Lead Time for Covalence Shrink Sleeves

      Once upon a time, Covalence Heat Shrink Sleeves were called RAYCHEM (many people still remember that name:

     Since 1989 we have been a stocking location for Raychem (now Covalence) Shrink Sleeves.  We specialize in a few things:

• We are knowledgeable about the product
• We keep a large stock of inventory
• We try to ship all orders out within one day

     So, lead times are generally very SHORT.  A few of the Covalence products that we stock and make in our facility in Conroe, TX 77385:

• DIRAX - directional drilling field joint coating
• WPCT - basic mastic shrink sleeve rated for use up to 140F
• WPC100M - mastic shrink sleeve rated or use up to 212F (in some circumstances)
• WPC120 - hot melt adhesive shrink sleeve rated to 251F
• TPS - WPCT in a slip on / tubular form
• Caseal - high expansion sleeve for sealing between a casing and a carrier pipe
• Flangeseal - high expansion sleeve for protecting a flange
• Flexclad - heat shrink tape
• HTLP60 and HTLP80 - three layer coating system
• S-1301m Epoxy that is used with products like DIRAX and HTLP

Give us a call with any questions!  Would love to chat about your next project!  936/321-3333

Pipe Coatings IN STOCK!

 Pipe Coating Materials IN STOCK 

Same Day Shipping Available

"DO YOU HAVE PRODUCT _______ IN STOCK????"

     That right there ^ is by far the most common question I receive from folks.  In the pipeline world, the products that we are are often the very last item purchased for a project (and too often, pipe is already welded and crews are standing around before we are called."  So - here is a list of the different products that we stock at our facility in Conroe, TX.  I'll give a very brief (hopefully only 1 line) description of each product.  

WPCT - in 11", 17", 24" and 34" widths.  WPCT is a standard wrap around shrink sleeve designed for use on pipelines that will operate at or below 140F.

WPCPIV - in any width you'd like.  WPCPIV is the closure strip that holds shrink sleeves together during the installation process.

WPC120 - in 11", 17, 24" and 34" widths.  WPC120 is rated for use at 251F.

WPC100M - in 11", 17", 24" and 34" widths.  WPC100M is rated for use at 176F (212F offshore)

WCSM - heavy wall heat shrink tubing rated for use at 1000 volts for cables.  We stock:  12/3; 16/4; 24/6; 34/8; 48/12; 56/16; 70/20.  We stock all in 4 foot lengths; but can supply you with a custom length if needed.

TWDB - 3" and 4" wide in 165 foot rolls.  Thermofit Wraparound Duct Bands for high velocity industrial HVAC systems and vent hoods.

TPS - Tubular Pipe Sleeve (slip on) for 2", 2.5", 3.5", 4.5", 6" and 8" pipe.  Rated for use at 140F.

S1301M Epoxy Primer - two part epoxy component of many Covalence shrink sleeve systems.

DIRAX - in 3", 12", 17", 24" and 34" widths.  The best product for road bores, directional drilling applications, pilings, etc.

Powercrete R95 - the High Build Epoxy - 2# kits, 4# kits, 50ml repair cartridges -- and custom kit sizes available.

Powercrete R65/F1 - the Fast Cure Epoxy - 1# kits, 2# kits, 4# kits, 50ml repair cartridges and 400ml spray cartridges available.  In addition - we can offer you a custom kit sizes for your next project.

Powercrete J - The Original Road Bore Epoxy - 2# kits, 4# kits, 10# kits.  In addition - we can offer you a custom kit sizes for your next project.

PERP - Polyethylene Repair Patch for repairing damage to PE coatings.

MWTM - medium wall shrink sleeve for cables.  We stock:  16/8; 50/16, 85/25

HTLP80 - 11", 17", 24" - three layer PE system for lines operating at up to 176F

HTLP60 - 11", 17", 24" - three layer PE system for lines operating at up to 140F

GHFC - snap on seal for cable splices

GelWrap - 18/4-100 - snap on seal for cable splices

Flexclad - 2" wide, 3" wide and 4" wide - heat shrinkable tape sold in 50 foot rolls

5# FBE Repair Sticks - green FBE repair sticks that are commonly used (though I recommend you use Powercrete R65/F1 50ml cartridges instead -- they are dramatically superior in every technical way.

CS / Caseal - high expansion material for sealing between a carrier pipe and a casing pipe

FS / Flangeseal - high expansion material for sealing a buried flange.

CPSM 195/102-1500/87 - high expansion tube supplied at 7.67" that will shrink down to 4".

BPTM 30/12; 50/20; 100/40 - busbar insulation tubing

ASE-4 - Anode Splice Encapsulation Kit

AC - Anode Sealing Caps for 2", 3" and 4" anodes.

BBS - bundled bumper system for protecting lines during a multi-pipe pullback for pipelines 8" and larger.

BBS/CCS - bundled bumper system for protecting lines during a multi-pipe pullback for pipelines less than 8"

Raychem / Covalence Epoxy

Covalence / Raychem S1301M Epoxy

     S1301M is an epoxy that was created as the primary corrosion coating to be used in tandem with a Covalence (formerly Raychem) heat shrink sleeve.  S1301M is regularly used with:  HTLP60, HTLP80 and DIRAX.  It has also been used at times with WPC100M and WPCT.  Like most epoxies, it improves the performance of what is now a 'coating system' incorporating the S1301M epoxy; the hot melt adhesive or mastic sealant of the sleeve, and the physical protection offered by the radiation cross linked polyolefin backing.  

The components in a typical S1301M Epoxy Kit

     This S1301M epoxy replaced a product that used to be called S1239.  S1239 epoxy did a similar job as the S1301M; but the S1239 was rated for use on pipelines operating at up to 60C and the S1301M is rated for use at 80C.  

     When you buy the S1301M epoxy; it comes in a small kit that contains enough epoxy to coat approximately 15 square feet of pipe (when the pipe is properly prepaired and pre-heated).  You will receive (all in the same bag):  

• one cup containing the Part "A"
• one cup containing the Part "B"
• a small stick for stirring
• an applicator pad
• two latex gloves

     During installation this epoxy is applied in a very thin layer.  It does not need a coat that is 30-50 mils thick; instead the thickness is in microns.  This layer of the coating system cures very quickly as between the preheat in the pipe and the heat used to shrink the sleeve (shrink sleeves shrink at 267F); there is plenty of heat to accelerate the curing time of the S1301M.

For pricing and technical questions, contact me:

Steve Simpson

936/321-3333

steve@jsicoatings.com

S-1301M Used with DIRAX and HTLP80

 

 S1301M Two Part Epoxy

S1301-M: The Ideal Bonding Agent for Corrosion Prevention in Oil and Gas Pipelines

In the oil and gas industry, the protection of pipelines against corrosion is of utmost importance to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of resources. One effective method used to prevent corrosion is the application of shrink sleeves as corrosion prevention coatings. Among the leading products in the market are Raychem's HTLP80 and DIRAX shrink sleeves, which are commonly used in combination with the S1301-M epoxy primer as a bonding agent. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of S1301-M, shedding light on its significance in the oil and gas pipeline market.

S1301-M is a specially formulated epoxy primer designed to be used as part of a three-layer polyethylene coating system. Its primary purpose is to provide superior corrosion protection for field welded joints of steel pipes. This primer is compatible with various Raychem coating systems, including HTLP80, HTLP60, HTLP60-HP, DIRAX, and ROCS60E. By using S1301-M in conjunction with these coatings, pipeline operators can ensure enhanced durability and longevity.

One of the notable features of S1301-M is its high solid content, with a volume solids and weight solids percentage of 100%. This solventless epoxy primer provides a durable protective layer, ensuring long-lasting resistance against corrosion. Additionally, S1301-M boasts excellent adhesion properties, allowing it to form a strong bond between the steel surface and the subsequent layers of the coating system.

The application of S1301-M is straightforward. The primer is a two-component epoxy that requires mixing the base (part A) with the hardener (part B) in a specified ratio. The recommended mixing ratio is 3 parts of base to 1 part of hardener by volume or 5 parts of base to 1 part of hardener by weight. After mixing, the epoxy primer is ready for application on the steel surface.

When using S1301-M with HTLP80, DIRAX, or ROCS60E coatings, the epoxy primer is applied exclusively on the steel surface. However, when HTLP60 or HTLP60-HP coatings are used in combination with S1301-M, the epoxy needs to be applied both on the steel surface and onto the line coating if it is fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), or coal tar enamel (CTE).

S1301-M provides excellent coverage, with a typical coverage rate of 6.0 square meters per liter (64.7 square feet per liter) or 22.7 square meters per US gallon (244.5 square feet per US gallon). This coverage is based on achieving an average thickness of 100-150 microns (4-6 mils). The primer has a specific gravity of 1.65 for the base and 1 for the hardener, ensuring a consistent and uniform application.

In terms of application time, S1301-M offers a reasonable pot life of 100 minutes at 23°C (73°F) or 25 minutes at 40°C (104°F). This allows sufficient time for proper mixing and application before the epoxy primer begins to cure. For storage purposes, the shelf life of S1301-M is two years at 23°C (73°F) when kept away from direct sunlight. It is important to note that higher temperatures can shorten the shelf life.

To facilitate the application process, Raychem offers two ordering options for S1301-M. The epoxy kit, labeled S1301-M-KIT-1.4SQM-15SQFT, contains measured quantities of the base resin and hardener, along with a stirring stick, applicator pad, and gloves.

S1301M Epoxy (or S1239 Epoxy)

S-1301M Epoxy or S-1239 Epoxy

      In the world of Covalence shrink sleeves (formerly called Raychem shrink sleeves) there are coating systems which require the use of a two part epoxy as one of the components.  Generally, this two part epoxy acts as the primary corrosion coating AND acts as the bonding agent between the shrink sleeve adhesive sealant AND acts as the bonding agent between the shrink sleeve adhesive sealant and the factory applied coating (generally where that factory applied coating is fusion bond epoxy).

 

      Examples of coating systems which do require one of these two epoxies:

• DIRAX - coating system for pipelines that will be involved with road bores, directional drilling applications or directional drill bundles (holding bumpers in place)
• HTLP60 - a three layer system, rated to 60C, that recreates the factory applied three layer polyethylene coating at the field joint, creating a pipeline with a homogenous coating through out
• HTLP80 - a three layer system, rated to 80C, that recreates the factory applied three layer polyethylene coating at the field joint,
• ROCS - the toughest field joint coating on the planet, made from the same material as DIRAX, but without the unnecessary leader strip (since the pipe won't be bored).

 

      So, what is the difference between S-1301M and S-1239 Epoxy?  They are virtually interchangeable except where operating temperature is a concern.  S-1301M is rated for use up to 80C.  S-1239 is rated for use up to 60C.  Otherwise, either epoxy can be used with any of the coating systems above.  Both offer the same performance.  Both essentially cost the same. The only potential issue is that we ONLY stock the S1301M epoxy.  There was a time when S-1239 was to be phased out and we switched everything over toe S1301M.  I couldn't honestly tell you if that phase out ever occurred...but we planned as if it did.

 

      In addition to all of that, both of those epoxies are available in two different configurations:

• A "Primer 15 Kit" which contains an application pad, a stir stick, two latex gloves and enough epoxy to coat approximately 15 square feet of pipe.  If you were working with 2" pipe, this epoxy kit would be sufficient for coating 5 (or more) field joints...assuming the contractor is organized and has 5 field joints welded, cleaned and preheated so that the installer can spread all of the epoxy within the time frame allowed by the pot life of the material (which isn't typically a problem).
• A "Bulk Kit" is sold as multiple five gallon containers (with the S1301M: 3 "A" and 1 "B").  In addition to the kit itself, a crew will need: calibrated pump sets (to be certain they are mixing the epoxy in the proper ratio), an epoxy application kit which includes applicator pads, stir sticks, mixing cups and gloves, and possibly drum heaters to keep the epoxy warm when the weather is cold (like all epoxies, the S1301M gets very thick like honey when cool).

      There you have it.  Everything you wanted to know about S1239, S1301M or S1301 (which was replaced years ago by the S1301M epoxy).  For more information or pricing - please contact me at your earliest convenience.

Why Not Use DIRAX Shrink Sleeves for Every Field Joint?

As has been mentioned before when I addressed the common question:  What is the toughest shrink sleeve?

DIRAX is without a doubt the toughest shrink sleeve on the market.  It uses our S1301M primer to act as the bonding agent between the steel (and FBE) and the DIRAX shrink sleeve.  This S1301M epoxy also acts as the primary corrosion coating.  During the bore (and after) the DIRAX sleeve and leader strip offer unparalleled physical protection to that epoxy in the form of high shear hot melt adhesive layers; PE layers and fiber mesh layers.  All in all; that epoxy is PROTECTED.  Nothing is getting in there. 

Here we see a DIRAX (ROCS) shrink sleeve being installed on a TLPE coated pipeline.

I've seen it time and time again (DIRAX has a long use history that is unmatched by anything else in the industry). 2" pipe:  no problem.  4" pipe:  no problem (backward and forward and oh, by the way, the cold applied tape disappeared somewhere down in the hole as seen in this DIRAX case study).

So, why not USE DIRAX on every single joint; rather than just the road bore sections of your pipe?  Well, the truth is, it just isn't necessary in my opinion.  If a customer insisted on the best field joint coating, regardless of the cost, I would gladly offer them DIRAX (though without the leader strip, it is called the ROCS shrink sleeve).

But in this practical world in which we live, products like WPCT, WPC100M, HTLP60 and TPS (just to name a few) are all VERY good at doing exactly what they are supposed to do...sealing that field joint and preventing any water or air from getting to the bare steel.  

Recoating a 48" Active Water Line

     Question:  I need to recoat an 80 foot section of a 48" water pipeline.  I want to use shrink sleeves.  What have you got?

     Answer:  Recoating an active pipeline is always a challenging application.  The first obstacle is that Preheating the pipe is possibly the single most important step of heat shrink sleeve installation.  When a pipeline is active; meaning there is some kind of product either flowing through it -- or sitting in it; preheating the pipe becomes virtually impossible.  The product inside the pipe acts as a massive, massive heat sink; sucking up any temperature away from the steel and preventing the installer from ever achieving any significant heating effect.

     Since preheat is impossible; and since preheat is incredibly important - we must find another way.  We must use something to 'substitute' for the preheat step.  What we do is incorporate a two part epoxy which will act as the bonding agent between the shrink sleeve and steel pipe.  This epoxy will go on VERY thick (it behaves much like a honey - and on a cold pipe - it is very thick...whereas on a hot pipe it goes on much thinner).  So the epoxy is troweled on and then a shrink sleeve is wrapped and shrunk around that uncured epoxy. 

     In a case like this; with a large pipe (which means high soil stresses) I would generally offer our WPC100M product.  WPC100M is fully compatible with the S1301M epoxy primer. The sleeve utilizes an aggressive butyl mastic and will flow well and bond well with the epoxy. 

     To coat 80 feet of 48" pipeline will require somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 each WPC100M 48000-34/UNI - and (though it is difficult to predict) probably something like 200 S1301M epoxy kits.  All of that is generally kept in stock at our warehouse and could ship on the same day that an order was placed (provided the order was placed by 1pm).