TUBE NEWS TN January 2020 | Page 5

“In machining applications, they can be inserted below a horizontal flange on a vertical pipe, to prevent machining fluid, swarf and tools from falling into expensive machinery such as pumps and turbines etc.” “When welding large tanks and vessels, stoppers inflated with air can dramatically reduce the volume inside, so that the argon purging process takes little time and uses the minimum of expensive gas. The stoppers can pay for themselves in one weld or application and can be used multiple times. Other applications include leak testing of pipework systems, whether commercial, domestic or industrial, in pipes made of any materials.” All Inflatable Stoppers are manufactured with a strong internal latex balloon covered in a waterproof polyurethane coated nylon bag for low friction and to prevent the production of static electricity or accidental sparking. Inflatable Stoppers are particularly useful when one or more can be inserted into a small opening close to a work location, rather than at the end of the pipe, tank or vessel. No high-pressure equipment is needed for inflation. The standard range of Inflatable Stoppers is available for immediate delivery in Cylindrical or Spherical formats with sizes ranging from 1 to 96” (25 to 2,440 mm). Inflatable Stoppers are available with heat resistant covers to protect them against high temperatures. HFT® also has a range of Rubber Inflatable Stoppers that are suitable for petrochemical applications and are resistant to all hydrocarbon fluids and gases. . www.huntingdonfusion.com JANUARY 2020 ● TUBE NEWS 5