Pipe manufacturers advise the use of pipe-end protection for the transportation of bevelled pipe. Such protection is particularly important in the case of overseas transport, as there is an increased risk of damaged pipe-ends due to the extra handling procedures in ports and the shifting of pipe aboard vessels. It is difficult to control circumstances in ports or at sea, although proper product selection can help prevent damage.

The key is selecting pipe-end protection products that are fit-for-purpose, as the circumstances under which the pipe will be handled, transported, and stored have to be taken into consideration. In many cases, solutions are chosen to match a specification, which often prescribes minimum requirements, rather than being tailored to project-specific circumstances. Choosing a solution that matches project-specific parameters can save repair costs in the long run and also provides advantages in terms of safety and efficiency.

Pipe-end protection

When a pipe is bevelled by the manufacturer it is advisable to use a good protector in order to prevent subsequent scratches and dents. A steel protector provides the best solution for larger diameter pipes that are handled individually. Dhatec’s bevel protector is designed to neutralise impact forces even before they reach the top of the bevel: the rounded buffer profile absorbs shock forces, keeping the bevel intact. In this way, 95 per cent of all bevel damage is prevented.

Pipe closure

Contamination of pipes can occur when they are stacked for long periods at project locations, or close to the sea. Contamination of the internal surfaces speeds-up further deterioration of internal coatings, and so prevention is naturally important. Contaminated surfaces keep water from evaporating and therefore remain moist for longer periods, stimulating growth of algae and vegetation. Salt, sand, snow, animals, and other foreign objects also pose a threat to the quality of internal pipe surfaces and coatings.

In order to keep pipe safe from all surrounding threats, the chosen protection must fulfill two key purposes:

1. It must close off the pipe for the required period of time; and, 2. Remain in position during all handling operations.

The ultimate combination

Practical experience shows that it is difficult to find a solution that provides solid pipe-end protection that closes the pipe completely and remains fixed on the pipe. Dhatec says that it has succeeded in combining these advantages in one product that is now suitable for application in any climate.

Combining the steel bevel protector with a plastic plug for fixing to the internal pipe surface overcomes many traditional end protection issues. The steel bevel protector keeps the plastic plug firmly in position during handling and transport, and prevents it from falling off during temperature fluctuations and heavy winds. The combination is also hookable and can be applied on stacked pipes.

The new plastic plug is made from very low-density polyethylene, which is highly ultra-violet resistant, making it suitable for long-term pipe storage in desert climates. The material also keeps its flexible qualities in extremely low temperatures (-50 degrees Celsius), making it suitable for arctic climates and high-altitude conditions.

Protecting pipe worldwide

In many projects worldwide, pipes are subjected to alternating climates during their logistic trail, and pipelines run through more demanding latitudes and altitudes than ever before. Dhatec’s new generation of pipe-end protection takes these modern project circumstances into account to provide an effective and reliable solution.