Underwater Pipe Clamping Systems

There are many submarine pipelines at the bottom of the world’s oceans which are often used for conveying oil, gas and even fresh water. These pipelines are expected to last for many years and must be resistant to corrosion, cold temperatures and even impact. The pipes themselves often use HDPE (high density polyethylene) for the pipe itself, however components such as piggyback mounting blocks (to facilitate pipes sitting on each other) and clamping and ratchet systems (for securing pipelines together) are made from Delrin® homopolymer.

Delrin® homopolymer acetal is an ideal material choice for this application because it does not corrode like metal based clamping systems, and its low water uptake makes it extremely dimensionally stable when submerged in water.

Compared to acetal copolymer, Delrin® acetal homopolymer offers higher tensile strength, stiffness, creep and fatigue resistance, and significantly higher impact resistance. The extra mechanical properties of Delrin® allow for parts to be made thinner and smaller, whilst delivering the same performance of a thicker, less compact copolymer acetal moulding.

Spotlight on Delrin®:

• Dimensional stability when submerged in water
• Low water absorption
• Long term corrosion resistance against salt water
• Retains mechanical properties in water
• High mechanical strength for constant loads from ratchet clamps
• High rigidity / modulus
• High creep resistance

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