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. 

Thermofit Tubular Heat Shrink Pipe Sleeves (TPS)

Thermofit Tubular Heat Shrink Pipe Sleeves (TPS)

One-piece heat-shrinkable sleeve for corrosion protection of girth weld joints
on various types of piping systems.

Product Description:

TPS

Construction: two-layer system: 

• First Layer: visco-elastic mastic sealant.
  
• Second Layer: thick-walled, radiation-cross-linked, high density polyethylene.

TPS(M) are heat-shrinkable, tubular sleeves which prevent corrosion of welded pipe joints in distribution lines for sizes up to 8.625"/DN200. For larger sizes, the use of the Raychem wraparound sleeve, WPC, is recommended. This mechanically strong and flexible sleeve is compatible with all standard pipeline coatings and outer jackets.

 The installation is carried out directly on the cleaned and dried (pre-heated) pipe surface without primer. Heat is applied to the sleeve, which shrinks to form a tight fit around the joint. While shrinking, the visco-elastic sealant homogeneously flows to cover the complete surface and fills in all surface irregularities.

 Product Features/Benefits:

• Dimpled backing (TPS) provides a "Permanent Change Indicator" (PCI) for application of heat. Ensures correct application of heat & allows easy post-heat inspection. Reliable inspectability at any time.
• No primer required. Saves installation time.
• Low preheat sensitivity & proven functionality. Allows easy application combined with high functional performance. Saves installation time.
• Mechanically strong & resists abrasion, impact and penetration. Reliable and tough. Remains user-friendly (even at low temperatures).
• Specially formulated sealants. Ensures a strong bond & a tight seal. Provides high peel and shear values after installation.
• Sealing adhesive automatically flows and repairs minor mechanical damages. "Self-healing effect" that saves time.
• No special equipment or skills required. Makes installation fast and easy. Keeps installation costs low.

 Product Selection Guide:

Max operating temperature: 30°C (86°F)
 

Compatible line coatings: PE, FBE, Tape, Coal tar and Asphalt
 

Min preheat temperature: 60°C (140°F)

Recommended pipe preparation: Clean, dry and free of grease
 

Soil stress restrictions: moderate
 

Performance: EN12068; class B30

TPS(M) Type Products are Available: 

• as ready-to-size tubular sleeves
• Drawing sleeve width, pipe diameter
  Take a 10% shrinkage during installation of sleeve width into account when calculating the minimum sleeve width.
• For pipe sizes exceeding DN200, the use of wraparound WPC sleeves is recommended.