BBS Bumpers for Pipe Bundle Bores

 

Protecting Your High-Value Factory Coating During Bundled Road Bores: Why the BBS System Matters

When you invest in a premium factory-applied coating system — dual-layer FBE, or FBE with a Powercrete-DD ARO — you expect it to perform for decades. These coatings are engineered, tested, and certified to deliver world-class corrosion protection under some of the harshest conditions in the industry.

But there’s a critical moment in a pipeline’s life where even the best factory coating is extremely vulnerable:

Bundled directional drilling.

Dragging multiple pipelines through a bore hole simultaneously exposes them to crushing contact forces, shear, abrasion, and unpredictable movement. Even minor coating damage can compromise long-term performance, complicate cathodic protection, and create long-term liabilities that no asset owner wants buried underground forever.

And the reality is sobering:
Factory coatings often sustain damage before they ever reach the right-of-way — in pipe yards, on trucks, during offloading, and during handling. Add a multi-pipe pull through mud and rock… and the risk multiplies dramatically.

This is where Joint Specialists’ BBS (Bore Bumper System) changes the entire conversation.

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The Core Principle: Protect the Coating You Already Paid For

You’ve already invested in a premium factory coating.
You shouldn’t have to damage it just to protect it.

Unlike other solutions that require aggressive surface prep, grinding, blasting, adhesive removal or other invasive steps, the BBS system is intentionally simple:

Your pipe surface only needs to be free of dust, dirt, oil and grease.
No blasting.
No profiling.
No heavy-handed prep work.

Just a clean surface — and the system bonds and performs exactly as designed. 

That means your high-value factory coating stays intact and untouched throughout installation.

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What Makes BBS Different?

The BBS system was designed from the ground up for bundled directional drilling, using only components specifically engineered to survive the destructive forces of a road bore. No shortcuts. No repurposed materials. No “wrap some tape around a rope” improvisation.

According to the field manual, the BBS system includes:

• A high-durometer bumper material engineered for compressive and impact loads 

• A high-shear, abrasion-resistant sleeve that locks the bumper in place through the entire bore (and beyond)

• A wear cone/leader strip to prevent peel-back and resist shear at the leading edge

• An epoxy primer bonding agent 

• No metal bands, no makeshift materials, no components that introduce new corrosion risks

The result is a clean, streamlined installation process that typically takes 3–5 minutes per bumper and delivers repeatable, reliable performance.

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Field-Proven: What Happens When the Bore Goes Wrong

One of the most compelling proofs of performance came during a Texas project where four pipelines (16", 16", 12", 10") were being pulled simultaneously through a long bore path.

About 400 feet into the pull, the pulling mechanism snapped — an extremely rare failure. The pipe bundle was forced to travel:

• 400 feet forward into the bore

• 400 feet backward out of the bore

• Then 1700 feet forward again through completion

This is the kind of event that destroys even heavy-duty protective systems… and normally no one ever gets the chance to inspect the pipeline mid-bore.

But in this case, inspectors had the rare opportunity to examine every bumper after the brutal 800-foot round trip.

The result?

100% retention.
0 missing bumpers.
0 displacement.
0 failure.

Every BBS installation looked exactly the same as it did pre-bore — just covered in mud.

This level of performance isn’t theoretical. It’s documented.

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Why Asset Owners Choose BBS for Bundled Bores

1. Zero damage to your existing coating system

Your FBE or Powercrete-DD ARO stays uncompromised because no destructive surface prep is required.

2. Purpose-built for severe directional drilling loads

The system is engineered to resist shear, impact, penetration and abrasion — the real enemies of bundled HDD.

3. No foreign materials or metal bands

Some competing concepts use metal clamps or materials never designed for road-bore forces. BBS is built only from materials already proven in HDD environments.

4. Fast installation

Contractors appreciate the simplicity — clean, preheat, place bumpers, apply epoxy, shrink — done.

5. Visible, verifiable protection

When inspectors can run their hands along the bumpers post-bore — and feel them exactly where they’re supposed to be — confidence is earned, not assumed.

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If You’re About to Perform a Bundled Road Bore…

You’re about to drag multiple coated pipelines through mud, rock, debris, and unpredictable subsurface conditions — all while they’re colliding, rubbing, and shifting against each other.

If you’ve invested in top-tier factory coatings, the worst thing you can do now is damage them during installation.

BBS exists to prevent exactly that.

Clean surface.
Fast install.
Coating preserved.
Pipelines protected.
Risk minimized.

And unlike improvised systems, the BBS solution is documented, photographed, and field-proven.

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.

Press Release: BBS (Bundle Bore Sleeves) Near 100,000 Successful Installs

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

JSI’s HDD Bundle Spacers (BBS) Closing in on 100,000 Installs Milestone, Launches New Website, and Embarks on Innovative Product Improvement Exploration

 

[Conroe, TX - March 18, 2024] – JSI celebrates approaching 100,000 successful installations of BBS, a revolutionary solution for multi-pipe pullbacks and bundled directional drilling applications.  JSI (Joint Specialists), a renowned provider of innovative solutions for pipeline construction and coating, proudly announces a significant achievement for its flagship product, Bundled Bore Spacers (BBS).  With immense appreciation for its loyal customers and industry partners.

In conjunction with this milestone, JSI is excited to unveil the launch of BBS’s new website:  HDDBundle.com – designed to offer a smooth user experience and easy accessibility, the newly launched website serves as a comprehensive platform for customers to explore BBS’s range of products, access valuable resources and stay informed about the latest advancements in this and JSI’s other products (Powercrete and Covalence).  This launch underscores JSI’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support and service to its valued clientele. 

Furthermore, JSI is pleased to announce the launch of a research and development program to evaluate new materials and sizing options for the bumpers that will be innovatively tailored to maximize field efficiency and streamline the application process even more than it currently is. 

“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone achievement of reaching 100,000 installations of BBS products,” stated Steve Simpson of JSI.  “This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of our team and the enduring support of our clients and partners in the industry.  As we continue to innovate and expand our product offerings, we are excited to embark on this new exploration of ways to make the BBS product even better.  We firmly believe that the coming advancements will further solidify BBS’s position as the leading solution for protecting pipe involved in bundles in the pipeline construction and HDD industry.”

With a rich legacy of innovation and a steadfast commitment to excellence, JSI remains at the forefront of pipeline construction and coating technology; driving progress and shaping the future of the industry.  Looking ahead, the company remains resolute in its mission to deliver superior quality, performance and reliability to all of our clients.

For more information about JSI and its flagship product BBS, please visit the new website:  www.HDDBundle.com

About JSI (Joint Specialists):  Established in 1995, JSI is a leading provider of innovative coatings and solutions for pipeline construction.  JSI sets the industry standard for service, fast turnarounds and excellent technical advice. 

 

Conroe, TX March 17, 2024

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 and BBS/CCS Bumper for Bundled Road Bores

    JSI's BBS system has reached its 10th year of existence!  That is 10 years of protecting lines that will be a part of a bundled directional drill.  10 years of supporting your CP systems to keep space for the current to reach your pipeline 360 degrees around your line.  

    BBS and BBS/CCS are simple to install, requiring no special tools or training.  All that is really needed is a propane torch with a broad bushy flame and a means to wipe dust and dirt off of the pipeline prior to installation.  

    The BBS includes as its line item:

• suitable durometer bumper material pre-cut to length
• main sleeve to hold bumper in place
• three inch wide sleeve for added front end protection
• two part epoxy bonding agent

     Give us a call today to discuss your project!  936/321-3333

Pipeline Bumpers

Pipeline Spacer Bumpers

     As you've likely seen elsewhere within this website, our BBS Bumper System (used on bundled road bore projects) has seen great success.  As always seems to be the case, with success comes customization.  Since we pride ourselves on our ingenuity and our ability to engineer solutions to customer needs, we always welcome customizing our products to specific projects.  In this particular case, we've been asked to modify our current BBS system to incorporate a 2" tall bumper rather than the traditionally used 1" tall bumper.  The answer (due to the specific pipe sizes associated with this pipe bundle) is YES.

     We utilize two different systems for our bumper system.  These two systems are:

- BBS - a very thick, tough and rugged bumper containment system with a standard shrink ratio (~25%).  This is our most commonly sold bumper system installed on pipelines 8" OD and larger. 

- BBS/CCS - a slightly less thick, tough and rugged bumper containment system with a high expansion backing (~66%).  This is our most commonly sold bumper system on pipe sizes: 6", 4", 3" and 2". 

    Both of these systems have been utilized and to this point, all has been installed with a 1" tall bumper (by 2" wide).  Those time may be changing, however.

Our specially formulated bumper in a 1" thickness.

     For those customers who are interest in using a 2" tall bumper instead of a 1" tall bumper, we have good news.  It can be done.

     With our BBS system, the limiting factor is the shrink ratio built into the sleeves.  Since the BBS material shrinks only ~25%, the BBS system can be used with a two inch bumper only for pipe diameters 14" and up.  For smaller diameter lines, the BBS/CCS is fully capable of utilizing the two inch tall bumpers in the system.  So, what do you prefer?  1" or 2"?  Now you've got a choice. 

2" thick bumper system utilizing specially formulated and custom cut bumpers.

     

Bundled Pipe Bumpers: A Comprehensive Case Study

 Bundled Pipe Bumpers: A Comprehensive Case Study

Frequently, we receive calls from customers seeking assistance with challenging problems, and it is always gratifying to offer them simple and effective solutions. In this particular case study, a customer approached us with a bundled directional drilling project in Texas. Although the pipes had already been strung up, they were concerned about potential pipe collisions during the pull-through process. Complicating matters further, they were pulling four pipelines simultaneously, measuring 16", 16", 12", and 10" in diameter. The customer needed a swift and reliable solution. After multiple discussions, emails, and an in-person meeting, the customer was convinced that our BBS system was the answer. With the urgency of the situation in mind, we promptly coordinated with suppliers, mobilized additional labor, and commenced manufacturing to ensure the timely delivery of the required materials. Thus, the problem was successfully resolved.

Collaborative Efforts

Like any pipeline project, unexpected challenges emerged along the way. Fortunately, this project boasted an exceptional crew, consisting of a quality-focused contractor, a meticulous inspector scrutinizing every detail, an engaged end user, and a seasoned road bore team. Moreover, our company, Joint Specialists, contributed decades of experience in pipeline construction materials, further strengthening the collaborative approach.

Bundled Pipe Bumper Installation Process

The four pipes were aligned side by side, and markings were made to indicate the precise locations for bumper installation. Preheating the pipes to 140°F, we carefully placed the bumpers in their designated spots. Next, a two-part epoxy was mixed and applied to the warmed pipe surface. Finally, the heat shrink, which serves as the primary anchor for the bumpers, was carefully shrunk in place. Overall, each bumper installation required a mere 3-5 minutes. Once all the BBS systems were installed, the pipes were bundled and ready for the subsequent pulling operation.

Unforeseen Obstacles

However, during the initial 400-foot segment of the pull-through, the pipe-grabbing mechanism unexpectedly snapped. Although such incidents were rare, it presented a significant challenge. Consequently, the pipe bundle that had reached 400 feet underground needed to be extracted in the opposite direction, necessitating a complex maneuver using side booms. This unexpected turn of events provided an exceptional opportunity to test the resilience of our BBS system. Notably, the subsequent operations involved pulling the pipe back 400 feet, then pushing it 1,700 feet back through the hole. Furthermore, this situation offered a unique chance to inspect our system after its 400-foot round trip into the depths of the Earth. The question lingered: would our system prove as effective as we believed? The ensuing inspection would yield the answer.

Thorough Inspection and Evaluation

The inspectors and representatives from the end user's team shared our excitement about this rare opportunity to closely examine several dozen BBS systems. The inspection aimed to determine if any bumpers were missing, whether any had been left behind in the mud, and whether any collisions had occurred among the pipes. Despite the layers of mud obscuring the bumpers, the inspectors meticulously examined each BBS system. Running their fingers along each side of the bumper, they ensured its presence, stability, and functionality. Remarkably, we achieved a 100% success rate in this evaluation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BBS system demonstrated its efficacy without a doubt. Its reliable performance and ability to prevent pipe collisions were reaffirmed through this case study. We confidently invite anyone claiming to possess alternative solutions to provide documented photographic evidence supporting their claims. Based on our extensive experience and the results of this study, we firmly believe that no other system can rival the effectiveness and reliability of our BBS system.

Bundled Pipe Bumpers Case Study

Pipe Bumpers / Bundled Pipe Bumpers / Road Bore Bumpers / Bundled Directional Drill Spacers - CASE STUDY

“I’ve got a problem and you’re the only company I’ve heard of that might be able to help me.”  In all honesty, we get calls like that pretty often!  It is always great when a customer has a difficult problem and we can offer a fairly simple solution.

In this case, the customer had a bundled directional drilling project in Texas.  Pipe was already being strung up, but they didn’t know how they were going to prevent pipe collisions from causing a bunch of damage during the pull through.  To make matters even more complicated, they were pulling four pipelines at once:  16”, 16”, 12” and 10”.  The customer needed a solution…and he needed it fast. 

After several phone conversations, several emails and a face to face meeting, our customer was sold on the BBS system.  Material was going to be needed in about a week.  We were able to call in some favors with some of our suppliers; call in some extra labor for the manufacturing and hit the ground running the very next day.  Problem solved! 

Like any pipeline project, there were surprises along the way.  Fortunately, there was a great crew in place for this project we had an excellent, quality focused contractor.  We had an inspector who combed through every detail with a fine toothed comb.  We had an active and involved end user.  We had a veteran road bore crew.  And of course, we had us – Joint Specialists – with decades and decades of experience with pipeline construction materials. 



The four pipes were strung up side by side and marks were made where the bumpers were to be installed.  The pipe is then preheated to 140F and the bumpers are put in place. 

The two part epoxy is mixed and applied to the warm pipe

 



The heat shrink that acts as the main bumper anchor is shrunk in place.

 

Altogether, each bumper installation took 3-5 minutes.  Once all of the BBS systems were installed, the pipe was bundled up and ready to be dragged through the mud.  This is where we ran into our biggest obstacle.  Just about 400 feet into the hole…the mechanism that grabs the pipe to pull it snapped.  We were told this almost never happens. 







Here was the culprit:  the broken piece which caused the pipe and BBS system to travel an extra 800 feet underground (400 of it in the 'wrong” direction!)

As a result, the pipe bundle that had gone 400 feet into the hole….now had to come 400 feet back out of the hole in the opposite direction.  In addition, backing the pipe out was going to be a trickier proposition as it would be done with side booms. 

Wow, this was going to be quite a test for the BBS system.  400 feet into the hole.  400 feet backwards out of the hole.  Then 1700 feet back in and through the hole.  Beyond all of that though, we were going to get a golden opportunity.  Most of the time, a pipeline enters a bore hole and is never seen again.  Here we were going to get to inspect our system first hand after a 400 feet round trip journey into the Earth!  Is our system really as good as we believe it is?  Let’s find out!

The inspectors and end user representatives were excited about this rare opportunity as well.  They were going to get to closely inspect a few dozen BBS systems.  Would any be missing? Were any bumpers left behind in the mud?  Has the pipe been crashing into the other lines, or not?  Every BBS system looked the same.  All perfect.  All exactly as they’d looked pre-bore (well except for the caked on mud!).  Down the line the inspectors went; running their fingers along each side of the bumper to make sure it was still in place, still standing and still functioning.  We had a 100% success rate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there you have it.  Does our BBS system work?  Absolutely.  Do you have someone else presenting some kind of solution that they ‘say’ works? If so, please ask them to prove it with documented photographic evidence!  I’m confident that no one else can!

 

 

 

 

 



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.

How BBS Pipe Bumpers Keep Multi-Line Pulls Protected

 

Bundled Road Bores: How BBS Pipe Bumpers Keep Multi-Line Pulls Protected

As the United States becomes more and more saturated with existing pipelines — and as securing new right-of-ways becomes increasingly difficult — we’ve noticed a steady rise in bundled directional drilling projects (also called bundled road bores).

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, a bundled bore is very similar to a standard horizontal directional drill (HDD) or road bore, with one key difference: instead of pulling a single pipeline through the bore hole, multiple pipelines are pulled through at the same time.

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Why Bundled Bores Are Becoming More Common

There are several reasons why bundled directional drilling is gaining momentum across the pipeline industry:

• Limited right-of-way availability: With so much existing infrastructure already in the ground, it’s becoming harder and harder to secure new corridors.

• Reduced environmental impact: By drilling once instead of multiple times, operators minimize disturbance to the surface and surrounding environment.

• Lower overall cost: When engineered properly, a single large-diameter bore can be more cost-effective than multiple smaller drills.

We’ve seen this evolution firsthand. In fact, we’ve been directly involved in bundled bore projects that included two pipelines in the same hole — and others with as many as eleven pipelines pulled through simultaneously.

Hard to imagine? Yes.
Incredible to witness? Absolutely. (Unfortunately, no cameras were allowed on that particular job site!)

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The Challenge: Protecting Pipelines During and After the Pull

As impressive as these multi-line bores are, they present a unique set of challenges. When several steel pipelines are pulled side-by-side through a muddy, high-friction borehole, contact between lines is inevitable — and that can lead to damage both during installation and long after the system is in service.

The question becomes:

• How do you prevent the pipelines from damaging each other during the pull?

• How do you ensure they don’t rest on each other for the next 30, 40, or 50 years underground?

The answer: pipe bumpers, also known as pipe doughnuts, BBS Bumper Systems, or simply spacers.

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Pipe Bumpers: Simple Concept, Critical Function

At first glance, a pipe bumper might look like a simple molded or fabricated spacer that keeps pipelines separated during the pull. And on paper, the idea seems simple enough.

But in practice? It’s anything but simple.

When you’re pulling multiple lines through a bore hole, you’re talking about enormous shear and peel forces acting on everything in that hole. Picture a pipe bumper wedged between three different pipelines, being dragged through hundreds of feet of drilling mud. That bumper is going to act like a sail — seeing tremendous forces as the pipelines move.

If the bumper isn’t held in place by a road bore–rated material, it can easily shift, peel off, or fail completely — leaving the lines unprotected.

That’s why at BBS (Bundled Bore Solutions), our bumper systems are held in place by materials specifically designed and tested to survive the extreme stresses of directional drilling applications.

We’ve seen the results firsthand — and we’ve even documented them. In our Pipe Bumper Case History, before-and-after inspections confirmed that the bumpers stayed exactly where they were supposed to, even after being pulled beneath significant distances and through tough geological conditions.

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Not All “Pipe Doughnuts” Are Equal

Here’s where things get a little tricky: not every product on the market that looks like a pipe bumper is actually rated for road bore use.

Some systems utilize adhesives, wraps, or spacer materials that are not approved by their own manufacturers for use in directional drilling. That might sound like a small detail — but it’s a huge risk.

Think about what happens when those unapproved materials are dragged beneath a road, a ship channel, or a reservoir. They’re exposed to pressure, friction, heat, and movement that far exceed typical above-ground or stationary pipeline applications.

What happens to those bumpers?
Nobody really knows.

And does it make sense to use a system that even the manufacturer would say “No way — you can’t use our product for that”?
Of course not. Yet, we still see it happening across the industry.

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Why Road Bore–Rated Systems Matter

Using a road bore–approved bumper system ensures that:

• Every component (bumper, adhesive, backing material) is designed to handle the shear, peel, and compressive loads of a bore.

• Spacers stay in place throughout the pull and for the lifetime of the pipeline.

• The system is backed by field-proven testing, data, and case history — not guesswork.

At the end of the day, pipe bumpers or doughnuts might look like simple accessories, but they play a critical role in protecting your investment. They prevent coating damage, spacing failures, and long-term structural issues between parallel pipelines.

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Let’s Talk About Your Next Bundled Bore

Bundled road bores and directional drilling are here to stay — and as they become more common, the importance of proper pipeline spacing and protection only grows.

If you’re planning a multi-line bore, let’s have a conversation. Our team can help you select the right BBS Bumper System for your design, soil conditions, and pull forces — so you can focus on the hundreds of other details that demand your attention.

Because when it comes to protecting bundled pipelines underground, the best solution is the one that’s been proven to work.

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Bundled Bore Solutions (BBS)
Experts in multi-line pipeline protection and road bore–rated bumper systems.

Pipe Bumper Doughnut

Bore Bumper System (BBS)

A JSI BBS installed on a 16" OD pipeline.

 

  Bundled Directional Bores

Directional drilling applications are one of the most difficult for a pipe coating to withstand.  With a bundled directional drill, the coating is challenged even more. 

Factory applied coatings are generally not designed to withstand the forces of a directional pull AND the tremendous impact caused by two heavy steel pipelines banging into one another.

Add in the fact that these sections of pipe will literally never be seen again and it quickly becomes clear that a reliable, proven bumper system is an absolute must if you want your pipeline properly coated and protected.

Here you see the BBS system installed on a 16" pipe fully supporting the weight of a 16" pipe and preventing pipe collisions

  Proven Bumper System

Incorporating a specially designed and formulated bumper/doughnut with a heat shrinkable holder proven to withstand the forces involved in a directional drill; the Joint Specialists system is superior to every other bumper out there.

No more rope bumpers.  No more steel banding next to your pipe.  No more polyurethane pours.  No more time consuming, unrepeatable installs. 

Your pipe is too important to risk letting it damage itself during a bundled road bore.  Install the best bumper system today so you can avoid major coating problems tomorrow.

 Prior to the bore hole, the pipe was suspended in this case to give it a good angle into the hole.

A rare sight indeeed.  Here is the BBS system AFTER the bore.  Bumper still in place. Sleeve unscathed.  Pipe protected.  The profile of the bumper is unchanged.  Another SUCCESS for the BBS bumper system.

Pipe Bumpers (BBS or BBS/CCS)

Pipe Bumpers (BBS and BBS/CCS Bumper Systems)

     As the United States becomes more and more saturated with existing pipelines, and as securing right of ways becomes more and more difficult; it seems the industry is seeing surprising growth in the area of bundled directional drilling projects.  If you're unfamiliar with this technology, it is exactly the same as your standard road bore or directional drill; but you pull more than one pipeline through the bore hole at the same time.  We've been involved in projects where two lines were pulled through the same hole; and we've been involved with projects where as many as 11 pipelines per pulled through the bore hole at the same time!  Hard to believe?  Yes.  Incredible to see?  Absolutely (sorry, no photos were allowed on that job site).  One problem to tackle there:  how do you prevent the pipelines from damaging one another as they are pulled through the hole?  Also, how do you insure that you don't have pipe resting on pipe through out the life of the line?  The answer is fairly simple: BBS bumper systems. 

    

     Seems simple, right?  It is.  Kind of.  You see our bumpers are held in place by materials that are specifically designed to survive the enormous shear and peel forces that are associated with a road bore.  Picture a bumper wedged between three different pipelines being pulled through a mountain of mud.  That bumper is going to act like a sail - seeing tremendous forces.  That is why it is so important to use a 'road bore rated' product to hold that bumper in place.  How do we know ours works?  We've seen before and after photos after a thorough evaluation:  Pipe Bumper Case History

    It is important, when selecting a system, that you select a system where all components are approved for use by the manufacturer as road bore approved.  Some systems utilize components that are not road bore approved.  What happens to those bumpers when they are being dragged beneath a road, beneath the ship channel, or beneath a reservoir of some kind?  Nobody knows!  Does it make sense to use a system with components that the product manufacturer would say NO WAY!  You absolutely cannot use our product for that application and expect it to work!  No, it doesn't make any sense at all -- yet there are still people who use it.  I can't figure it out! 

     For help with your next bundled road bore project, give me a call.  Let's have a chat.  Let us help figure out how you're going to keep those pipelines from damaging one another so that you can spend your time and attention on one of the other hundreds of details you'll need to make decisions on.