July 11

Hear from Custom Rubber and Urethane Experts

  • Home
  • /
  • Insights
  • /
  • How Rubber Derivatives are the Secret to Cost Effective and Safe Pipelines

How Rubber Derivatives are the Secret to Cost Effective and Safe Pipelines

Recently, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board identified in a report that the 2012 rupture of a "a Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation natural gas pipeline in West Virginia was caused by external corrosion that could have been discovered by the pipeline operator." The rupture of the damaged pipeline caused a fire and damaged parts of a nearby road, and the event required a lengthy two-year investigation. Such damage and expense can be prevented by proper maintenance and the use of high quality equipment.

Especially useful in offshore and near shore sites, SplashTRON®, is a rubber based coating that can line and case equipment and structures in the splash zone. Created in 1961, the product is a form of organic rubber derivatives.

Its unique properties make it a durable and long-lasting product that is highly desirable in industrial application. Developed just last year, SplashTRON XM® is a new urethane subsea insulation coating with a Viton fluoroelastomer base and embedded microspheres formulated in to the polymer for good thermo insulating properties, strength, water resistance and flexibility.

Both of these rubber derivatives offer high-quality coatings and casings for machinery and parts. Both offer tough yet flexible protection against exposure to the elements, electrical insulation, and thermal insulation.

The Benefits of Rubber Elastomers

Applied to the splash zone during part fabrication, SplashTRON® provides complete protection against the erosive action of abrasive-laden seawater, the harsh attack of ozone and ultraviolet rays, incidental impact from boats and floating debris and the effect of sea life which builds upon all offshore installations.

For the most part, the SplashTRON® rubber elastomer is used in pipeline coating but can also be applied to J-Tubes, bends, platform legs and diagonals, risers and riser clamps, and spools.

Like many of the rubber and polyurethane products used in the petroleum industry, this rubber elastomer offers a multiplicity of time and money saving properties in its industrial application. Our informational page on the SplashTRON® elastomer offers further explanation, but mainly it should be noted that:

"An important feature of SplashTRON® in pipeline coating application is the fact that it is completely and permanently bonded to the metal surface, and because it is flexible, it won't crack or disbond as the members bend, expand, and contract."

Additionally, SplashTRON® pipeline coating does not require routine maintenance and is an extremely durable material. Because of these unique properties, SplashTRON® has been used by Mark Tool in pipeline coating projects for the petroleum industry for over two decades.

Pipeline Coating: A Common Application of SplashTRON® in the Oil Industry

SplashTRON®'s rubber base offers a variety of characteristics that prove invaluable in applying it as a pipeline coating. SplashTRON® is prime material for use by the petroleum industry’s offshore operations.

Formed from rubber, the material discourages the build-up of fungus and bacteria, termed bio-fouling by the oil and gas industry, and is resistant to the elements. Another of the widely applied characteristics of rubber also present in SplashTRON® is as a thermal insulator and temperature stabilizer which helps to maintain desired temperature within the contents of a pipeline.

For more detailed information on the benefits of SplashTRON® in pipelines, see our pamphlet on this remarkable product or check out our SplashTRON® FAQ page.

Share this article with your network:


You may also like