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.

Multi Pipe Bundled Road Bores

 

The Rise of Multi-Pipe Bundled Road Bores — and How BBS Is Solving the Challenges

Another successful BBS project is in the books — and with it, another reminder of just how far bundled road bores have come. When we first started hearing about multi-pipe bundled bores over a decade ago, the concept was still relatively new and untested. Today, they’re becoming the norm rather than the exception.

BBS was created in 2014 with one clear mission: to make multi-line bundled bores safer, more reliable, and more efficient. Since then, our team has been directly involved in projects ranging from simple two-line bundles all the way to massive eleven-line bundles — an engineering feat that still amazes us every time we see it pulled through successfully.

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The Challenge of Bundled Bores

Bundled road bores present a fascinating engineering challenge. When multiple pipelines are pulled through a bore hole together, a few key questions immediately come up:

• How do you prevent the lines from abrading or damaging one another during the pull?

• Once installed, how do you ensure each line is properly separated to allow for effective cathodic protection?

• How can you verify that everything remains in its designed position throughout the bore and installation process?

Without a reliable spacer or separation system, bundled bores can result in significant risks — coating damage, interference with CP systems, and even long-term maintenance issues once the lines are in service.

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A Decade of Proven Performance

Our BBS system was designed to solve these exact challenges — and it’s been doing just that for more than ten years. With over 100,000 successful installations across more than a hundred projects, the performance history speaks for itself.

The BBS design ensures consistent separation, protection, and alignment through the entire bore process. The result? When that pipe bundle emerges from the other side of the borehole, the lead bumpers are right where they were installed — perfectly intact and doing their job (even if they’re covered in a little mud).

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From Concept to Completion — We’re With You All the Way

Our involvement doesn’t start when the bundle is pulled — it starts much earlier. We partner with engineers, contractors, and owners from the very beginning:

• Engineering and specification development

• Bid-stage support and design review

• Pre-project and on-site training

• Kick-off and installation guidance

• Field support and inspection at pull-through

We take pride in being there every step of the way, from design to execution, ensuring your bundled bore project performs exactly as planned.

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Looking Ahead

As multi-pipe bundled road bores continue to increase in frequency and complexity, the need for proven separation and support systems becomes even more critical. The lessons learned from a decade of BBS installations have positioned us to support the next generation of pipeline infrastructure — with smarter designs, faster installation methods, and even greater reliability.

If your next project involves a multi-line bundled bore, we’d love to share what we’ve learned and help you achieve a flawless installation.

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.

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.

BBS Installation Video

Bundled Bore Bumper System Installation Video

     Our BBS system is (and has been) used often to prevent pipe vs pipe damage during a bundled directional drilling pull through.  Installation is fast and easy and the finished product is excellent.  We have also been fortunate to be given the opportunity to collect before and after photos on occasion (BBS Case Study).

Basic installation steps are here:

1. Clean pipe surface  - being certain all dust, oil, grease, dirt are gone.
2. Preheat pipe surface to 140F to 160F
3. Wrap and secure a single bumper piece 2" x 1"
4. Mix and apply epoxy bonding agent 
5. Wrap and shrink bumper holder in place (17" wide)
6. Wrap and shrink 3" wide leader strip in place
7. Check for proper installation

 

Video of Two Inch Bumper System for Bundled Road Bore

     Recently posted a quick written description of our two inch bumper system for bundled road bore application.  This system utilizes a two inch tall by two inch wide, high durometer rated bumper material.  It also utilizes a one inch tall by two inch wide bumper taper on the front end to reduce mud drag and shear forces.

     The system is installed over a two part epoxy which acts as a bonding agent and brings superior shear resistance into the equation.  Used often in the one inch tall bumper configuration, we are pleased to announce our ability to now offer two inch bumpers for pipe sizes 3.5" and larger.

     So without further ado:  here is a link to the short video:


     We now have 1" tall bumpers and 2" tall bumper systems available.  Let us know how we can get you all of the information you need in order to make the best decision possible for your upcoming bundled road bore.  

(you can also view this video at: http://youtu.be/_jzLSr2R_0s )

Directional Drilling and Road Bore of a Pipeline

Directional Drilling of a Pipeline

      Isn't it an amazing thing?  Drilling a hole through the ground that goes underneath a road...or a lake...or the ship channel...and then reaching through that hole and pulling a stinking PIPELINE through that hole.  WOW.  It is easy to wrap my brain around a cable being pulled like that....but a steel pipeline that might weight thousands of pounds per foot?? Incredible.

 

     If you've never had the opportunity to view a pipe pull in person; then today is your lucky day!  But wait...there's more.  Not only does this video show a pipe being pulled through a bore hole; this video shows FOUR (yes 4) pipelines being pulled through the bore hole at the same time!  In this specific case, there are two 16" lines and two smaller lines all bundled together.  This is a somewhat short bore coming in just over a quarter mile.

 

     As you might imagine, dragging four long, heavy, steel pipelines through the ground is likely to cause some damage.  Surely those pipelines will be banging into one another.  Surely there will be roots, rocks, clay and other possible obstacles down 8-10 feet beneath the surface.  In addition, the pipelines don't all lay next to one another like they do on a pipe truck...instead they are all free to go wherever they would like to go.  To paint the picture even further - we've got a 48" OD hole that has been drilled -- and 52" (outside diameter) combined inches of pipeline.  At least one of those pipelines is going to be surfing on the other three throughout the process!  Scary!

 

     This presents the other side of the problem:  how is a pipeline....that is literally RIDING ON TOP OF three other pipelines going to travel 1/4 mile without getting or causing damage??  FBE and ARO coatings like Powercrete are very reliable external pipeline coatings; but they are not really designed for pipe surfing by other pipes...

 

     In this particular case, the customer chose to use our BBS bumper system to protect the pipelines during the boring process (even the surfing pipeline).  Based on the BBS performance - they were THRILLED that they did.  But more on that later. 

 

     Now on to the show.  I hope I haven't built it up too much.  Before I'd ever seen a road bore, I expected some kind of speed to it like you might see when you pull the string from the top of a top.  I was wrong!