TPS Slip On Heat Shrink Tubes

 Covalence (formerly Raychem) TPS 

Tubular Pipe Sleeves / Slip On Shrink Sleeves

     Once upon a time (decades ago) the original heat shrink sleeves created by Raychem Corp were extruded tubes.   Wrap around shrink sleeves weren't developed until later.  The idea was simple though; prior to the weld being made, the shrink sleeve would be slid into place (and moved away from the weld joint).  Then the pipe would be welded; allowed to cool a bit and then the shrink sleeve would have been moved into its proper place (on top of properly preheated pipe); the release paper would have been removed and then the sleeve shrunk.  Simple. 

    Though TPS is no longer the TOP DOG (so to speak) in the pipeline coating world; or even in the shrink sleeves for corrosion prevention world; there is still quite a market for TPS slip on shrink sleeves (now manufactured by Covalence - a part of the Seal for Life family).  

     TPS shrink tubes are kept in stock at JSI's facility in Conroe, TX 77385.  We stock tubes that are specifically made for the following pipe outside diameters:

2.375"

2.875"

3.5"

4.5"

6.625"

8.625"

Sleeves are also made for 10.75" OD and 12.75" OD but we have never found much of a market for them.  They can be available in larger quantities though. 

     What are some of the great features of a TPS shrink sleeve?  

• The butyl mastic is quite forgiving, meaning that the product can be installed on pipe that is wire brushed clean (and free of dirt, grease, etc).  
• The product can be installed on pipe that has been preheated to only 140F (hand hot)
• The installation process is quite simple:  clean, preheat, slide into place, shrink.  
• Decades of use successful use history.  Despite what you may see in some of our competitors advertising; TPS is a great product.  In my 20 years I've not heard of a single failure or a single problem caused by this product.  If you have experienced one; please reach out and let me know about it:   steve@jsicoatings.com

     One of the greatest features of (many) Covalence shrink sleeves is the PCI (permanent change indicator).  Over the years it has also been called a permanent thermal indicator. This is a close up of the TPS sleeve backing (easily visible to the naked eye even without a close up as you can see in the first photo up above).  This cross hatch pattern in the TPS disappears as the shrunk tubing is properly shrunk; fading to a clean, smooth black surface.  

     This allows installers to see that they are properly shrink the TPS sleeve - and it allows inspectors; even if they a day or a week late; to see that the sleeve was properly shrunk.  It is a wonderful tool!.

     Now if you're looking for a product other than TPS; I would certainly love to speak to you about that.  Maybe you're looking for Canusa's PLA product.  Much like the TPS, PLA is a slip on (slide the shrink sleeve in place before the pipe is welded up) shrink sleeve.  I would love to talk to you about it.

    Likewise, maybe you're looking for heat shrink tubing that is designed for substrates smaller than 2.375".  Maybe you need something for 1" pipe and perhaps our Flexclad heat shrinkable tape would be the perfect product for you.  Maybe you're looking for something even smaller and you need Raychem's WCSM - low voltage heat shrink for splicing and sealing up cable connections (and cable repairs).

     No matter what your application is, I would love the opportunity to talk to you about the different options we might have available for you. 

Tubular Shrink Sleeves (TPS)

Heat Shrink Tubes - TPS

An installed TPS shrink sleeve.

     Shrink sleeves for preventing corrosion on pipelines come a number of different varieties, material types and configurations.  When looking specifically at configurations, the most basic breakdown looks at wrap around shrink sleeves and tubular shrink sleeves.  For this discussion today we will be looking specifically at tubular shrink sleeves.

     Often called slip on sleeves or slide on sleeves; tubular shrink sleeves are supplied already in the shape of a tube.  As a result, they must be slipped onto the pipeline before the weld is made at the field joint.  Sometimes this is a fine and acceptable option.  Other times, the crews can sometimes forget to slide them on in advance -- and then they must rush a wrap around sleeve out to the job site to use. 

     The most basic tubular pipe sleeve that Covalence (formerly Raychem) manufactures is called TPS - that stands for Tubular Pipe Sleeve.  It is generally used only on smaller pipe sizes.  This is because of the machinery that manufactures these tubes.  TPS is available for pipe sizes 2" thru 8". 

     TPS shrink sleeves are designed to be used on pipelines that will operate at ambient temperatures.  Ambient is generally defined as 104F or less.  By "operate" we mean a consistent temperature.  TPS sleeves are generally available in two different lengths - by lengths I mean coverage along the pipe.  Those two TPS lengths are 9" and 18".  When choosing a length it is important to be aware that a shrink sleeve needs to be wide enough to coat all bare steel and overlap onto the adjacent factory applied coating by at least 2-3" per side.  It is important to verify acceptable overlap with the applicable specifications as some end users can require 4 or even 5" of overlap on either side.

• Dimpled backing of the TPS provides a permanent change indicator for application of heat.  This ensures the correct application of heat and allows easy post heat inspection (even months later).  Reliable inspectability at any time.
• No primer required - which saves cost and installation time and labor costs.
• Low preheat sensitivity and proven functionality allow easy application combined with high functional performance.  
• Mechanically strong and resists abrasion, impact and penetration.  TPS is reliable, tough and user friendly.
• Specially formulated sealant ensures a strong bond and a tight seal.  High peel and shear values after installation.
• Sealing adhesive automatically flows and repairs minor mechanical damage - this is called the self healing effect.
• No special equipment or skills required.