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.

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.

Thursday Flashback: When R&D Teaches the Hardest (and Most Valuable) Lessons

 

After a brief holiday break, our Thursday Flashbacks are back — and this one takes us all the way to July of 1973.

At that time, Raychem was working to solve a challenging problem: how to effectively protect corrugated steel pipe from water ingress and corrosion. Their approach was ambitious. Engineers developed a heat-shrink sleeve with an exceptionally thick mastic layer and even packed additional mastic into the ridges of the corrugated pipe, aiming to create a truly waterproof barrier.

On paper, it seemed promising.

However, anyone familiar with shrink sleeves understands a fundamental limitation when it comes to corrugated surfaces. Shrink sleeves naturally tend to “bridge” across the peaks of corrugation. When that happens, a spiral leak path is left behind in the valleys — exactly where water is most likely to travel.

Despite extensive evaluations and testing, the solution simply didn’t perform as intended. Ultimately, the entire project was scrapped.

And that’s where the real value of this story lies.

Raychem devoted a significant portion of its revenue to internal research and development. When you invest millions of dollars into R&D, not every project will become a market success. Some efforts result in breakthrough products. Others fall into a different category: not a great product — but a great lesson.

This 1973 experiment was one of those moments. While the product never made it to market, the insights gained helped shape future technologies and reinforced an important truth in our industry: understanding why something doesn’t work can be just as valuable as finding something that does.

Sometimes progress comes not from success, but from the lessons learned along the way.

Stopaq: Back to Basics (Part 2)

 

Stopaq: Back to Basics (Part 2)

For more than 30 years, Stopaq visco-elastic material has set the standard in visco-elastic corrosion protection technologies. In an industry where surface preparation, labor, and access can quickly drive costs, Stopaq has earned its reputation by doing something simple—and doing it exceptionally well.

At its core, Stopaq is designed with practicality in mind. Minimal surface preparation, excellent sealing capabilities, and straightforward installation make it an attractive option for a wide range of applications. When you factor in the reduced need for abrasive blasting, significantly lower labor requirements, and minimal scaffolding, the overall economics become even more compelling.

From a materials standpoint, Stopaq is a fully amorphous, non-crosslinkable Polyisobutene (PIB) composition. Once applied, it is totally impermeable, forming a continuous barrier that protects steel from water, oxygen, and other corrosion-driving elements. This visco-elastic behavior allows the material to conform to the substrate, maintain intimate contact with the surface, and continue sealing over time.

Where Stopaq really shines is in repair, rehabilitation, and recoating work—especially for “inside-the-fence” plant and refinery applications. These environments often demand fast turnarounds, limited surface prep, and safe, efficient installation methods. In these scenarios, focusing solely on material price can be misleading.

Instead, the smarter approach is to evaluate the total job cost. When reduced prep, faster installation, and long-term performance are taken into account, Stopaq frequently proves to be one of the most cost-effective solutions available.

If you’re involved in repair, rehab, or recoating projects and aren’t at least considering Stopaq as your primary repair material, you may be doing yourself—and your budget—a disservice.

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.

Case Study: Innovative Tank Roof Rehabilitation Using STOPAQ Solutions

 

Case Study: Innovative Tank Roof Rehabilitation Using STOPAQ Solutions

In industries that rely heavily on large storage tanks—such as oil and gas, chemicals, and water treatment—maintaining the integrity of these assets is critical for both operational efficiency and safety. However, when faced with severe corrosion, extensive damage, and the challenge of carrying out repairs while the tank remains in service, many conventional methods simply don’t offer viable solutions. This was the scenario we encountered with a client facing a severely corroded tank roof, where traditional approaches like sandblasting and painting were not an option.

In this case study, we demonstrate how STOPAQ’s innovative repair solutions were used to successfully rehabilitate the tank roof, all while the tank remained fully operational—without any downtime.

The Challenge: Severely Corroded Roof with Limited Options

The tank in question was in a critical state of corrosion, with holes and visible damage compromising the structural integrity of the roof. These issues threatened not only the safety of the tank but also the entire system's operation. To make matters worse, the tank could not be emptied or degassed due to lack of storage capacity elsewhere.

This restriction ruled out several common repair methods, such as:

• Sandblasting to remove corrosion

• Painting for corrosion protection

• Welding and full roof replacement due to the need for the tank to remain in service

Given these constraints, we had to develop an alternative approach that could be executed while the tank continued to operate, ensuring minimal disruption for the client.

Solution Development: A Customized Repair Strategy

After conducting a thorough assessment of the situation and consulting closely with the client, our team designed a customized repair strategy that focused on cold repair techniques—methods that could be applied without the need for the tank to be emptied or degassed. The solution we ultimately implemented involved a combination of adhesives, steel plate reinforcement, and STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH—a specialized corrosion prevention material.

Step 1: Reinforcing the Roof with Cold Repair Techniques

The tank roof had sustained significant damage, particularly in certain critical areas. To address this, we used specialized adhesives and steel plates to patch up holes and reinforce weakened areas of the roof. The cold repair method was essential, as it allowed us to work on the tank without having to shut it down or drain it.

• Steel Plates were strategically placed over the holes to provide structural reinforcement and prevent further damage.

• Adhesive application ensured that the steel plates adhered securely to the roof, preventing corrosion from spreading further.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Corrosion Protection: STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH

With the porous nature of the steel roof, it was important to select a material that could conform to irregular surfaces and offer robust protection against further corrosion. After careful consideration, STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH was chosen for this challenging application.

STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH is a versatile, high-performance anti-corrosion material known for its ability to:

• Adapt to irregular surfaces, such as the uneven contours of the tank roof

• Provide a long-lasting, durable seal against the elements

• Offer excellent adhesion to both steel and other materials, even in harsh conditions

Step 3: Cleaning and Surface Preparation

Before the application of STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH, it was crucial to thoroughly clean the tank roof to ensure optimal adhesion and the effectiveness of the repair. The steps included:

• Removal of oil contaminants: Using a water-based degreaser to eliminate any oil, grease, or other contaminants that could affect adhesion.

• High-pressure cleaning: A high-pressure ATEX-compliant jet was used to clean the roof, remove loose debris, and eliminate any remaining corrosion or contaminants from the surface.

This cleaning process ensured that the substrate was properly prepared and ready for the application of the corrosion protection materials.

Step 4: Applying STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH

Once the tank roof was properly cleaned and dried, the application process began. STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH was applied in strips across the roof, particularly over the welds, seams, and reinforced areas where the steel plates had been added. This ensured that additional layers of protection were applied to the most vulnerable parts of the roof.

Key application considerations:

• Field joint coatings were used to increase the overall thickness and durability of the coating.

• Critical areas, such as air and gas vents, were given special attention, with extra layers applied to provide additional shielding from fumes and environmental stressors.

Step 5: Finishing Touch: Flexible Water-Based Acrylic Paint

As a final step, the entire roof was coated with an approved flexible, water-based acrylic paint. This finishing layer provided both aesthetic enhancement and mechanical protection, allowing for light foot traffic and further safeguarding the surface from environmental exposure.

The Result: A Successful, Cost-Effective Solution

In just three days, our two-person team, under the supervision of an experienced contractor and a trained STOPAQ technician, completed the repair process. The results were impressive:

• The tank roof was fully rehabilitated, with strengthened areas, reinforced holes, and long-lasting protection against further corrosion.

• The tank remained in service throughout the entire repair process, with no downtime or disruption to the client’s operations.

• The cost-effective nature of the repair process provided the client with significant savings, as traditional tank emptying, sandblasting, and painting were not required.

The client expressed complete satisfaction with the outcome, praising the rapid turnaround, the seamless application process, and the cost-effectiveness of the STOPAQ solution.

Key Takeaways: The Value of STOPAQ Solutions

This case study underscores several important points:

1. Cold Repair Techniques: These methods allow for repairs to be carried out without the need for tank downtime, making them ideal for critical assets where uninterrupted service is a priority.

2. STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH: Its versatility, durability, and ability to conform to irregular surfaces make it an excellent choice for complex corrosion protection challenges.

3. Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: In just three days, a two-person team was able to carry out a full tank roof rehabilitation, providing long-term protection while avoiding the costs and delays associated with traditional repair methods.

At the heart of this project was our commitment to delivering innovative, tailored solutions that not only meet the client’s technical needs but also align with their operational requirements. By leveraging the latest in corrosion protection technology and repair techniques, we were able to extend the lifespan of this asset, delivering peace of mind for the customer and ensuring the tank’s ongoing reliability.

Conclusion: Protecting the Future of Industrial Assets

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, downtime is costly, and asset longevity is more important than ever. The successful rehabilitation of this tank roof demonstrates the power of STOPAQ solutions in addressing complex challenges and providing sustainable, long-term solutions for critical infrastructure.

Whether you're facing severe corrosion or need to carry out a repair while your equipment remains in service, STOPAQ has the expertise and products to ensure your assets are protected for the long haul.

If you’d like to learn more about our corrosion protection solutions or need help with a specific asset repair challenge, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s talk about how we can help you protect the future of your operations.

Stopaq Tank Repair Solutions

 

Stopaq: More Than Tank Chime Repair — A Complete Corrosion Prevention Strategy

For years, Stopaq has been widely recognized as the industry’s most reliable solution for tank chime sealing. And that reputation is well-earned. The product’s visco-elastic technology, permanent adhesion, and ability to flow, seal, and self-heal have made it the go-to answer for one of the toughest corrosion challenges on storage tanks.

But focusing only on tank chimes undersells what Stopaq really is.
Because Stopaq isn’t just a chime repair product—it’s a full corrosion prevention system engineered to protect every vulnerable area of a storage tank.

Today, tank owners, maintenance teams, and constructors across the globe are discovering that Stopaq delivers long-term, cost-saving protection well beyond the chime. Its advantages apply to roofs, shell-to-concrete interfaces, localized coating repairs, and new construction projects—all with the same consistency, simplicity, and reliability the brand is famous for.

Let’s take a closer look at why Stopaq has become a preferred choice for complete tank protection.

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A System Designed for Every Part of the Tank

1. Roof Corrosion Protection

Tank roofs often corrode from the top down due to moisture, UV exposure, and fluctuating temperatures. With Stopaq Wrappingband EZ, asset owners can create a uniform, monolithic, seamless coating that forms a continuous barrier against the elements

Because the material flows into itself, it eliminates gaps and seals off moisture pathways automatically. Even if the coating is damaged, Stopaq’s visco-elastic structure allows it to self-heal—something traditional coatings simply can’t do.

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2. Tank Chime Sealing

Stopaq’s flagship application remains the tank chime, where its performance is unmatched.
A combination of Stopaq Filler and Wrappingband EZ creates a permanently flexible, bonded seal that handles decades of tank movement, settling, heating, cooling, and UV exposure

Unlike rigid coatings that crack, peel, or separate from the substrate over time, Stopaq stays visco-elastic forever. It doesn’t age. It doesn’t dry out. It doesn’t disbond. This is why many tank owners now consider it the “install once, protect for life” solution.

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3. Fast and Simple Coating Repairs

Traditional coating repairs usually require abrasive blasting, containment, scaffolding, long cure times, and multi-coat systems. Stopaq simplifies that.

With Stopaq Basecoat, repairs can be made with minimal surface preparation, no blasting, and no heavy equipment. Once applied, the product can even be top-coated in any color for cosmetic uniformity

This changes the economics of maintenance:

• Less labor

• Less equipment

• Shorter downtime

• Safer work environment

• Longer-lasting repairs

For facility managers operating on tight schedules and budgets, this is a game-changer.

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4. Concrete-to-Steel Interfaces and Void Filling

Areas where steel meets concrete are notorious corrosion hotspots. Stopaq’s visco-elastic fillers were designed for exactly these challenges. They flow into gaps, cracks, and voids, eliminating pathways for water and contaminants while simultaneously bonding tightly to both materials

When combined with the appropriate primer, Stopaq creates a uniform protective seal that remains flexible indefinitely—even as the concrete or steel expands and contracts over time.

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Why Asset Owners Are Choosing Stopaq

Across tank terminals, refineries, chemical plants, and utilities, Stopaq coatings are being chosen because they deliver:

• Reliable, lifelong protection

• Minimal surface preparation

• Quick, simple application

• Environmentally safe chemistry

• Significant reduction in maintenance intervals 

With growing pressure on operators to reduce emissions, control costs, and improve asset integrity, Stopaq aligns with all three.

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A Better Way to Protect Tanks

The industry has changed. Asset owners want solutions that are safe, fast, permanent, and cost-effective. They want coatings that can be applied without large crews, complex equipment, or lengthy shutdowns. They want systems that can handle decades of exposure without cracking, peeling, or failing.

Stopaq checks all those boxes.

And while tank chime sealing remains one of its flagship applications, the real story is much bigger:
Stopaq is a complete corrosion prevention system designed to protect every part of the tank for life.

If you’ve only been using Stopaq for chime repairs, you’re only tapping into a fraction of its potential.

1973 Job Report

 

A Blast From the Past: Raychem Shrink Sleeves in 1973 — and How Covalence Continues to Lead Today

Every once in a while, a photo pops up that reminds us just how far the pipeline industry has come. This morning delivered one of those gems:

July 1973 — Tampa, Florida — Raychem Shrink Sleeves being installed on 45s, 90s, and straight-line field joints.

Back then, Raychem was the name everyone knew for heat-shrinkable pipeline coatings. Over the decades, the brand evolved into Covalence, now part of Seal for Life Industries, owned by Henkel. But that original innovation DNA? Still very much alive.

And the picture from that Florida project?
A completely different world.

No shirts.
No gloves.
No FR clothing.
No PPE.
Just a crew, a torch, and a box of Raychem sleeves — and somehow, no problem!

Despite the “old-school” approach, those early shrink sleeves performed incredibly well. The technology was solid, the materials were ahead of their time, and Raychem quickly became the global standard for field joint coatings.

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From Raychem to Covalence: The Same Heritage, But a Much Bigger Toolbox

Fast-forward 52 years, and Covalence remains one of the industry’s most trusted names — not because the products stayed the same, but because they kept evolving.

Today, Covalence offers field-proven solutions for:

• Straight pipe

• Hot bends

• Cold bends

• Fittings

• Tie-ins

• Directional drilling

• Road bores

• Specialty applications

If there’s a pipeline, chances are Covalence has a coating for it.

And while those 1973 TPS slip-on sleeves got the job done, our approach to bends today is even better.

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Why Today We Recommend Covalence Flexclad for Bends

If you were coating 45s and 90s today, you wouldn’t be reaching for a slip-on sleeve — you’d be reaching for Covalence Flexclad, the industry’s premier heat-shrinkable wrap-around tape for bends.

Why Flexclad?

• Form-fits perfectly around any curvature

• No wrinkling or bridging

• Handles movement and strain exceptionally well

• Eliminates the difficulty of sliding a sleeve over a bend

• Delivers long-term corrosion and mechanical protection

• Proven Covalence adhesive technology underneath

Flexclad is simply the modern, reliable answer for bend coating — engineered from decades of experience that began with those early Raychem installations.

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Pipeline Coatings Have Evolved — And So Have We

As fun as it is to look back at a 1973 jobsite where safety culture meant “try not to burn yourself”, it’s even more exciting to see how far the industry has come.

Better materials.
Better chemistry.
Better installation techniques.
Better safety.
Better results.

But the through-line remains the same:

Covalence continues to deliver coating systems for nearly every pipeline application — from the simplest field joint to the most challenging bend.

The tools have changed.
The safety standards have changed.
The industry has changed.

But the legacy of innovation — from Raychem to Covalence — is still shaping the pipeline world today.

Maximize Efficiency in the Field with Powercrete Custom Kits from JSI

Maximize Efficiency in the Field with Powercrete Custom Kits from JSI

When it comes to protecting pipelines and field joints, Powercrete has long been one of the most trusted names in high-performance epoxy coatings. Known for its excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and long-term durability, Powercrete is a proven choice.

At Joint Specialists, Inc. (JSI), we’ve worked with Powercrete systems for decades — and we understand that the key to real-world success isn’t just in the coating itself, but in how it’s packaged, mixed, and applied in the field. That’s why JSI offers not only the full range of standard Powercrete kits, but also custom kit sizes designed to maximize efficiency and minimize waste on every project.

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The Full Range of Powercrete Products

JSI provides a complete selection of Powercrete epoxy coatings, each designed to meet specific field and factory coating needs:

• Powercrete J – available in 2 lb. and 4 lb. kits, ideal for field joints and repair applications where a high-build, 100% solids epoxy is needed.

• Powercrete R65/F1 – available in 1 lb., 2 lb., and 4 lb. kits, offering excellent performance for both onshore and offshore projects, with fast cure times and outstanding adhesion to FBE and steel.

• Powercrete R95 – available in 2 lb. and 4 lb. kits, providing maximum corrosion protection and mechanical strength in even the toughest environments.

Every kit is carefully proportioned and packaged for ease of use — ensuring that your crew can mix and apply Powercrete quickly and confidently.

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The JSI Advantage: Custom Kit Sizes for Real-World Efficiency

While the standard kit sizes meet most needs, JSI takes Powercrete a step further by offering custom kit packaging tailored to your exact project requirements.

Why does that matter?
Because in the field, efficiency is everything.

• Reduce waste – No more leftover material that goes unused or cures before it can be applied.

• Save time – Crews can grab the right-sized kit for the job instead of measuring or splitting kits in the field.

• Increase consistency – Each kit is perfectly measured, ensuring the correct ratio and performance every time.

• Improve logistics – Smaller or larger kits can simplify handling, shipping, and inventory depending on your project setup.

JSI’s flexibility in packaging means you get Powercrete coatings that fit your workflow, not the other way around.

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Why Powercrete Remains a Field Favorite

Powercrete products are formulated to deliver long-lasting protection against corrosion, impact, and abrasion. Once cured, they form a hard, glossy, and impermeable coating that bonds tightly to steel, fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), and other substrates.

Key advantages include:

• 100% solids formulation – No VOCs or solvents.

• Exceptional adhesion and wetting properties.

• Fast cure times – ideal for quick backfill or recoating.

• Proven field performance across multiple decades and applications.

When paired with JSI’s custom kit options, Powercrete becomes even more efficient — helping you complete more work with less waste, in less time.

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Powercrete + JSI = Performance and Efficiency

At JSI, we’ve built our reputation on providing practical solutions that make field work easier, safer, and more cost-effective. Our ability to customize Powercrete kit sizes is just one more example of how we help contractors, owners, and applicators improve performance across the board.

If you’re looking for Powercrete J, Powercrete R65/F1, or Powercrete R95 — or if you’re interested in exploring custom kit sizes for your next project — reach out to the JSI team. We’ll help you get the right materials, in the right quantities, ready for the field.

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About JSI

Joint Specialists, Inc. has been serving the pipeline coating industry since 1995, providing proven materials and solutions for corrosion protection, joint coating, and field rehabilitation. From Powercrete epoxies to viscoelastic coatings and beyond — JSI delivers performance and reliability, every time.

Joint Specialists Celebrating 31 Years!

 

Looking Back as We Move Forward: 31 Years of Joint Specialists

As Joint Specialists, Inc. (JSI) begins our 31st year in business, we find it important to pause and reflect on where we came from — and how far the industry has evolved. Our story doesn’t really begin in 1995; our roots run much deeper than that.

Our founders, Stan Simpson and Sam Damico, were both part of the original Raychem Corporation team, working directly with the company in the early 1970s — a period that helped shape today’s modern pipeline coating industry. Their early work set the foundation for what would eventually become Joint Specialists: a company built on technical expertise, innovation, and a commitment to protecting critical infrastructure.

Recently, while looking through some old boxes in our archives, we came across nearly 50 project photo books filled with historic installations and coating projects. It’s fascinating to see how much the industry — and safety standards — have changed over the decades. Among the treasures was a set of photos from a 1973 project in Oswego, New York, showing an early Raychem heat-shrink sleeve being installed as a jacket continuation on an insulated line.

Different times, different tools — but the same core mission: creating long-lasting, reliable joint protection solutions.

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Innovation and Expansion Over the Years

JSI has never stopped evolving. Our journey from those early Raychem days to the present has been marked by key milestones that expanded our capabilities and the value we bring to our customers:

• 2014 — BBS (Bundled Bore System)
  JSI invented and launched the BBS system, a groundbreaking solution for multi-pipe bundled road bores. What started as an idea to make installations faster and cleaner has become an industry-recognized standard for bundled pipeline crossings.

• 2019 — Powercrete Product Line
  We added the Powercrete family of epoxy coatings, enhancing our ability to deliver high-performance pipeline corrosion protection. This addition strengthened our role as a one-stop provider for both field-applied and factory coatings.

• 2025 — Stopaq Partnership
  This year, we’re proud to announce that JSI has added Stopaq to our lineup — a unique, self-healing visco-elastic coating system that represents the next generation of pipeline corrosion prevention. It’s another step forward in our ongoing effort to provide innovative, long-term protection solutions for our clients.

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From the Past to the Future

Looking back at those black-and-white project photos from the 1970s reminds us that innovation doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built over decades — by people who care deeply about quality and by a company that continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in pipeline protection.

As we celebrate more than three decades in business, we remain committed to the same principles that guided our founders: integrity, innovation, and hands-on expertise.

Here’s to the next chapter — and to continuing the legacy that started over 50 years ago with a heat-shrink sleeve in Oswego, NY.

Oswego, NY - October 1973 - TPS 24000 Installation for Jacket Continuation

Morgantown

 Morgantown Corrosion Short Course

     JSI was part of the Morgantown Corrosion Short Course that took place this month.  We showcased our BBS bumper product for bundled bores.  We also focused on Powercrete and Covalence products as excellent coating solutions for just about any pipeline operating condition. 

     In addition, Jack Wink completed a shrink sleeve demonstration.  He installed a WPCT shrink sleeve.  Those installation steps would have been:  

1. Surface Prep
2. Preheating the steel
3. Wrap sleeve in place and secure closure
4. Shrink sleeve using a broad bushy flame
5. Roll overlap area