Defining the best type of pipe spacers to use for a particular application depends upon many different factors. Pipe spacers are utilized in a wide range of industries, from oil & gas to water and sewerage, electrical/energy/power generation, and many more.
The range of pipe applications that require pipe spacers is also very wide and includes steel pipe, concrete pipe, PVC pipe, polyethylene pipe, plastic pipe, welded joint pipe, mechanical joint pipe, restrained pipe, push-on pipe, and more.
Pipe spacers are made from numerous types of materials, including various types of rubber and plastics such as polyurethane, polyethylene and PVC, just to name a few. There are also various types of metallic pipe spacers, the most common of which are carbon steel and stainless steel.
Pipe spacers are utilized in a variety of applications, including the construction of underwater oil & gas pipelines, the laying of water and sewerage pipelines, and the laying of electrical/energy pipelines – as well as preventing damage to pipe/casing during transportation or storage in pipe yards.
Choosing which type of pipe spacers to utilize depends upon factors including the type of pipe involved (such as steel, concrete, etc.), the type of material the pipe will carry (such as petroleum products, hazardous chemicals, water, etc.) and the environment surrounding the pipeline (underground, above ground, subsea, etc.).
In general, polyurethane pipe spacers are considered by many to be a better value than metallic pipe spacers. In addition to being less costly, these types of pipe spacers are not vulnerable to the problems common to metallic and plastic spacers, which may include corrosion, cracking, breaking, swelling, abrading and overall deterioration. Problems such as these will inevitably result in the slowing of business operations – and the resulting loss of revenue.
Polyurethane pipe spacers also offer the advantage of being manufactured by casting. Cast pipe spacers can be easily formed to exact specifications and complex designs – much more so than metallic spacers. In addition, the mechanical properties of polyurethane spacers can be adjusted through chemistry – which creates numerous opportunities to solve problems with performance characteristics unequaled in any other material.
In addition, polyurethane pipe spacers offer advantages including saving time and man-hours – due to the fact that they can be quickly installed and easily adjustable in the field. In addition, these pipe spacers provide electrical insulation, support the weight of the carrier pipe uniformly, and provide long-term protection against corrosion of metallic pipes and casing.
While there are a multitude of companies that manufacture pipe spacers of all kinds, one company that stands out in this field is Mark Tool & Rubber Company. Founded in 1954, Mark Tool has earned an excellent reputation for producing the highest quality products and downhole cutting tool services, including everything from pipe spacers to rubber rollers, polyurethane rollers, cast urethane and rubber tools of all kinds for the offshore and marine industries. From the oil & gas industry to valves, electrical, railroad, and much more – MARK Tool is an industry leader in custom molded rubber products and related services.
Mark Tool & Rubber is a leader in splash zone protection and a leading manufacturer of pipe spacers for several oilfield and marine applications. Specialty products include rubber rollers, polyurethane rollers, and pipe spacers. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility can handle every job, no matter how big or small.