SUREBAND solves safety shield issues

With over twenty years experience in the safety shield market, and enjoying direct contact with end-user sites, we have seen many different customer requirements and applications. But during this time, we have also recognised some common issues arising from the use of shields. This has led us to identify opportunities for improvement of safety shield design.

When selecting a suitable product, the first major consideration is whether the shield design is effective at preventing spray or mist formation. Shield designs vary, and in the absence of a recognised international standard, shield quality and effectiveness can vary enormously.

Then there is the material compatibility with the customer’s specific application/process. Until now the most popular, good quality shield material tends to be PTFE-coated fibreglass, which is considered suitable for corrosive processes. For higher pressure and temperature applications, STEEL shields are typically used. But there are many different designs and materials on the market, which leads to confusion.

With these two considerations covered, engineers are normally satisfied that they’ve selected a suitable and appropriate spray shield. But there are a few other points worth thinking about.

In many cases during site visits, we notice flanges uncovered despite shields previously having been installed. The reasons for this can vary but typically it’s because the operations crew are (a) not instructed to re-install the shield after maintenance work, and/or (b) the process of untying shields and then going through the laborious task of re-tying (especially when wearing gloves) is quite time consuming.

The point here is that shields which are easy to fit, tend to get re-installed after maintenance. And those which aren’t, are often cut and left on the floor. This presents a big problem from health & safety, insurance and hazardous area zoning – because if shields are formally specified but NOT used, end-users are at risk of severe consequences.

The other consideration is specifying exactly which pipe joints require shields. Obviously the first focus is on flange connections, but what about expansion joints, valve bodies, hose connections etc? It’s not for us to say which connections should be shielded (though we can made recommendations based on our experience) but once the customer has decided on exactly what pipe joints need shields, this is the final consideration which will affect the shield design to be selected (because not all shield designs can be fabricated in different shapes).

With the above in mind, our innovative SUREBAND design represents a significant step forward. It overcomes many issues which confuse and complicate the shield specification process.

SIMPLE SELECTION
Firstly, we only need two standard shield materials, so the selection process is much simpler than picking from dozens of materials and designs. These two materials cover all common customer applications.

SHIELD EFFECTIVENESS
Secondly, the PDT pressure diffusion technology is a simple yet highly effective way to stop spray and mist, even at high pressure. The pressure is diffused through multi-layered mesh, resulting in a safe, vertical downward drip or stream. Our pressure test videos prove this beyond doubt.

EASE OF FITTING
Thirdly, the quick-connect function means the shield is fitted and removed in seconds. No special tools or pull-cords are required and no knots to be tied. This results in operators being more inclined to re-fit the shields, and obviously saves considerable time (and money) during first install. Again, our pressure test videos demonstrate this.

MATERIAL COMPATIBILITY
Finally, the new SUREBAND-CLEAR contains no fibreglass. Even with the highest quality PTFE-coated fibreglass shields, over time and exposure to corrosive environments, they can to become brittle and ultimately degrade (the speed of degradation depends on frequency of leaks, aggressive nature of the process and environment). But SUREBAND-CLEAR materials are ETFE and ECTFE with no glass fibre.

We feel SUREBAND will make the whole business of using safety shields easier, yet offer best protection and a long product life span.

Click here to view our range of SUREBAND products

If you would like any further information, or wish to discuss specific applications, please do not hesitate to contact us