Does Wrapping Tape Have a Shelf Life And If So, What Affects It?

What can an item designed to safeguard an asset in a harsh climate for a long time have one or two years of time frame? This is a frequently asked issue. To answer it properly you must answer by distinguishing the two terms "shelf life" and "service life" because that is often where confusion is created.

In the case of products to protect against corrosion their service life is not a predetermined time frame due to the many variations that affect every application including Pipe wrapping

(i.e. environmental conditions such as the stress on soil, water table pollution of the land, temperature cycle and so on). Manufacturers usually provide a realistic estimate of how long they expect the item to last. The forecast is based upon prior experiences as well as other pertinent variables and is always contingent upon the item (1) being installed within its shelf-life and (2) having been properly maintained prior to its installation.


What are the key conditions/situations that affect a wrapping tape's defined shelf life?


The primary aspect that influences a wrapping tape is the ambient temperature. Although a Surrounding Temperature Wrapping is specifically designed to be used in temperatures as high as 50 C, and operating temperatures that are typically between 80 C and 105 C, many manufacturers suggest a store temperature that is 30 C. The reason for this difference is that wrapping tapes for Pipe wrapping generally include contact-type adhesives which are made to stick to the contact surface and eventually harden. They depend on a range of volatile components in the mix of adhesive. These additives may be diminished to atmospheric levels if the tapes are kept at elevated temperatures of storage (above 30°C) for an extended period.


The second major element that is also connected to temperature is humidity. The high humidity in the air can impact the integrity of cartons and even release core strength and paper. Manufacturers typically do not provide an absolute humidity guideline but do recommend that storage spaces permit air flow. One of the major reasons why they must opt for the Coal Tar Epoxy which has higher melting temperature and less susceptibility to humidity. This is among the reasons why products must not be placed excessively (beyond the risk of damage from the weight impact) in order to permit the flow of air to be free.


Endnotes

Every solution can be helpful  in pipe wrapping but you need to know which one to use when. We hope you will find this information useful.


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