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.

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.

A Game-Changer in the Field: The Introduction of Wraparound Shrink Sleeves

 

Let’s set the scene: it’s the mid-1970s, and we’re heading to Bakersfield, California—right in the heart of pipeline country. At this point in time, the industry is on the verge of a meaningful shift with the introduction of a new solution: the wraparound shrink sleeve, commonly referred to as WPC.

At first glance, it might not sound revolutionary. But for contractors working in the field, this innovation was a big deal.

Flexibility Comes to the Jobsite

Prior to wraparound sleeves, field joint coatings often required pre-installed tubular sleeves. That meant planning ahead—sometimes far ahead—and physically sliding those sleeves down long sections of pipe to reach the weld joint. As you can imagine, that wasn’t always practical.

With the introduction of wraparound shrink sleeves, contractors suddenly had flexibility. They could complete their welds first and then return later to apply the coating. This was especially valuable in real-world conditions, where field joint coatings are frequently ordered at the last minute. Instead of scrambling or working around logistical headaches, crews could simply bring the material to the weld and install it on the spot.

In short, it made life a whole lot easier.

Built to Perform

Early versions of these sleeves looked a bit different than what you’ll see today—some even featured a bold “RAYCHEM” print across the closure. But while the appearance has evolved, the core technology has remained remarkably consistent.

At the heart of the system is a high-shear adhesive designed to bond quickly and securely to polyethylene (PE) surfaces. Even under elevated temperatures, the adhesive maintains its grip—an essential characteristic for pipeline integrity.

Over time, enhancements were made to improve performance even further. One key addition was the incorporation of a fiber mesh within the closure, providing extra strength to resist the forces generated by high-shrink materials. These refinements helped ensure reliability across a wider range of conditions.

Expanding the Possibilities

The introduction of WPC didn’t just solve a logistical problem—it opened the door to an entire family of solutions. With this new format, manufacturers like Raychem were able to expand their product offerings to address a variety of applications, operating temperatures, and environmental challenges.

What started as a practical innovation in the field quickly became a foundational technology, shaping the way pipeline coatings would be applied for decades to come.

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From a modern perspective, it’s easy to take wraparound sleeves for granted. But back in the 1970s, this was a pivotal moment—one that brought much-needed flexibility, efficiency, and performance to pipeline construction and maintenance.

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.

Revisiting a Milestone in Raychem History: The Great Trans-Alaskan Pipeline Challenge (August 1975)

 

In August of 1975, Raychem found itself at the center of a historic moment in the oil and gas industry. The Trans-Alaskan Pipeline, a massive undertaking that would transport oil from the Alaskan wilderness to the rest of the world, was facing significant delays. One of the primary challenges? A substantial amount of pipe coated with Fusion Bond Epoxy (FBE) had been left exposed to the harsh UV rays of the Alaskan sun for far too long. As a result, the FBE began to degrade, jeopardizing the integrity of the entire pipeline.

Enter Raychem: a company known for its innovative solutions, but this time, the task ahead was nothing short of extraordinary. Raychem was given a daunting proposition: find a way to re-coat thousands of feet of exposed pipe without needing to ship it anywhere. The clock was ticking, and the stakes were high.

Raychem’s team immediately sprang into action. They understood that solving this issue wasn’t just about fixing a problem; it was about developing a solution that could be deployed quickly and effectively in some of the most remote and challenging conditions on Earth.

The result? Arcticlad. A revolutionary product—a spiral-wrapped, heat-shrinkable tape—was born. This tape could coat long lengths of pipe with precision, effectively protecting the pipeline and preventing further damage from UV exposure. But there was one more hurdle to overcome: the installation. Raychem didn’t just create a new product; they also engineered the machinery needed to apply the Arcticlad tape in the field.

This was a true engineering marvel. The teams worked tirelessly, and within an incredibly short amount of time, they had a solution that was both effective and scalable.

The success of Arcticlad wasn’t just a technical win. It was a business triumph that would have lasting implications for Raychem’s future. The ability to offer a cost-effective, field-deployable solution allowed the company to generate significant revenue while cementing its reputation as a leader in pipeline coatings. This success didn’t just solve a problem—it set the stage for Raychem’s pipeline division to thrive in the years to come, establishing a legacy that would last for decades.

Thanks to the ingenuity, quick thinking, and relentless dedication of the Raychem team, the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline project became more than just a milestone—it was a defining moment that helped Raychem’s pipeline division flourish and remain a leader in the industry for many years.

This remarkable chapter in Raychem’s history shows how, with the right combination of innovation, determination, and teamwork, a challenge can be transformed into an opportunity that reshapes the future.

Stopaq Splash Zone Success: An Italian Case Study in Long-Term Pile Rehabilitation

Today we’re looking at a fascinating long-term case study from Italy involving the rehabilitation and recoating of marine piles. (I’ve only had the chance to visit Italy once—but it is one of my favorite places!)

This project began in 2012 and continued for years, ultimately rehabilitating hundreds upon hundreds of pilings. What makes this story especially compelling is not just the scale—but the environment.

Anyone who works around marine infrastructure knows the splash zone is one of the most punishing environments a coating system can face.

Constant wet-dry cycling.

Salt exposure.

UV radiation.

Mechanical impact.

Cathodic protection influence.

In this case, the client was experiencing coating failures within just six weeks of application. The primary culprits were:

• Impressed current interference

• Salt entrapment

• Coating cracking

That kind of rapid failure doesn’t just create maintenance headaches—it drives up lifecycle costs and undermines confidence in the entire protection system.

Before any new coating system was installed, the piles were prepared using high-pressure waterjetting.

This step is critical in marine rehabilitation. Proper surface prep removes salts and contaminants without embedding additional debris into the steel surface—an essential factor when previous failures were partially attributed to salt entrapment.

The rehabilitation utilized products from Stopaq, specifically:

• Wrappingband WSH

• Outerwrap

• Wrappingband CZH

• Outerglass Shield XT

One particularly noteworthy detail: Wrappingband WSH can be applied underwater. That capability dramatically increases installation flexibility and reduces downtime in tidal or continuously wet environments.

Because the project extended over many years, the client had the opportunity to inspect performance across multiple seasons and service cycles.

What stood out?

Flexibility.

In the splash zone, rigid coatings often fail because they cannot tolerate movement, thermal cycling, or mechanical stress. A system that maintains flexibility while continuing to seal against moisture ingress has a significant advantage.

Over time—and across hundreds of rehabilitated pilings—the system demonstrated durability in an environment where previous coatings had failed in weeks.

That kind of field validation speaks louder than any datasheet.

This wasn’t a short-term test patch. It was an ongoing rehabilitation program. The ability to observe performance over years provided meaningful confidence in the system’s durability.

Marine pile rehabilitation is expensive, disruptive, and complex. When a solution proves itself in the splash zone, that’s worth sharing.

If anyone from Stopaq Italy would like to add technical insights or additional field details, please feel free—real-world case studies like this are invaluable to the industry.

 

A Trip Back to 1975: Raychem LTPS in Corpus Christi, Texas

This week, we’re heading back in time—December 1975, to be exact—to beautiful Corpus Christi, Texas. The project? A pipeline installation featuring one of Raychem’s now-retired products: LTPS.

Based on old Raychem nomenclature (which, let’s be honest, was usually more practical than poetic), LTPS likely stood for “Large Tubular Pipe Sleeve.” I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—Raychem was incredibly creative when it came to products, backings, and sealants. When it came to naming them? Not so much!

This particular job involved 18-inch and 20-inch pipe, which meant these LTPS sleeves had to be installed before the pipe joints were welded. The process would have looked something like this:

1. Sleeve Placement (Pre-Weld)
   The shrink sleeve was slipped onto the pipe before welding took place.

2. Weld Completion
   Once the joint was welded, the crew prepared the weld area.

3. Surface Prep & Preheat
   The weld zone was cleaned thoroughly and preheated to at least 140°F—critical for proper adhesion and shrink performance.

4. Positioning the Sleeve
   The LTPS sleeve was then slid into place over the weld area.

5. Release Liner Removal
   The liner was removed to expose the adhesive.

6. Shrink It!
   Using a propane torch, the installer shrank the sleeve tightly over the joint, creating a protective, sealed coating.

LTPS has been a dead product for as long as I’ve been around. However, its smaller sibling—TPS—is still very much alive and well. Today, TPS sleeves are regularly sold for 2", 2.5", 3.5", 4.5", 6" and 8".

While product lines evolve, it’s always fascinating to see the roots of today’s solutions in these legacy installations.

What really makes this project memorable are the photos. In one shot, the installer is casually smoking a cigarette through the entire application process—while operating a propane torch.

Different times, indeed.

It’s wild to think that 1975 was 51 years ago. The industry has changed. Safety standards have changed. Product technology has changed. But there’s something timeless about looking back at these projects and appreciating the craftsmanship and ingenuity that laid the groundwork for where we are today.

Here’s to the legacy of LTPS—and to the crews who made it work in Corpus Christi, December 1975.

 

Waterwrap: Weld after backfill sleeve

 Coating CHALLENGE: Covalence Waterwrap (Weld After Backfill)

Today we’re taking a look at Covalence Waterwrap – Weld After Backfill (WAB), a product designed for one of the most demanding coating applications you’ll ever encounter.

Let’s start with the baseline challenge.

You’re dealing with massive, heavy pipe. It’s already in the ground. Preheating a pipe with that much thermal mass is no small task. Installation crews have to be absolutely disciplined—every square inch of the sleeve must be properly heated to ensure a reliable bond. None of this is easy on a good day.

Now add this twist:
the pipe is going to be welded after the sleeve has been installed.

Yeah… kind of nuts.

Don’t let the photo above fool you (I borrowed it from tomorrow’s history post, which goes all the way back to 1975). What’s interesting about that image isn’t just what you see—it’s what it represents.

The product shown, LTSS, was literally Raychem’s first serious attempt at developing a solution for large-diameter water lines. It was an important starting point, but very much a first pass.

Fast forward to today.

Waterwrap WAB is the result of dozens of generations of product evolution, refined over decades. Each iteration has been driven by real-world field experience—improving long-term performance on the pipe while simultaneously making life easier for installation crews. Better materials. Better installation tolerance. Better outcomes where failure simply isn’t an option.

That kind of evolution matters when you’re coating buried pipe, welding after backfill, and asking a system to perform flawlessly for decades underground.

If you’re in the water pipeline construction world and dealing with these kinds of challenges, we’d love to talk. There’s a lot of hard-earned history—and a lot of practical knowledge—behind today’s Waterwrap systems, and we’re always happy to share it.

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.

Raychem / Covalence / Seal for Life WPC100M

 

WPC100M: A Proven Field Joint Coating with Decades of Reliability

For more than 30 years, WPC100M has been a trusted field joint coating—particularly in offshore applications. Its long-standing track record speaks for itself, making it a familiar and reliable solution for contractors and operators around the world.

One of the key advantages of WPC100M is its butyl mastic sealant, which makes the system extremely forgiving when it comes to surface preparation. Unlike many onshore coating systems, WPC100M does not require an anchor pattern to perform effectively. While it is widely recognized for offshore use, it’s worth noting that WPC100M is also commonly and successfully used in onshore applications.

From a performance standpoint, WPC100M offers impressive temperature capabilities. It is rated for service temperatures up to 212°F when applied over insulated or concrete-coated pipelines, and up to 176°F when in direct contact with soil or the ocean floor. These properties also allow WPC100M to function effectively as a jacket continuation, adding to its versatility in the field.

WPC100M is available in 11", 17", 24", and 34" widths, with custom sizes also available. This flexibility allows it to accommodate a wide range of pipe diameters and project requirements. Combined with a **rapid installation time—often just a few minutes per joint depending on pipe size—**WPC100M helps keep projects moving efficiently without sacrificing performance.

Compatibility is another strong point. WPC100M works seamlessly with nearly all commonly used factory-applied coatings, including polypropylene, making it easy to integrate into existing pipeline coating systems.

With decades of proven performance, fast installation, and broad compatibility, WPC100M remains an excellent choice for a wide range of field joint coating applications—both offshore and onshore.

Shrink Sleeves for Water Pipe

 Covalence Waterwrap: A Proven Solution for Large Diameter Water Pipelines

If you work with large diameter water pipelines, chances are you’re already familiar with Covalence® Waterwrap. Originally introduced under the Raychem name, later part of Seal For Life, and now within the Henkel family of products, Waterwrap has built a long-standing reputation in the water pipeline industry.

Waterwrap is widely recognized as one of the premier solutions for protecting girth welds on large diameter water lines. Coating these welds is often one of the more challenging aspects of pipeline construction—especially as pipe diameters increase. Consistency, reliability, and long-term performance are critical, and Waterwrap has been meeting those demands for decades.

One of the key advantages of Waterwrap is its availability in thicknesses robust enough to allow welding after backfill. This capability can be a major benefit on projects where construction sequencing or site constraints make traditional approaches more difficult.

In addition, Waterwrap is compatible with all major factory-applied coatings, including PE- and PP-based systems. That versatility makes it an easy fit into a wide range of pipeline specifications without requiring compromises or special transitions.

With a proven track record, broad coating compatibility, and features designed specifically for large diameter water pipelines, Covalence Waterwrap remains a product well worth considering—especially if you haven’t evaluated it recently.

JSI - Water / Midstream / Downstream

 

Supporting Pipelines Across Water, Midstream, and Downstream Applications

No matter where your project lives along the pipeline and piping spectrum, Joint Specialists Inc. is positioned to support you with proven corrosion prevention, sealing, and spacing solutions—including spacers and bundled bumpers for challenging installations.

These three segments of the industry cover an enormous amount of ground, and we understand that each comes with its own set of demands, standards, and timelines. That’s why we maintain a robust inventory of materials, ready to help you get your project started on time—and keep it moving without interruption.

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Solutions for the Water Pipeline Industry

In water applications, reliability and longevity are critical. Joint Specialists Inc. offers Covalence / Seal For Life Waterwrap, a trusted solution designed to deliver long-term corrosion protection in demanding environments.

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Midstream: Built for Field Joints

For midstream oil and gas projects, we support a wide range of applications with a comprehensive product offering, including:

• Powercrete coatings for field joint protection

• Covalence heat-shrinkable solutions for reliable sealing

• BBS bundled bumpers for spacing and protection in road bores and bundled installations

These solutions are designed to perform in real-world field conditions where durability and efficiency matter most.

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Downstream & Inside-the-Fence Applications

Inside the fence, where access, operating conditions, and repairs can be especially challenging, we offer a full selection of Stopaq visco-elastic materials. These products are best-in-class for:

• Tank coating and repair

• Aboveground and buried piping

• Long-term corrosion prevention with minimal surface preparation

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More Than Products—Experience You Can Rely On

At Joint Specialists Inc., we don’t just supply materials—we share experience. We’re always happy to discuss your upcoming needs, review your application, and help identify the right solution. And if that means pointing you toward a different product line that’s better suited to your specific challenge, we’ll do that too.

If you have a project on the horizon—or one already underway—we’d welcome the opportunity to support it.

Let’s talk.

31 Years of Change, Consistency, and Commitment

 

Established in 1995, Joint Specialists (JSI) has truly seen it all. Over the past 31 years, one thing has been nearly constant: change. And yet, through every transition, JSI has remained grounded in the same core values—quality products, trusted relationships, and a deep understanding of the industries we serve.

JSI was founded by Stan Simpson and Sam Damico, both of whom began their careers in the 1970s as direct employees of Raychem. When Raychem was sold, Stan and Sam made a bold move. On a Friday, they were Raychem salesmen. By Monday, they were business owners—launching Joint Specialists as a Master Distributor. That leap of faith laid the foundation for more than three decades of success.

Since then, we’ve witnessed an impressive series of name changes across the manufacturers and brands behind our products:

Raychem became Tyco International,
then Covalence,
then Berry Plastics,
then Berry Global,
then Seal for Life,
and now Henkel.

That’s a lot of evolution on paper—but what’s mattered most is what hasn’t changed. The products have continued to be manufactured to the same strict specifications, with the same commitment to performance, reliability, and quality that customers have trusted for decades.

JSI has evolved right alongside the industry. While we began as a Master Distributor for Raychem and Covalence heat shrink sleeves, our offerings have expanded significantly over time. Today, we are also a Master Kitter for Powercrete products and a stocking distributor for Stopaq visco-elastic materials. These additions allow us to better serve a wider range of project needs while maintaining the technical expertise our customers expect.

Innovation has also come from within. In response to real-world field challenges, JSI developed its own proprietary product: BBS—bumpers designed to protect pipelines during multi-pipe pull-through applications such as bores and directional drills. This product reflects what JSI has always been about: listening to customers, understanding the work, and delivering practical solutions.

As we look back on more than 30 years in business, it’s impossible not to recognize the accomplishment of our founders. Building a small business is hard. Sustaining it for over three decades—through industry consolidation, product evolution, and constant change—is something truly worth celebrating.

Here’s to Stan and Sam, and to the people, partnerships, and products that have shaped Joint Specialists into what it is today. The names may change, but our commitment never has.

Raychem GRS Gas Repair Sleeve

 

A Little Pipeline Safety Time Capsule: The Story of Raychem’s GRS Sleeve (1973)

If you’re a safety-minded person—or just someone who enjoys a bit of pipeline history—you’ll appreciate this one. Every industry has moments that make us look back, shake our heads, and say, “Wow… things were really different back then.” And in the world of pipeline coatings, June 1973 in Richmond, Virginia, gave us a perfect example.

At that time, Raychem had developed a product called GRS—Gas Repair Sleeve. Its purpose was straightforward: seal a leaking natural gas line. But the installation method? Well… that’s where the story gets interesting.

GRS was a heat-shrinkable repair sleeve, and like all early shrink technologies of that era, it required an open flame for installation. Yes, you read that correctly:

Open flame.

On a gas line.

That’s already leaking.

Down in a hole.

It’s the kind of detail that makes today’s safety professionals cringe—and also appreciate just how far the industry has come in engineering, risk management, and installation practices.

Technically speaking, GRS was a wraparound product. It used Raychem’s classic rail-and-channel closure system, allowing the sleeve to be wrapped around the pipe, locked into place, and then shrunk to form a seal. For its time, it was clever engineering, and thousands of these sleeves were installed across the country.

But unsurprisingly, as safety standards evolved, GRS didn’t make the cut for the long term. The product was officially discontinued in the 1990s, though many operators still encountered them in the field years later—testament to just how widespread they once were.

Looking back, GRS is a reminder of two things:

1. Innovation often starts with bold ideas, even if those ideas don’t stand the test of time.

2. Safety evolves, and what once seemed acceptable can later become unthinkable as we learn, improve, and push the industry forward.

And that’s what makes these historical snapshots so fascinating. They show us where we’ve been—and how much better we’re doing today.