TPT September 2018

T E CHNOLOG Y

Low profile stoppers for limited spaces and restricted access THE Pipestoppers ® division at and dangerous situation, in a nuclear power steam turbine.”

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) designs and manufactures a range of mechanical and inflatable pipestoppers and plugs to suit a variety of applications, such as repair work, leak testing, weld purging and debris stopping. The Low Profile Stopper is available for applications where insufficient length of pipe is available for the regular Cylindrical or Spherical Inflatable Stopper. Ron Sewell, chairman at HFT, said, “The Low Profile Stopper can fit into a pipe end that may be directly on an elbow or just inside a flanged neck on a casting. Other applications include blocking pipe ends to keep gases inside or to keep debris and vermin out. When used in a vertical mode, these Low Profile Stoppers have already been used to prevent machine swarf or tools from falling into pipes, into an unrecoverable

Manufactured from robust fabric, the Low Profile Inflatable Stoppers are available in sizes from 150 to 2,235mm (6" to 88") and grip inside the pipe with an effective, airtight seal. Each stopper is fitted with a standard Schrader valve connected to a 1.2m hose; they are easy to inflate using a foot pump or compressor, and are heat resistant up to 90°C (194°F). Other products in the Pipestoppers inflatable stoppers range include Cylindrical and Spherical Stoppers, available up to Ø 2,440mm (96"), for an easy way to stop the flow of gas or liquid inside pipes and ducts. These inflatable stoppers can also be manufactured with a heat-resistant cover for temperatures up to 300°C (572°F). PetroChem ® Stoppers, manufactured from high-grade latex, are used for

HFT’s Low Profile Stoppers

stopping off pipes with hydrocarbon gases and liquids inside. Inflatable Rubber Plugs are available in a wide diameter range and can withstand chemicals and hydrocarbons, for higher- pressure applications, with a long life. The Pipestoppers division also manu- factures a range of aluminium mechani- cal stoppers and plugs for plumbing op- erations, water drainage and offshore op- erations. These are negatively buoyant for sub-sea work and can be used in all kinds of pipes and other vessels where there are orifices to be sealed or blocked. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques – UK Website: www.huntingdonfusion.com

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SEPTEMBER 2018