Pipe plugs are used for a wide variety of purposes. They are installed to prevent leaks and serve as decorative elements. However, the most common use is as transport pipe plugs, which protect rolled pipe products from damage during transit.
The selection of these elements is made based on the following factors:
- Element type.
- Material of manufacture.
- Features of use.
Primary classification is carried out according to the materials from which they are made.
- Metal products. Among the components in this range, brass options are the most popular.
They are characterized by high durability and can be installed on gas, water supply, and drain pipes. The only drawback in this situation is their poor resistance to corrosion.
- Plastic and polyethylene transport plugs.
With these options, the issue of being susceptible to corrosion doesn't arise. They're not afraid of it. However, they do have another enemy: high temperatures and sunlight. The cost of this type of transport product is low.
- Chrome plated.
These are the most expensive products, which are used as a decorative detail (for example, on pipes in a fence).
- Rubber.
They serve to protect the pipeline from contamination. These products are not used as retaining elements because they are highly flexible and cannot be securely fastened.
According to their design features, they are divided into the following types.
- Threaded.
They are most often made of metal. They are easy to install, and the fastening is secure and durable. A mandatory requirement for their installation is the presence of the same thread on the pipe.
- Pneumatic.
They are installed using a pump. When air enters the valve, it expands and takes on the same shape as the pipe. This prevents the flow of gas or liquids.
- Elliptical.
They are installed by welding and can be used as permanent elements on an unused main line.
- Flanged.
They are made of rubber or metal and are secured with bolts or special rivets. They are provided with special holes in the top of the structure. Flange plugs can be quickly installed and removed as needed.
Transport plugs
In addition to the types already described, there are also transport plugs for steel pipes. Plastic has become the preferred material for their manufacture.
The simplest options for steel tubular materials are parts tailored to the profile size. They are ground and primed to prevent corrosion. Properly treated decorative steel types can last for over ten years, extending the life of the main structure.
There's a wide selection of plastic plugs for steel pipes available on the market. All are made of highly durable plastic.
They are designed to protect rolled pipes from various contaminants and moisture. Threaded products are particularly vulnerable to damage from impacts and movement.
Temperature range of use from -30 to +750C, which is quite sufficient for transportation. They also cope well with the following tasks.
- Protection of steel pipe materials from mechanical impacts and corrosion formations.
- Absolute safety during transportation.
- Preventing various foreign objects from entering the middle of the pipe.
Pipe caps come in a variety of sizes. There are no limitations on the depth or shape of these parts. The following types are available in hardware stores.
- Round.
- Square.
- Oval.
- Rectangular.
Selecting the right option for any type of pipe is easy. The design of the plugs prevents them from falling out during transport, unloading, and use.
The most affordable options are those made of plastic; these devices offer the best balance between price and quality.
In addition to transportation, transport devices are used to seal a specific section of a pipeline during installation. Generally, such elements can withstand pressures of up to 10 atmospheres in a gas pipeline and up to 16 atmospheres in a water supply system.
Plastic plugs
Plastic pipe transport caps are easy to install. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
They have various shapes and depend on the section of the rolled pipe on which they are installed.
Plastic shipping plugs are made from various polymers. When in contact with metal, plastic does not oxidize or scratch the surface. Their high elasticity allows them to fit snugly onto the walls, but this will not happen if the part is not selected correctly.
Plastics such as PP and HDPE are not very flexible and do not tolerate low temperatures. For these reasons, HDPE plastics are more popular.
It differs significantly from the previous two, as it is processed under higher pressure, resulting in a lower density material.
The end result is a plug that is characterized by high impact resistance, frost resistance, and a tighter fit to the inner wall of the pipe.
They are:
- External. Simply slide onto the end piece. The resulting seal protects the end and the outer edge of the pipe. The downside is that it can slip off and has a poor seal.
- Internal. These elements are hammered into the pipe, leaving only the cap exposed. They are equipped with stiffening ribs that, when struck with a hammer, press against the walls. This structure is very dense and difficult to remove.
It's best to buy plastic products directly from the manufacturers. This can also be easily done online. Many online stores and specialized resources sell this type of product.
Transport devices for large volume rental
Transport plugs for large diameter pipes are intended for:
- Protection of end parts of large-diameter seamless and casing pipe materials from mechanical impact.
- Protection during transportation of large diameter pipeline elements.
- Preventing foreign objects from entering the rolled tubular products.
All products in this range are distinguished by their high quality. They maintain all their technical and technological characteristics at various temperatures. They are resistant to temperatures as low as -50°C and temperatures as high as -80°C.
The polymer materials used for manufacturing do not contain components that cause corrosion or adhesion to the surface. The dimensions of large-diameter polyethylene parts vary within a range of -2% from the UD.
Distinctive features of this type of product include a smooth surface and a full profile. They are free of defects that compromise their integrity or distort their dimensions. These characteristics affect not only the product's appearance but also its technical performance.
Transport plugs reliably protect rolled tubing from moisture and debris. The high-quality materials they are made from allow them to withstand high mechanical loads. Installation is quick and easy. These and other positive characteristics have made these products highly popular.
