I-Rod & Nu-Bolt
Steadfast supplies Deepwater Corrosion Services products, I-Rod® and Nu-Bolt® assemblies for preventing corrosion at pipe supports for offshore, energy and industrial applications.
I-Rod® creates a protective, reduced-contact interface beneath the pipe. Nu-Bolt® combines I-Rod® with a protected U-bolt to form a complete securing assembly. It is specified by major energy companies worldwide.
Pipe support corrosion
A round pipe on a flat support traps moisture that eventually softens coatings and allows corrosion to form and damage the pipe.
I-Rod® eliminates moisture accumulation at the support and prevents pipe corrosion.
Nu-Bolt® combines I-Rod® with a protected U-bolt to form a complete securing assembly at the support interface.
I-Rod® pipe supports
I-Rod® is a durable half-round thermoplastic rod mounted between pipes and supports to prevent moisture accumulation and corrosion at the contact point. Deepwater Corrosion Services invented and manufactures authentic I-Rod®.
There has never been a reported pipe failure where authentic I-Rod® was used.
Types, temperatures & sizes available
- I-Rod® (white): approx. −110°C to 83°C
- I-Rod® HT (amber): up to approx. 171°C
- I-Rod® PEEK (tan): up to approx. 249°C
Key benefits
- Strength
High compressive strength with low creep under pipe loads - Inspection convenience
Easier access beneath the supported pipe - Corrosion prevention
Reduces trapped moisture and coating breakdown - Extreme temperatures
Materials for standard, elevated and high-temperature service
Nu-Bolt® assemblies
A Nu-Bolt® is a complete anti-corrosion pipe support assembly combining a cut-and-drilled I-Rod® section, a PolyShrink™-protected U-bolt, nuts and selected material or coating options. It protects the pipe from corrosion where it contacts the pipe support.
Options
PolyShrink™
Standard or high-temperature PolyShrink™ covering on the U-bolt to protect the pipe coating during installation.
Fastener coatings
U-bolt options can include hot-dip galvanised, 316 stainless steel and Sermagard®-coated carbon steel, subject to supply.
I-Rod® material
Standard I-Rod®, I-Rod® HT or I-Rod® PEEK selected to match the operating temperature.
Gripping / non-gripping
Gripping holds the pipe tightly where movement must be restricted. Non-gripping provides clearance for longitudinal thermal movement.
Typical applications
- Offshore platforms & FPSOs
- Pipe racks & support beams
- Refineries & process plant
- Petrochemical & energy installations
- Pipe shoes, cradles & clamps
- Concrete & solid supports
Genuine Deepwater products
I-Rod®, Nu-Bolt® and related Deepwater products supplied for maintenance, replacement and project requirements.
Product and configuration support
Help identifying material, temperature range, pipe size and gripping configuration.
Project and maintenance supply
Supply support for pipe support corrosion prevention across offshore and industrial applications.
Deepwater Corrosion Services
Since 1986, Deepwater Corrosion Services has provided innovative anode retrofit and monitoring systems for offshore energy industry structures worldwide, including pipelines, platforms, FPSOs, wind farms, docks and other assets requiring expertise in subsea cathodic protection and engineering.
Deepwater manufactures I-Rod® corrosion-preventing pipe supports, Polatrak® CP probes for ROVs, topside and divers, TANKGARD™ cathodic protection and monitoring for process tanks, TELPRO® MMO anodes for storage tanks, pipelines, jetties and steel reinforcement in concrete, and Electrobraze® pin brazing systems.
FAQs
How does I-Rod® prevent pipe support corrosion?
I-Rod® sits between the pipe and support as a half-round thermoplastic barrier. It reduces contact area, helps moisture escape, protects coatings, electrically isolates the pipe from metal supports and improves access for inspection beneath the supported line.
What temperatures can I-Rod® withstand?
Standard I-Rod® (white) is typically used from about −110°C to 83°C; I-Rod® HT (amber) up to about 171°C; and I-Rod® PEEK (tan) up to about 249°C. Across the three materials this covers roughly −110°C to 249°C (−166°F to 480°F). Always check the latest Deepwater specification for your project.
What is the difference between gripping and non-gripping Nu-Bolts®?
Gripping Nu-Bolts® clamp the pipe tightly where movement must be restricted. Non-gripping Nu-Bolts® are manufactured with additional clearance so the pipe can move longitudinally with thermal expansion and contraction. Non-gripping assemblies may use specially machined I-Rod® sections with flats where required.
Which I-Rod® formats and accessories are available?
I-Rod® is available as full lengths, cut-and-drilled sections sized for pipe and U-bolt dimensions, and as part of complete Nu-Bolt® assemblies. Related options include I-Rod® Clips for shoes and cradles, I-Rod® Adhesive where drilling is unsuitable, I-Rod® Plate for limited clearance, and continuous strips for beam dressing across multiple pipe runs.
Can I-Rod® be used on concrete, pipe shoes and cradles?
Yes. I-Rod® can be used on concrete or solid supports as well as steel beams. I-Rod® Clips suit pipe shoes, cradles and curved clamps. Where drilling or bolting is unsuitable, I-Rod® Adhesive can secure the material to steel or concrete.
What information is required when ordering I-Rod® or Nu-Bolt®?
Useful details include pipe size, quantity, operating temperature, support type, gripping or non-gripping requirement, preferred U-bolt material or coating (for example galvanised, 316 stainless or Sermagard®-coated carbon steel), PolyShrink™ temperature class, nut and washer needs, project location and delivery date. Steadfast can help refine the specification from these inputs.
Technical resources
Specifications, catalogues, installation guidance and CAD resources are available on request.
Request technical informationDiscuss your pipe support requirements
Tell us pipe size, temperature, support type and gripping needs. We will help specify the right Deepwater solution.