At HydraTech, our reputation is built on providing a wide range of expertly crafted, custom-manufactured solutions, including HydraTite, our internal pipe joint seal. Recently, however, our fabrication team completed another batch of external pipe repair clamps—an increasingly popular solution for addressing external corrosion in high-pressure piping systems, particularly within the power and oil industries.

These external clamps are constructed by securing a rubber strip over the damaged area on the exterior of a pipe using steel bands. In some applications, they are used in conjunction with fiber wraps, especially when corrosion has led to wall loss and leaks. The fiber wrap reinforces the pipe structure, while the external clamp provides a sealing pressure directly over the wrap at each end of the fiber wrap, fortifying the repair.

Shifting from our typical HydraTite production to external clamps involves a more intricate fabrication process, requiring significant cutting, hole punching, and robust welding. It’s a labor-intensive task that demands precision—and we’re meticulous about the details. For this particular order, we are working with 3/8-inch thick 316L stainless steel and 3-inch by 1/4-inch rubber strips. The resulting clamps are engineered to offer exceptional tensile strength, exceeding the performance requirements of the application.

Our growth, marked by the recent acquisition of a rubber seal splicing machine and a laser cutting table, is driven by our commitment to solving our clients’ most complex problems. While we maintain a stock of standard internal joint seal sizes for rapid turnaround, we also take pride in offering diverse, specialized solutions such as these custom-built external clamps.

If you’re facing a challenging pipe repair scenario, reach out to HydraTech. Let’s discuss how we can fabricate a tailored solution for your project.