We are starting a new series discussing the pros and cons of industry acceptable products and practices.
Today we're looking at duct tape as an industry acceptable product and challenge whether it is the best option. Precision Piping Product carriers self-adhesive flange protectors that have a corrosion inhibitor built into the adhesive, protecting your flange face from corrosion during the blast, paint, shipping, storage, and assembly process of your piping system.
Duct Tape on Flange Face
Fo so long, duct tape has been everyone s go-to for flange protection. It is easily assessable and relatively cheap to purchase.
But is it the best solution? While you can buy a roll for 6 or 7 bucks, what is the real cost of using duct tape for flange protection?
Multiple layers of duct tape give you reasonable protection during the blasting process, but it is not designed to withstand the abrasion and often fails during the blast process causing you to have to mask it again before you paint. If the failure is severe enough it can even cause mechanical damage to the flange face. A precut mask made to withstand the blast and paint processes can save you up to 87% of your masking labor compared to strips and layers of duct tape.
This time savings will allow you to get more product through your facility each day, increasing your revenue dramatically. In most cases, this labor savings is enough to pay for the mask and is a net gain to your bottom line. Make sure the mask you choose does not have a permanent adhesive like duct tape. The longer it's left on, the better it sticks and the more residue it will leave on your flange face that is difficult if not impossible to remove.
Not a good solution for long-term storage. A mask with a removable adhesive that can withstand the blast process, hold up to solvent paint application and can be removed even after months in a laydown yard leaving no residue behind is your best option. Be sure your adhesive is safe to use on stainless and specialty metals. Many adhesives have caustics, carcinogenic or chlorides that will attack the metal. A mask with a water-based removable adhesive with a VCI additive to keep your flange faces from rusting will be a game-changer for your blast and paint process.
Lastly, many of the blast products on the market are manufactured of uncured rubber that is not UV stable and will break down within just a few days of outdoor storage. If you plan to store your finished products outdoors for more than a few days, be sure your mask is UV Stable so it will peel off clean.
Precision Piping Product carriers self-adhesive flange protectors that have a corrosion inhibitor built into the adhesive, protecting your flange face from corrosion during the blast, paint, shipping, storage, and assembly process of your piping system.
Join us next week as we continue looking at the pros and cons of more industry acceptable products and practices.
