Pipe End Protectors
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What Is an End Protector/ Pipe Cap?
- To put it in the simplest terms, an end cap or protector for a pipe is exactly what the name says. Pipes, when not being used or in transit to an installation site, must be kept safe from damage and contamination to the inner surface of the pipeline must be prevented. The open ends of the pipes are where damage is most likely to occur and where contaminants enter. An end cap (or end protector as it is also known) is a cap that is designed to effectively protect the ends of pipes from damage and seal pipes to prevent the ingress of contaminants.
What Are End Caps Used For?
- Pipeline installation is a complex process and can often take extended periods of time. Pipes are often stored in the open for indefinite periods and during that time debris and contamination may enter the pipes, damaging the interior coatings. Debris and foreign objects trapped in pipes could cause serious damage and production losses when the material in the pipeline reaches the next stage in the production process. During the construction and maintenance of the pipeline, actions like hook lifting and manipulating the pipes into the correct position, can result in damage to the pipe ends, bevels and other surfaces. By placing end protector caps on the exposed ends of the pipes, they can be kept safe from damage. This means that the chances of having to replace damaged pipes are reduced, the possibility of pipe damage delaying the pipeline construction process is greatly reduced and the risk of contamination causing costly production problems is removed.
- Pipeline construction and maintenance are time-consuming and expensive in terms of direct financial costs, allocation of management and other resources, and the effect on production. VP Engineers’ end protectors are designed to offer the greatest possible protection to pipes, flanges and fittings to ensure the smoothest construction/installation and the most efficient operation and maintenance.
Types of End Caps
Pipe End Protectors
- OD Fitting Caps: These are generally made out of LDPE and fit onto the outer diameter of a pipe. Caps made in vinyl, aluminium, FRP and plywood are also available. While standard sizes to suit ANSI 36.10 specifications are the most commonly used, larger sizes can be made to order.
- ID Fitting Male Caps: These caps fit on the internal diameter of pipes to prevent the entry of foreign objects. They are available in sizes ranging from ½” to 60” and are made of MOC-LDPE, vinyl, rubber or aluminium.
- Bevel End Protectors: These are made of either epoxy coated carbon steel or stainless steel and are designed to match a pipe’s material of construction. Available in standard sizes of 4” to 120”, and also in custom sizes, end protectors are available in clamping, interlocking and fastening designs. They are all reusable and extremely durable.
Flange End Protector:
- PCD Fitting Four Legged: This is the most common type of flange end protector. The four lugs fix firmly on the flange to protect the serrated surface of the flange.
- Full Cover Flange: These provide protection to the complete flange surface to offer greater protection where it is required. They are made of MCO-LDPE, vinyl and metal and are designed for snap fitting.
- Bore Fitting Caps: These caps fit into the bore of flanges and valves, irrespective of the pressure rating. Caps are available in sizes from ½” to 60” and are made from MOC-LDPE or vinyl.
Flange Guards:
- These guards are designed to prevent spilling, leakage and spraying of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials from the flanges. Both PTFE cloth and SS bands are available and come in a wide range of sizes. They are made from either MOC, PP, LDPE or FRP.
Insulated Sleeves:
- Made from materials with high dielectric strength, these sleeves are used for insulating flanges from nuts and bolts. Available for a range of standard nut and bolt sizes, the sleeves are made from mineral-filled nylon, polycarbonate, nylon 6/6.6, epoxy and phenolic materials
Bolt & Nut Protectors:
- These caps are specifically designed to protect nuts and bolts from rust, corrosion and erosion due to atmospheric or environmental pollutants. They are made for MOC-LDPE, aluminium, carbon steel and stainless steel to meet varying uses and applications.