In maritime and offshore environments, corrosion is one of the biggest challenges for the operational safety of technical systems. When fastening stainless steel pipes in particular, crevice corrosion can occur in gaps between pipes and commercially available pipe clamps - for example, if salt water or moisture collects in these areas and cannot drain or dry out.

Such damaged areas often go unnoticed for a long time and lead to serious damage to the components over time. This often results in structural failure or leaks. The regular inspection of components and their replacement represents an enormous effort for the system operator and the maintenance and service providers they commission. Choosing the right pipe clamp solution is therefore a decisive factor for the longevity and safety of entire systems.

With ACT-MLC, STAUFF is launching a new multiple pipe clamp on the market that has been specifically developed for applications in extreme environmental conditions. What makes it special: It combines space-saving multiple installation for 3 or more pipes with a proven corrosion protection concept - the STAUFF Anti-Corrosion Technology (ACT), which has already proven itself successfully with single and double clamps based on DIN 3015.

Unlike conventional multiple clamps, ACT-MLC has several integrated elastomer pads in each insert. These prevent moisture from penetrating the narrow gap between the pipe and clamp, thereby preventing one of the main causes of crevice corrosion. At the same time, the system offers the option of securely installing up to ten pipes in the smallest of spaces with just a few screws as standard - ideal for confined installation situations.

The modular design of the ACT-MLC clamp series enables flexible adaptation to different installation situations. The basic components consist of a sturdy C-profile made of stainless steel (V4A / 1.4571), high-quality inserts made of flame-retardant plastic on a polypropylene base (PP-V0) as well as matching hammerhead fastening screws and spacer sleeves.

The elastomer pads are firmly integrated into the inserts and form a permanent barrier against the ingress of water and moisture. They can be fastened in special C-rails for either three, five or ten cables - customer-specific lengths of up to two metres can also be realised without any problems.

Using the hammer-head screws, the clamps can be easily installed in many standard cable trays or mounting systems with different hole patterns.

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Active protection against crevice corrosion: Elastomer pads specifically prevent moisture from penetrating between the pipe and clamp.

• Compact multiple installation: Up to 10 cables can be installed in a confined space to save space.

• High-quality materials: V4A stainless steel and flame-retardant plastics offer maximum resistance to corrosion, UV radiation and seawater.

• Flexible mounting: Compatible with many common cable trays and mounting systems with different perforations.

• Customised scalability: standard lengths and special solutions up to 2 metres available.

In order to prove the effectiveness of the corrosion protection, ACT-MLC was subjected to several weeks of corrosion tests with cyclical salt spray exposure. These test conditions were based on international standards and customer-specific requirements from the offshore sector.

The result: even after four weeks under extreme conditions, no crevice corrosion was recognisable on the pipelines. ACT-MLC is thus setting a new standard in the field of durable pipe fastenings for critical environments.

When developing ACT-MLC, great importance was attached to simple and secure installation. The screws with hammer heads and the clamp inserts with elastomer pads can be easily inserted into the perforated stainless steel C-rail and enable secure, stable and durable fastening, even under dynamic loads.

Important for maximum corrosion protection: Contact with carbon steel should be avoided during storage and installation. The use of clean tools is also recommended to protect the system from foreign particles.

The materials used fulfil high requirements in terms of fire protection, mechanical strength and chemical resistance. Operators can therefore be sure that the clamps will function reliably for many years.

ACT-MLC fulfils the requirements of relevant standards, including

• NORSOK Z-010

• Specification S-716 of the International Oil & Gas Producers Association (IOGP) for small bore tubing and fittings, which was created as part of the Joint Industry Programme 33 (JIP33)

• Other relevant guidelines and standards from the offshore environment

The new clamp series is particularly suitable for

• Offshore platforms and Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs)

• Shipbuilding and other maritime facilities

• Industrial plants in aggressive atmospheres

• Chemical plants and coastal infrastructure

• Salt mines and potash mining

Thanks to its modular design, the ACT-MLC is suitable both for new installations and for retrofitting existing systems.

ACT-MLC is currently available in three standard pipe sizes:

• 6.4 mm (¼ inch)

• 9.5 mm (⅜ inch)

• 12.7 mm (½ inch)

Further sizes and pipe diameters - both in inches and metric - will be added successively.

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