FAQ - Vessel Inspection Plugs (VIP's)

Why are VIP’s used?

Often used to enable NDE (e.g. ultra sonic) wall thickness measurements under insulation. There are several USP's. Either asset-owners use hatches or they ask the insulation contractor to partly remove insulation. Hatches need to be accurately closed, often with the use of a sealant. And partly removal often is not done straight before and after NDE inspection. In some cases this can take days. Both situations can cause (rain)water ingress.

What does it do to prevent CUI?

It fits in an RBI inspection and CUI mitigation strategy in which asset-owners want to visually inspect insulation and coating in CUI susceptible spots or areas. Current general accepted conception is that all NDE techniques for CUI appear to have a low level POD (probability of detection) which makes visual inspection the only trustable.

How do I install it?

By using the hydraulic tool with the special head. For further instructions please view our instruction video.

What's the lifespan of the silicon plug?

Lifespan for this product exceeds 20 years. It is also excellently resistant to UV.

Is it possible to order this product in other dimensions than 2.5" or 5"?

No, VIP's are only available in 2,5" and 5".

At what places do I need to install VIP?

Places are based on the purpose for and the type of inspection. For CUI inspections EFC (European Federation for Corrosion) has published a CUI guideline which describes in details critical areas in piping and equipment.

FAQ - Flangebelts

Where and when do I use Protectem Flangebelts?

Flangebelts can be used in situations with no direct relation to CUI. For instance to protect the annular space between the outside of flanges (at the place were bolts are mounted). This space can not be coated and water can accumulate. Our datasheet shows a picture that explains this. Flangebelts can also be used as a leak detection or spay-shield (to protect equipment, environment and personnel from leakages or so called “gushers” in high pressure systems).

How do Protectem Flangebelts prevent CUI?

There are many important reasons for insulating flanges, such as process control, thermal insulation and energy saving. However, the possibility of leakages frequently withholds decision makers to have them insulated. Installing Flangebelts allows flanges to be insulated since the risk on leakage is significantly reduced.

Can Protectem Flangebelts be supplied in other dimensions?

Flangebelts are usually supplied for standardised flanges according to ASA/ANSI/ASME (USA), PN/DIN (European), BS10 (British/Australian), and JIS/KS (Japanese/Korean). For custom flanges please provide outer flange diameter or circumference in combination with the flange thickness.

Can you supply Flangebelts without connection nipple and/ or PTFE lining?

Yes, on request we can supply Flangebelts without inner lining (request for Type "B" instead of Type "T"). We can also supply Flangebelts without connection nipple.

How do I install Protectem Flangebelts?

For instruction on how to install Flangebelts, please view our instruction video.

FAQ - Temati Drainplugs

Why are Temati Drainplugs used?

CUI occurs in most cases due to saturated insulation in contact with a pipe or equipment. Insulation, where water/moisture had the possibility to accumulate over a longer period.

Where do I install Temati Drainplugs?

As a general rule of thumb, Temati Drainplugs are installed at the six o’clock position at every 3 meter in insulating piping and at the lowest point in equipment. But critical spots should be the result of a high level prioritization based on consequence of failure preferably based on an RBI assessment. On request Temati can provide an installation guideline describing how to determine these spots.

How do I install the Temati Drainplug?

To learn how to install a Drainplug please view our instruction video. The Temati Drainplug is designed so it can be broken off in 4 different length. It is important that the obtained length is equal to the insulation thickness minus 10mm.

Some standards only mention a drain hole in the cladding. Isn’t that enough?

No, moisture often penetrates at some distance from this drainhole. So the moisture needs to find its way to the drainhole and insulation materials will act as a barrier. The Temati Drainplug penetrates more deeply into insulation material and breaks this barrier.

Are Temati Drainplugs tested?

The product is initially designed by Norwegian Statoil. Because the Norsok (Norwegian standard) calls for some sort of drainplug. Statoil has done in-company testing with good results. Also Dutch Nuon Vattenval (Energy supplier) has also done on-site testing. The satisfactory result was reason to make it a standard for above ground city heating lines. If certification for Insulation Class 5 is required our TN5 Fireproof Drainplug is advised.

Are Temati Drainplugs fire retardant?

They are made of tough, self-extinguishing, all-weather Bergamid B700 UF Black. For a jet-fire tested version suitable for piping that requires incombustible materials, please refer to our TN5 Fireproof Drainplug.

insulated pipes