Gala Shrink Fit - Pipeline Accessories

In a cathodic protection system, a common cause of early failure is the anode-to-lead-wire connection: moisture gets in, the connection corrodes and the wire works loose from the anode. Gala's ANODECAP seals that connection.

The cap is a black moulding of highly cross-linked polyolefin, stepped from a wide end that fits over the anode to a narrow neck that fits the lead wire. It is lined with a sealant that adheres to the anode material and to the wire insulation. Placed over the anode end with the wire through the neck, it is heat-shrunk at 125 °C so the wide end grips the anode and the neck grips the wire. The result is a moisture-proof, electrically insulated seal at the wire exit, with strain relief so that movement of the wire does not load the connection.

Six sizes cover anode-end bores recovering to 20, 40 or 50 mm and lead-wire necks recovering to 4.5 to 5.5 mm. Gala's guaranteed values include an operating range of -55 to +100 °C, 12 N/mm2 minimum tensile strength, 350 % minimum elongation and a non-corrosive material.

The caps are used by cathodic protection contractors and anode manufacturers on anodes for pipelines, tanks, marine structures and plant. Gala is an ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified manufacturer.

Manufactured by Gala in India. Datasheet and size selection on request.

Process pipes in refineries, chemical plants and offshore platforms rest on beam supports and are held down with U-bolts. Where a bare U-bolt presses on the pipe, moisture collects and the contact point corrodes; support-point corrosion of this kind is a leading cause of process-pipe failure and eventually of pinhole leaks.

Gala's Heat Shrink Polyolefin Tube for U-Bolt Coating is a cross-linked polyolefin tube that is shrunk over the curved part of the U-bolt before it is fitted. The result is a smooth, wrinkle-free coating that separates the steel bolt from the pipe. It is hard enough to protect the pipe's paint as the bolt is torqued down, yet elastic enough to follow the bolt's contour without splitting, and it does not leave a capillary crevice around the pipe where water could sit. Gala states high impact, abrasion and tear resistance and good strain relief.

Installation is done in a workshop: clean and degrease the U-bolt, slip the tube over the curved section, shrink it in a pre-warmed oven at 140 to 180 °C, and let it cool before use. Ten sizes run from GMWR 10/3 to GMWR 50/16, with recovered walls of 1.5 to 2.7 mm; choose the size whose first figure passes over the bolt and whose second figure is below the bolt diameter.

The product is the coating tube only. U-bolts are supplied by others or coated by the user.

Manufactured by Gala in India. Datasheet and size selection on request.