wrapped with a couple laps of cold-applied tape

• The kind with mesh backing and soft mastic

On a multi-million-dollar pipeline project.

Heavy 20" and 30" coated steel being dragged through the ground — relying on about $0.50 worth of rope and $2 worth of tape.

I’m confident even the tape manufacturer would tell you:
That is not a bundled bore solution.

Improvised bumper systems don’t usually fail immediately in a dramatic way.

They fail gradually.

• Tape shifts and/or rolls

• Rope slides or is pulled off

• Spacing disappears

• Coatings abrade

• Problems begin

And now you’re living with coating damage that will follow the asset for decades.

That’s not a small oversight. That’s a lifecycle decision.

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Write the Specification. Control the Outcome.

Bundled bores are the place to clearly define:

• Bumper material

• Durometer requirements

• Bonding method

• Spacing requirements

Because when you leave it unspecified, you’re not saving money.

You’re gambling with a buried asset that you can’t easily inspect or repair.

And that’s not going to help anyone sleep at night.

Pipe Bundle Bumpers: Use a Bumper System or You're Using Your Welds

 

A Critical Risk in Bundled Directional Drills (That’s Easy to Overlook)

I was reviewing a bundled directional drill specification this morning and ran across an interesting wrinkle — one that’s easy to overlook when talking about bundled road bores and spacer systems like our BBS Bumper System.

It comes down to this: girth welds are especially vulnerable to pipe-on-pipe damage.

Think about what’s happening inside a bundled bore. Each pipeline has raised girth welds, and those welds are typically protected by a field-applied coating. Unless a proper spacer or bumper system is used, those coated welds are rubbing directly against adjacent pipelines during installation — and potentially for the life of the line.

Field joints are already the most “at-risk” section of any pipeline. Coating thickness can vary, surface prep isn’t always perfect, and real-world field application rarely matches lab conditions. Add continuous contact and movement against another pipe, and you’ve just increased the likelihood of damage at the exact point you can least afford it.

Now layer in the reality of a bundled pipe bore.

If your pipelines aren’t riding on a bumper or spacer system, chances are they’re riding on something else — very likely a field joint. And beneath that field joint? A girth weld.

Let that sink in for a moment.

You may think your pipes are simply resting against each other, but in practice, you could be concentrating load, abrasion, and movement directly on a raised weld profile with a field-applied coating. Over time, that’s a recipe for coating damage and potential corrosion issues down the road.

This is exactly why spacer systems matter — and why they need to be designed with bundled installations in mind. A properly engineered bumper system like BBS keeps pipelines separated, transfers load away from girth welds, and protects the most vulnerable sections of the pipe during installation and service.

Because when you really visualize what’s happening inside that bore, it’s honestly a little scary to think about what’s riding on what.

And it’s far better to address that risk up front than to discover it later.

Multi-Pipe Pull Throughs

 

Managing Multiple Pipelines in a Single Bore: Why Spacing Matters

Pulling multiple pipelines through the same bore hole introduces a unique set of challenges for any construction crew. Once those lines are in motion, the question becomes: how do you keep one pipeline from abrading another? How do you prevent collisions as the pipes shift, flex, and—at times—behave more like spaghetti noodles than rigid steel?

These concerns become even more critical at the girth welds. The weld profile naturally creates a high point on the pipe, making it especially vulnerable to damage if adjacent lines come into contact during installation or over the life of the pipeline.

That’s where our BBS (Bundled Bumper System) comes into play.

The BBS system creates a one-inch bumper around the pipeline, effectively spacing lines apart as they are pulled through the bore. While larger spacers can be manufactured, more than a decade of field experience has shown that a one-inch separation is more than sufficient for the vast majority of applications.

By maintaining consistent separation, BBS prevents pipelines from abrading, bumping, or damaging one another—both during installation and after the lines are in place. Just as importantly, once the pipelines reach their final resting position, the spacing created by BBS allows soil to settle naturally between the lines. This ensures your cathodic protection (CP) system has unobstructed access to 360 degrees of each pipeline, helping maintain long-term corrosion protection.

When multiple lines share a single bore, proper spacing isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. And with the right system in place, it’s one less thing your crew has to worry about.

Directional Drilling Industry Excepted to Double in 10 Years

 

Directional Drilling Growth: Not a Surprise — Still Worth Paying Attention To

This probably won’t surprise anyone working in the pipeline or trenchless construction world — but it’s still worth pausing to think about.

A recent study forecasts that the global horizontal directional drilling (HDD) market will grow at roughly 6.8% per year over the next decade. If that projection holds, the market will nearly double in size over the next 10 years.

That’s a big number. And honestly? It tracks exactly with what many of us have already been seeing in the field.

We’ve Seen This Trend Firsthand

At JSI, we firmly believe this growth isn’t just coming — it’s been happening for years already. Over the last decade, directional drilling and road bore projects have steadily increased, and so has the demand for products designed specifically to survive those harsh installations.

That steady market growth is reflected directly in the continued adoption of several of our core solutions that are routinely used on HDD and road bore projects.

Products Built for Directional Drilling Reality

Here are a few of the systems we see gaining the most traction as drilling activity increases:

Powercrete J
Widely regarded as a premier epoxy coating for directional drilling applications, Powercrete J offers excellent abrasion resistance and fast cure times — exactly what’s needed when pipe is being pulled through long, demanding bores.

DIRAX
When downtime matters (and when doesn’t it?), DIRAX stands out. This is a minimal-downtime coating system designed specifically for drill pipe and tooling — often allowing pull-in in as little as 30 minutes.

WCSM
A proven solution for lead wire protection and cable splice sealing, WCSM continues to be a go-to for HDD crews who need reliable, long-term environmental sealing in the field.

BBS Bumper System
As multi-pipe bundled pull-throughs become more common, the BBS system plays a critical role in protecting pipes during installation. Designed specifically for bundled HDD and road bore applications, it helps prevent coating damage and pipe-to-pipe contact during pullback.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

For many in our industry, this time of year is traditionally a slower period. But it’s also the perfect window to prepare for what’s coming next.

If the directional drilling market truly is on track to nearly double over the next decade — and all signs suggest it is — then now is the time to make sure your coatings, protection systems, and installation practices are ready.

If you’d like to talk through any of these solutions, or discuss how to position your projects for a strong 2026 and beyond, let’s chat.

You can also review the market study referenced here:
Expert Market Research – Horizontal Directional Drilling Market

BBS Job Kickoff!

 Another Successful Job Kickoff: Onsite Training with Our BBS System for Bundled Directional Drilling

We recently wrapped up another job kickoff and onsite training session—this time focused on our BBS system (Bumpers for Bundled Directional Drilling). Every project is different, but one thing is always the same: proper installation matters. That’s why we put so much effort into training, education, and hands-on support.

A Four-Line Bundle, Three Lines Protected

For this particular project, the contractor was pulling a four-line bundle through a single bore hole. Bundled directional drilling always brings unique challenges: tight clearances, heavy loads, shifting forces, and the constant risk of line-to-line contact during the pull.

To address those challenges, the client chose to install bumpers on the three smaller lines within the bundle. This is a common strategy—protecting the most vulnerable lines helps absorb movement, maintain separation, and reduce the risk of coating damage as the entire package travels through the bore.

Why Our Training Matters

When we show up for a job kickoff, we’re not just handing over materials. We’re making sure the crews know exactly how to install the system so it performs the way it was designed. No one wants crews installing our bumpers correctly more than we do. The quality of the installation directly affects the level of protection the lines will have once they’re underground.

We walk through everything:

• Where bumpers should be placed

• How to properly secure them

• The reasoning behind spacing and orientation

• What to look for during the pull

• How to modify placement for bundle geometry

When teams understand the “why,” the process becomes smoother, safer, and more consistent. And the entire pipeline bundle ultimately benefits.

Directional drilling can be demanding. Bundled bores add even more complexity. Our goal is to simplify the protective side of the equation and give contractors the tools and knowledge they need to get it right the first time.

Need Training or Support on Your Next Bundled Bore?

Whether you’re pulling two lines or ten, we’re here to help with bumper selection, spacing recommendations, installation training, and job start support. If your project involves multiple lines in a single bore, investing a little time upfront makes all the difference.

Another job kickoff complete—and another team ready for a smooth, protected pull. If you’ve got an upcoming bundled project, we’d be happy to support you too.

How BBS Pipe Bumpers Keep Multi-Line Pulls Protected

 

Bundled Road Bores: How BBS Pipe Bumpers Keep Multi-Line Pulls Protected

As the United States becomes more and more saturated with existing pipelines — and as securing new right-of-ways becomes increasingly difficult — we’ve noticed a steady rise in bundled directional drilling projects (also called bundled road bores).

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a bundled bore is very similar to a standard horizontal directional drill (HDD) or road bore, with one key difference: instead of pulling a single pipeline through the bore hole, multiple pipelines are pulled through at the same time.

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Why Bundled Bores Are Becoming More Common

There are several reasons why bundled directional drilling is gaining momentum across the pipeline industry:

• Limited right-of-way availability: With so much existing infrastructure already in the ground, it’s becoming harder and harder to secure new corridors.

• Reduced environmental impact: By drilling once instead of multiple times, operators minimize disturbance to the surface and surrounding environment.

• Lower overall cost: When engineered properly, a single large-diameter bore can be more cost-effective than multiple smaller drills.

We’ve seen this evolution firsthand. In fact, we’ve been directly involved in bundled bore projects that included two pipelines in the same hole — and others with as many as eleven pipelines pulled through simultaneously.

Hard to imagine? Yes.
Incredible to witness? Absolutely. (Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed on that particular job site!)

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The Challenge: Protecting Pipelines During and After the Pull

As impressive as these multi-line bores are, they present a unique set of challenges. When several steel pipelines are pulled side-by-side through a muddy, high-friction borehole, contact between lines is inevitable — and that can lead to damage both during installation and long after the system is in service.

The question becomes:

• How do you prevent the pipelines from damaging each other during the pull?

• How do you ensure they don’t rest on each other for the next 30, 40, or 50 years underground?

The answer: pipe bumpers, also known as pipe doughnuts, BBS Bumper Systems, or simply spacers.

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Pipe Bumpers: Simple Concept, Critical Function

At first glance, a pipe bumper might look like a simple molded or fabricated spacer that keeps pipelines separated during the pull. And on paper, the idea seems simple enough.

But in practice? It’s anything but simple.

When you’re pulling multiple lines through a bore hole, you’re talking about enormous shear and peel forces acting on everything in that hole. Picture a pipe bumper wedged between three different pipelines, being dragged through hundreds of feet of drilling mud. That bumper is going to act like a sail — seeing tremendous forces as the pipelines move.

If the bumper isn’t held in place by a road bore–rated material, it can easily shift, peel off, or fail completely — leaving the lines unprotected.

That’s why at BBS (Bundled Bore Solutions), our bumper systems are held in place by materials specifically designed and tested to survive the extreme stresses of directional drilling applications.

We’ve seen the results firsthand — and we’ve even documented them. In our Pipe Bumper Case History, before-and-after inspections confirmed that the bumpers stayed exactly where they were supposed to, even after being pulled beneath significant distances and through tough geological conditions.

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Not All “Pipe Doughnuts” Are Equal

Here’s where things get a little tricky: not every product on the market that looks like a pipe bumper is actually rated for road bore use.

Some systems utilize adhesives, wraps, or spacer materials that are not approved by their own manufacturers for use in directional drilling. That might sound like a small detail — but it’s a huge risk.

Think about what happens when those unapproved materials are dragged beneath a road, a ship channel, or a reservoir. They’re exposed to pressure, friction, heat, and movement that far exceed typical above-ground or stationary pipeline applications.

What happens to those bumpers?
Nobody really knows.

And does it make sense to use a system that even the manufacturer would say “No way — you can’t use our product for that”?
Of course not. Yet, we still see it happening across the industry.

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Why Road Bore–Rated Systems Matter

Using a road bore–approved bumper system ensures that:

• Every component (bumper, adhesive, backing material) is designed to handle the shear, peel, and compressive loads of a bore.

• Spacers stay in place throughout the pull and for the lifetime of the pipeline.

• The system is backed by field-proven testing, data, and case history — not guesswork.

At the end of the day, pipe bumpers or doughnuts might look like simple accessories, but they play a critical role in protecting your investment. They prevent coating damage, spacing failures, and long-term structural issues between parallel pipelines.

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Let’s Talk About Your Next Bundled Bore

Bundled road bores and directional drilling are here to stay — and as they become more common, the importance of proper pipeline spacing and protection only grows.

If you’re planning a multi-line bore, let’s have a conversation. Our team can help you select the right BBS Bumper System for your design, soil conditions, and pull forces — so you can focus on the hundreds of other details that demand your attention.

Because when it comes to protecting bundled pipelines underground, the best solution is the one that’s been proven to work.

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Bundled Bore Solutions (BBS)
Experts in multi-line pipeline protection and road bore–rated bumper systems.

Joint Specialists - Committed to Stocking Material

JSI - Largest Stocking Distributor for (some) Seal for Life products

For those who haven't had the opportunity to tour our production facility in The Woodlands, reach out! We'd love to show you around.

Our 20,000 square foot warehouse still has plenty of room! Our current stock levels in case you're curious how seriously we take our roll as a value adding Distributor / Light Manufacturer:

Currently in stock:

- 150 pallets of Covalence material (and packaging support)

- 143 pallets of Powercrete material (and packaging support)

- 50 pallets of BBS Bumpers for Bundled Road Bores

- 16 pallets of Raychem / Tyco Electronics WCSM material (for sealing low voltage splices and jacket repairs)

- 8 pallets of Stopaq material (soon to be more)

We aren't full yet either! Plenty of room left to take on more. Many thanks to our partner Seal for Life Industries who we've been working closely with for more than 30 years now!

Stopaq Viscoelastic

 Stopaq Viscoelastic Material

Stopaq Wrappingband

     Joint Specialists is pleased to announce that our decades long partnership with Seal for Life Industries is expanding to include the Stopaq product line, effective immediately.  We are bringing in a stock of material this week; but ask your patience in the months ahead as we learn exactly what product and inventory levels are required to support the US market.  As you may know, the Stopaq product line is incredibly versatile with excellent corrosion prevention solutions for many US markets; including O&G, Marine, Downstream, Tank Chime Repair, Cooling Towers, and virtually any market where corrosion prevention and leak sealing are needed. 

     Adding Stopaq to Joint Specialists' already deep line of corrosion prevention and substrate protection products is going to be a great fit.  Adding this product line to Powercrete J, Powercrete R65/F1, Powercrete R95, DIRAX, WPCT, WPC100M and JSI's own line of BBS bumper materials that are used to protect pipelines during bundled pipeline road bores gives JSI yet another tool in our belt to help our customers solve challenging corrosion problems.

     As a starting point, we will stock 13 Stopaq products. We have plans place to expand into the rest of the product line, eventually having most products available for expedited shipping.  Our goal is:  100% of orders shipping out same day (if needed).

     If you have an upcoming project where Powercrete, Stopaq, Covalence may apply; please reach out immediately.  In addition, if you will be involved in a bundled road bore; we have the best product on the market for that.  I look forward to hearing from you!

steve@jsicoatings.com                                                                                                         936/321-3333

 BBS and BBS/CCS Bumper for Bundled Road Bores

    JSI's BBS system has reached its 10th year of existence!  That is 10 years of protecting lines that will be a part of a bundled directional drill.  10 years of supporting your CP systems to keep space for the current to reach your pipeline 360 degrees around your line.  

    BBS and BBS/CCS are simple to install, requiring no special tools or training.  All that is really needed is a propane torch with a broad bushy flame and a means to wipe dust and dirt off of the pipeline prior to installation.  

    The BBS includes as its line item:

• suitable durometer bumper material pre-cut to length
• main sleeve to hold bumper in place
• three inch wide sleeve for added front end protection
• two part epoxy bonding agent

     Give us a call today to discuss your project!  936/321-3333

Bumpers for Multi-Pipe Directional Drills

 Bumpers for Bundled Pipe Bores

     Another successful bumper project is underway.  As we often do, we were there to train crews at job kickoff.  It's certainly in EVERYONE'S best interest that our products are properly installed.  Though the product is quite simple to install, best to make sure everyone is on the same page from the jump.

     Utilizing our newest iteration of bumper material - we are now utilizing a trapezoid shaped bumper in order to give a slightly easier ride over the rollers.  Though an upset in the pipe will never bring a fully smooth transition, this bumper shape certainly brings a dramatically improved trip over the rollers.  If you have a job and would like a demonstration or sample of the product, reach out and we will make that happen!

     Utilizing that specially formulated trapezoidal bumper material along with our system for making sure that bumper does not move anywhere during the pull through, we have the best system in the market to protect your pipeline.  

  

     Preventing pipe on pipe collision damage is job #1 for the BBS bumper system.  Keeping space between the lines when they have reached their final resting place so that CP current can access the lines is job #2.  Both equally important. 

     If you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.  We love talking about this product!  

BBS System Improvements for your Bumpers on Bundled Drills

Joint Specialists Announces Improved BBS Bore Bumper System for Enhanced Performance

Trapezoidal Bumper as part of the BBS System for Bundled Pipe 

    Joint Specialists, a leading provider of innovative solutions for the oil and gas industry, is pleased to announce a significant improvement to their BBS bundled bore bumper systems. After an extensive research and development effort, the company has replaced the 1"x2" rectangular bumper with a new and improved trapezoid shaped rubber. This enhancement will transform the BBS system into a more 'roller friendly' product, providing enhanced performance and efficiency.

    The decision to upgrade the BBS system was made after careful consideration of customer feedback and market demands. The rectangular bumper, while effective, was not as efficient in handling the movement of rollers as desired. With the new trapezoid shaped rubber, the BBS system will now be able to smoothly and effectively handle the movement of rollers, making it a more reliable and user-friendly product.

    According to the company's blog, the new trapezoid shaped rubber has undergone rigorous testing and has shown promising results. It has been designed to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The improved BBS system is now available for purchase and more information can be found on the company's website at http://blog.heatshrinksleeves.com/search?q=BBS.

   JSI is committed to providing innovative and high-quality solutions to their customers. The improved BBS system is a testament to their dedication to constantly improving and evolving their products to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry. The company is confident that this enhancement will greatly benefit their customers and contribute to the overall success of their operations.

    Joint Specialists is excited to introduce the new and improved BBS system to the market and looks forward to the positive impact it will have on their customers. With this upgrade, the company continues to solidify its position as a leader in the industry, providing cutting-edge solutions that drive efficiency and productivity.

Bumper for Bundled HDD Application Guideline

Install Instructions for BBS HDD Bundle Bumpers

    Bundled directional drilling applications present a unique challenge in the pipeline world.  Something must be done to prevent the different pipe sections from damaging one another.

    The BBS System is primarily comprised of two general component groups:

1.        A specially formulated and designed rubber bumper material that has been carefully selected, evaluated and proven to do what it is supposed to do.

2.        A heat shrinkable vehicle with a long use history, proven to survive directional drilling applications with ease, used to hold the bumper in place throughout the pulling process (and beyond). 

  In my experience, factory applied pipeline coatings receive an alarming amount of damage being moved around the pipe coating yard, loaded onto trucks, transported to who knows where, and unloaded at a job site.  Imagine the additional damage that a pipeline will receive when it is being dragged through a hole in the ground interacting with other pipelines at the exact same time. 

  The scariest thing is that these pipelines that are involved in directional drilling applications are never going to be seen again.  If they are damaged, then the only option is to hope that the cathodic protection will properly protect any holidays.  That is complicated as well though!  Because now you’ll have multiple other pipelines potentially surrounding a damaged or even a bare section of pipe!  

  In the world of bundled pipeline directional drilling, there are a number of things that have been used.  Some are as simple as rope with duct tape wrapped around it.  I can’t imagine anyone truly believes that system is going to prevent pipe collisions.  Other systems are intricately complicated, but still bad.  Picture a piece of rope with a basic, drop in a ditch shrink sleeve on it, now put on some metal banding to hold that shrink sleeve in place.  Then put another shrink sleeve on top of that metal banding.  Crazy, because you’ve put products on a pipeline that are designed to withstand the forces of road bore AND you’ve introduced a metal band on your pipeline. 

  Our system has been proven (going in and coming out) and uses only products that are specifically designed to withstand road bore forces.  With abrasion resistance, penetration resistance, shear and impact resistance values that are top of the line, you will be able to rest easy knowing that you’ve done all you can do to get an undamaged pipeline in place prior to it going into service.  

All pipe surfaces to be involved in this application must be free of all oils, dust, dirt, mud or any other substance that would reduce or prevent a proper bond.

Using a propane torch, preheat all pipe surfaces to a temperature between 140F and 160F.  The primary reason for this is that the warm pipe surface allows the efficient use of the epoxy.  A cold pipe will use much more epoxy than is really necessary and will lead to an epoxy shortage as the job proceeds.

After the pipe has been preheated; quickly wrap the appropriately sized bumpers around the pipe right next to one another.  Secure them in place using a small amount of duct tape (included in the box). 

Mix and apply the S1301M Epoxy (quickly before the pipe cools down).  Everything you need is included in this kit:  Part A, Part B, Mixing Stick, Applicator Pad and latex gloves if necessary.  Apply the epoxy in a thin coat covering all parts of the pipe that will be in contact with the shrink sleeve.  It is not necessary to have epoxy between the bumper and the pipe.

Wrap the main (wider) shrink sleeve around the pipe (quickly, before the epoxy has cured) and center it on the bumpers.  Secure the closure strip using the propane torch and a gloved hand.  This will form the sleeve into the shape of a tube and hold it in the shape of a tube during the shrink process.  Note: the sleeve will wrap around the bumper AND overlap onto itself by at least a few inches.

Using the propane torch, begin shrink the sleeve.  The torch should be at  a setting that provides a broad, bushy, yellow flame.  Begin by shrink the sleeve directly on top of the bumpers.  You will begin to see the profile of the bumper showing through.

Next, install the 3” wide leading edge strip.  This will be positioned on the ‘front’ end of the shrink sleeve you’ve just installed.  When centered over that edge; it should be half on the just installed (still hot) shrink sleeve – and half on the still not fully cured S1301M epoxy that you applied previously.  Secure the closure and shrink the sleeve just as you did with the larger sleeve.

As necessary, using the silicone roller; roll the leading edge strip that you’ve just installed and the overlap area of both sleeves.  If you experienced any air entrapment during installation, use the roller to push that out as well.

HDD Bundle Bumpers

 Bumpers for HDD Bundles

     As JSI's BBS system for HDD Bundles is entering its 10th year of regular use, I think the jury has returned to the court room:  these things work.  

As a point of reference, this is a 16" line resting on a 12" line.  Bearing the full weight of that 16" line and we can still clearly see the space being held between the lines.

      As a quick overview - an HDD Bundle is a situation in which more than one pipeline is pulled through the same bore hole (together at the same time).  In our time as leaders and innovators in this sector; we've been involved with TWO lines being pulled together; with ELEVEN lines being pulled together (wow that one was wild!) and many other configurations in between.

     Our BBS bumpers have been installed on everything from 2.375" pipe up to 36" pipe.  We can certainly go larger than 36" as well; but haven't had an opportunity to do so just yet. 

     You may be wondering:  why are bumpers needed on an HDD bundle?  There are two obvious reasons and both are equally important - for the sake of simplicity let's picture the 11 line bundle that we were involved with:

1. During the pull through, you absolutely want to be certain your pipelines are not going to damage one another.  Picture multiple lines being pulled through the bore hole and one of them hits a rock; a root; a hard pocket of clay, etc -- and that one line 'bounces' and collides with the other line.  Even though pipe coatings are very tough, a 16" line bouncing and slamming into a 6" line is very likely to cause some damage to one or both of those lines.  Beyond that, picture 11 lines all resting on one another travelling through a 5000 foot bore hole.  Imagine those 11 lines vibrating against one another.  That would be a lot of abrasion happening for quite a long time (since the pipe is pulled through so slowly).  How much abrasion force would be put on those lines?  I don't know.  How much pipe on pipe vibration are the pipe coatings you selected able to withstand?  I don't know.  The best plan is to be certain your pipe will not be colliding or resting on one another through the pull through process.  That is where our BBS comes in.
2. Equally important, when the lines reach their final destination....where they will spend their next 40+ years doing their job; you need to be certain that your cathodic protection system can reach all areas of your pipelines.  Picture that 11 line pull through that we were involved with (though the same logic applies to a 2 line pull through).  11 lines all sitting in the ground in a jumbled mess; touching each other and a huge pipe pile.  In cases where two or more lines are touching one another (in their final resting place) there is no room for soil and water to fill the voids around the lines and create a path for CP current to get through where needed.  Your own lines are obstructing the CP -- effectively giving you zero CP coverage in some areas.  That is a problem.  

     HDD bundles are excellent solutions that bring cost savings and bring options in highly congested pipeline areas.  But, you need a plan to help you avoid pipe on pipe damage and to make certain you aren't handicapping your CP system from the get go.  We can help you with that.

If you have questions - reach out!  steve@jsicoatings.com    936/321-3333

Press Release: BBS (Bundle Bore Sleeves) Near 100,000 Successful Installs

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

JSI’s HDD Bundle Spacers (BBS) Closing in on 100,000 Installs Milestone, Launches New Website, and Embarks on Innovative Product Improvement Exploration

 

[Conroe, TX - March 18, 2024] – JSI celebrates approaching 100,000 successful installations of BBS, a revolutionary solution for multi-pipe pullbacks and bundled directional drilling applications.  JSI (Joint Specialists), a renowned provider of innovative solutions for pipeline construction and coating, proudly announces a significant achievement for its flagship product, Bundled Bore Spacers (BBS).  With immense appreciation for its loyal customers and industry partners.

In conjunction with this milestone, JSI is excited to unveil the launch of BBS’s new website:  HDDBundle.com – designed to offer a smooth user experience and easy accessibility, the newly launched website serves as a comprehensive platform for customers to explore BBS’s range of products, access valuable resources and stay informed about the latest advancements in this and JSI’s other products (Powercrete and Covalence).  This launch underscores JSI’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support and service to its valued clientele. 

Furthermore, JSI is pleased to announce the launch of a research and development program to evaluate new materials and sizing options for the bumpers that will be innovatively tailored to maximize field efficiency and streamline the application process even more than it currently is. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone achievement of reaching 100,000 installations of BBS products,” stated Steve Simpson of JSI.  “This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our team and the enduring support of our clients and partners in the industry.  As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings, we are excited to embark on this new exploration of ways to make the BBS product even better.  We firmly believe that the coming advancements will further solidify BBS’s position as the leading solution for protecting pipe involved in bundles in the pipeline construction and HDD industry.”

With a rich legacy of innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence, JSI remains at the forefront of pipeline construction and coating technology; driving progress and shaping the future of the industry.  Looking ahead, the company remains resolute in its mission to deliver superior quality, performance and reliability to all of our clients.

For more information about JSI and its flagship product BBS, please visit the new website:  www.HDDBundle.com

About JSI (Joint Specialists):  Established in 1995, JSI is a leading provider of innovative coatings and solutions for pipeline construction.  JSI sets the industry standard for service, fast turnarounds and excellent technical advice. 

 

Conroe, TX March 17, 2024

Pipe Spacer for Bundled Road Bores

 

BBS - Bundled Bore System for Protecting Your Pipelines

Reach out for more info:  steve@jsicoatings.com

Bundled directional drilling applications present a unique challenge in the pipeline industry as different pipe sections can damage each other during installation. Joint Specialists, a leader in pipeline solutions, has developed a solution to address this problem. The Bore Bumper System (BBS) is a proven and reliable solution for preventing pipeline damage during bundled directional drilling applications.

The BBS system is primarily composed of two components - a specially formulated and designed rubber bumper material and a heat shrinkable vehicle. The rubber bumper material is carefully selected, evaluated, and proven to provide a cushion and space between the pipelines during installation. The heat shrinkable vehicle is a reliable component with a long history of use, ensuring that the bumper stays in place throughout the pulling process and beyond.

In the past, other solutions, such as rope with duct tape, have been used to prevent pipe collisions, but these solutions are not reliable. Some solutions are intricately complicated, with additional products on a pipeline that are designed to withstand the forces of road bore, introducing metal bands on the pipeline, which is a risky approach. In contrast, the BBS system is a proven and simple solution that only uses products specifically designed to withstand road bore forces. It offers abrasion resistance, penetration resistance, shear, and impact resistance values that are top of the line.

Each BBS kit includes two specially formulated bumpers, a suitable amount of S1301M Two Part Epoxy Primer, a high shear heat shrinkable sleeve, a high shear heat shrinkable leader strip, and duct tape to hold the bumpers in place until the sleeves have been installed. The spacing of BBS bumpers and sleeves is determined by the end user guidelines.

To install the BBS system, all pipe surfaces involved in the application must be free of all oils, dust, dirt, mud, or any other substance that would reduce or prevent a proper bond. The pipe surfaces should be preheated to a temperature between 140F and 160F, and the bumpers should be wrapped around the pipe quickly and secured in place using a small amount of duct tape. The S1301M Epoxy should be mixed and applied in a thin coat covering all parts of the pipe that will be in contact with the shrink sleeve. The wider shrink sleeve should be wrapped around the pipe quickly and centered on the bumpers. Finally, the closure strip should be secured using the propane torch and a gloved hand.

In conclusion, the Bore Bumper System is a proven solution to prevent pipeline damage during bundled directional drilling applications. Joint Specialists has developed a reliable and straightforward system that is designed to keep space between pipelines involved in a bundled directional drill. The BBS system is easy to install, using products that are specifically designed to withstand road bore forces, making it the best choice for anyone looking for a reliable solution to pipeline damage during bundled directional drilling applications.