Metal corrosion can be a killer for piping systems, no matter how advanced they might be. In fact, metal corrosion costs the U.S. economy nearly $300 billion every year. While pipe pads won’t help from corrosion on the inside of pipes, they can do something about corrosion and damage from the outside. But first thing’s first, what are pipe pads, and how can they help?
What Are Pipe Pads?
Wear pads, also known as pipe pads, are pipe support pieces that help hold pipes apart, reducing metal-on-metal damage and potential corrosion. Pipe pads are made of a composite material that fits over the outside of a pipe. The pad then acts as the main contact point that the pipe rests on.
Why Do I Need Pipe Pads?
Unchecked corrosion can cause serious damage to even the best piping system. As corrosion weakens the pipes, they can begin to break down. Even beyond the immediate financial costs of repairs, severe corrosion can lead to shutdowns, damage to equipment, and even on-site injuries. Wear pads are one easy solution to help stop exterior pipe corrosion and boost the longevity of your piping system.
How Do They Work?
Pipe pads are designed to move with pipes, protecting them from dust and grit that may become trapped between other barriers and the pipes themselves. They also account for thermal movement. This allows pipes to move naturally, expanding and contracting as the temperatures change. Because pipes aren’t restricted, there’s no risk of point loading and damage from restriction.
As pipes move and shift over each other, the motion can wear on and even scrape off the pipe’s protective outer coating, allowing microbes a way in. Wear pads will absorb the surface impact caused when pipes rub against each other at crevices, putting a stop to crevice corrosion. They’re also easy to install — no welding required!
Wear pads are designed to help stop exterior pipe corrosion, extend the life of piping systems, and drive overall long-term performance. They’re simple to install and protect against a range of potentially damaging factors threatening your system’s functionality. While they won’t stop corrosion from the inside of pipes, they can be a great asset when it comes to corrosion from the outside, and other kinds of metal-on-metal damage.
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