HDPE Heat Shrink Wraparound Sleeves
High-Density Polyethylene Field-Joint Coating for Buried and Submerged Pipelines
Product Overview
Our HDPE Heat Shrink Wraparound Sleeves are a high-performance, heat-shrinkable field-joint coating system designed for the corrosion protection of welded joints on steel pipelines. Manufactured with a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) backing and a high-performance hot-melt adhesive, these wraparound sleeves provide a durable, watertight barrier that restores the corrosion protection of the mainline coating at every joint.
The HDPE backing offers superior mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and long-term durability compared to standard low-density PE backings, making these sleeves ideal for demanding buried, submerged, and high-stress pipeline environments.
Product Specifications
| Parameter |
Specification |
| Product Type |
Heat shrink wraparound sleeve |
| Backing Material |
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), radiation cross-linked |
| Adhesive Type |
High-performance hot-melt adhesive |
| Application |
Pipeline field-joint coating |
| Service |
Buried, submerged, and above-ground pipelines |
| Configuration |
Wraparound with closure patch |
Key Features & Benefits
| Feature |
Benefit |
| HDPE Backing |
Higher tensile strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance than standard PE backings |
| Excellent Moisture Barrier |
HDPE provides very low water vapor transmission, protecting the joint from moisture ingress |
| Heat-Shrink Conformability |
Shrinks uniformly to form a tight, continuous seal around the weld and cutback |
| Strong Adhesion |
Hot-melt adhesive bonds firmly to steel and compatible plant coatings (PE, FBE, PP) |
| Wraparound Design |
Installed over completed welds without sliding over the pipe end—ideal for field joints and repairs |
| Mechanical Protection |
HDPE backing resists impact, indentation, and abrasion during backfilling and service |
| UV and Chemical Resistance |
Suitable for exposed and chemically aggressive environments |
System Construction
| Layer |
Component |
Function |
| First Layer (3-layer system) |
Two-component epoxy primer |
Bonds to steel; provides cathodic disbondment resistance |
| Second Layer |
High-performance hot-melt adhesive |
Bonds to primer and plant coating; seals the joint |
| Third Layer |
Radiation cross-linked HDPE backing |
Mechanical protection, moisture barrier, UV resistance |
For 2-layer systems, the epoxy primer is omitted, and the adhesive bonds directly to the prepared steel and plant coating.
Typical Properties (Reference)
| Property |
Typical Value |
| Backing Material |
Radiation cross-linked HDPE |
| Backing Thickness |
0.8 – 1.5 mm (product-dependent) |
| Total Thickness |
2.0 – 3.0 mm (product-dependent) |
| Width |
300 – 500 mm (customizable) |
| Length |
10 – 30 m per roll |
| Tensile Strength (HDPE) |
≥ 25 MPa |
| Elongation at Break |
≥ 500% |
| Hardness |
60–67 Shore D |
| Service Temperature |
60°C / 80°C / 110°C (grade-dependent) |
| Peel Strength |
Per ISO 21809-3 requirements |
| Cathodic Disbondment |
Per ISO 21809-3 requirements |
Values are indicative and shall be confirmed against the specific CNPetro product data sheet.
Compliance with ISO 21809-3
ISO 21809-3 specifies requirements for field-joint coatings on buried and submerged pipelines. Heat-shrinkable sleeves fall under Type 14 classifications, with performance requirements based on the maximum design temperature and system construction. Our HDPE heat shrink wraparound sleeves are designed to meet the applicable Type 14 classification requirements, including peel strength, cathodic disbondment resistance, impact resistance, indentation resistance, and thermal ageing.
Primary Applications
Pipeline field joints – Girth welds, tie-ins, and repair areas
Buried and submerged pipelines – Onshore and offshore environments
High-stress service conditions – Where superior mechanical protection is required
Compatible plant coatings – PE, PP, FBE, and bitumen mainline coatings
Pipeline rehabilitation – Restoration of damaged field-joint coatings
Water and gas transmission lines – External corrosion protection
Application Summary
Surface Preparation: Abrasive blast clean the steel cutback to Sa 2½ or equivalent; clean and roughen the adjacent plant coating overlap zone.
Preheat: Preheat the steel surface to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature.
Apply Epoxy Primer (3-layer systems): Apply two-component epoxy primer to the prepared steel.
Position Sleeve: Wrap the heat-shrinkable sleeve around the joint, centering over the weld with equal overlap onto the plant coating on both sides.
Apply Closure Patch: Secure the closure patch along the overlap, ensuring the seam is fully sealed.
Shrink: Apply heat uniformly with a propane torch, working from the center outward, until the backing shrinks and adhesive flows at the edges.
Inspect: Verify complete shrinkage, adhesive flow, and absence of voids or lifted edges.
Packaging and Availability
| Item |
Details |
| Configuration |
Wraparound sleeve with closure patch |
| Width |
300 mm, 350 mm, 450 mm, 500 mm (customizable) |
| Length |
10 m, 30 m (customizable) |
| Customization |
Project-specific dimensions and temperature grades available |
CNPetro — Protecting pipelines. Advancing performance.
For product data sheets, ISO 21809-3 qualification documentation, or technical consultation, please contact our sales team.
Keywords: HDPE heat shrink wraparound sleeves, pipeline field-joint coating, high-density polyethylene sleeve, ISO 21809-3, corrosion protection, wraparound sleeve, buried pipeline coating, heat-shrinkable tape
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