Rubber-based compounds remain the most common wear materials in heavy industry. On the market today, there are natural and synthetic rubbers suitable for nearly every industry and application. With so many different materials available on the market, it can be challenging to find the right lining material for your pipe system.
Neoprene (also known as chloroprene) is an excellent general-purpose rubber that performs well in various uses and applications. Its versatility makes it an ideal choice in a wide variety of pipe systems. With over 60 years’ experience spanning numerous heavy industries, Iracore has helped countless customers find the right lining compound for their fluid system while providing world-class value and service. Read on to learn more about when to use neoprene-lined wear components below.
Use Case #1: In the Presence of Hydrocarbons
Neoprene provides good oil, ozone, weathering and abrasion resistance. While many other rubber compounds boast substantial resistance to abrasion and weathering, they lack the chemical makeup to withstand the presence of oil and other hydrocarbons. Using natural gum rubber or other compounds in the presence of hydrocarbons can lead to premature wear, resulting in more downtime and higher repair and maintenance costs.
While neoprene shares many of the chemical properties of traditional rubber, it boasts greatly improved resistance to hydrocarbons. This makes it an ideal choice for systems requiring lined pipe with similar properties to rubber while also withstanding oil, such as in the oil and gas and oil sands industries.
Use Case #2: In High-Wear, High-Impact Areas
Neoprene’s elastic nature makes it ideal for high-impact, high-velocity areas of any fluid system. Compared to other lining materials, neoprene has superior abrasion resistance in direct-hit and impingement scenarios, such as those found in turbulent slurry applications. In addition to being an excellent choice for pipe lining, many pipe systems also use neoprene-lined fittings to minimize wear anywhere fluid makes a sharp, high-impact turn.
Neoprene’s durability means it needs replacing less frequently, saving operations from unnecessary downtime and replacement costs.
Use Case #3: Challenging Weather Conditions
Finally, neoprene has excellent insulative properties, meaning it can help maintain heat and temperature consistency in an operation’s pipe system. Particularly in frigid weather conditions, neoprene-lined pipe can help prevent freeze-ups and minimize downtime. Even in milder conditions, neoprene-lined pipe can help keep heat inside your fluid system, leading to energy savings, decreased fuel consumption, and ultimately lower operating costs.
Neoprene-Lined Products at Iracore
Iracore is proud to offer neoprene-lined pipes and fittings suitable for a wide variety of heavy industrial applications. No matter what your operation requires, Iracore is dedicated to finding innovative wear solutions that add value for our customers.
All Iracore neoprene-lined components undergo vulcanization (curing) to enhance the performance properties. With some of the largest autoclaves in the industry, Iracore can properly cure neoprene-lined pipe in lengths up to 60 feet. Our manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001-certified, ensuring that we can efficiently produce the neoprene-lined parts our customers need, when they need them. No matter the size or scope of your operation, Iracore can produce neoprene-lined products that provide excellent value and exceptional performance 100% of the time.
Need Neoprene-Lined Pipe for Your Next Project?
Contact us today to learn more about Iracore’s full range of neoprene lining solutions.
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