TPi November 2018

Products & developments

Chemical-resistant inflatable stoppers for blocking pipes containing hydrocarbon gas

machining fluid, swarf and tools from falling into expensive machinery such as pumps and heat exchangers. One or more inflatable stoppers can be inserted into a small opening close to a work location, rather than at the end of the pipe, tank or vessel. No high-pressure equipment is needed for inflation. The PetroChem stoppers are available with optional heat-resistant covers to protect them against high temperatures of up to 300°C (572°F). The inflatable versions weigh less than most of their counterpart sizes of mechanical plugs, making them easier to transport and safer to use at height. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques – UK support@huntingdonfusion.com www.huntingdonfusion.com

During petrochemical operations, where hydrocarbons are present in liquid or gas form, inflatable stoppers are often used for applications such as debris stopping, leak testing, low-pressure hydrostatic tests, blocking the release of hydrocarbon gases and a variety of plumbing operations. To meet the challenges of such intense conditions, the Pipestoppers ® division of Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) manufactures the PetroChem ® range of hydrocarbon-resistant inflatable pipestoppers. Standard models are manufactured in cylindrical and spherical formats from 25 to 2,440mm (1" to 96") in diameter, with a high-grade latex rubber internal inflatable bag covered with a petrochemical resistant layer, which has a tough, woven impregnated nylon outer cover for use up to 90°C (194°F).

Cylindrical PetroChem stoppers from HFT

The versatile inflatable stoppers are used to service a wide variety of industrial applications. As “overnight stoppers” they provide a strong barrier in pipeline activities, to prevent foreign bodies entering the line during downtime. In machining applications they can be inserted below a horizontal flange on a vertical pipe to prevent

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL November 2018

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