When it comes to maintaining the integrity of internally lined pipelines, few components are as vital as the pipe joint sleeve insert. These inserts serve a critical function: ensuring that internal linings—used to protect carbon steel pipes from corrosion and abrasion—remain intact through the welding process. In a traditional setup, welding heat can severely damage or compromise thin linings, exposing the pipeline to internal degradation. However, with the use of advanced pipe joint sleeve inserts, this risk is effectively neutralized.

Lined Pipe Systems (LPS) has developed a range of patented and field-proven technologies that use pipe joint sleeve inserts to deliver durable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. These include the FlexSleeve®, CCB® Sleeve, and SealSleeve™each designed to address specific challenges across various lining materials and pipeline environments.

The Purpose and Function of a Pipe Joint Sleeve Insert

Protecting Linings During Welding

The primary role of a pipe joint sleeve insert is to protect the internal lining from heat damage during field welding. This is crucial in industries where linings are made of thermoplastics, polyurethane, rubber, or epoxy all of which can degrade under high temperatures.

Maintaining Pressure Integrity

Beyond protection, a quality pipe joint sleeve insert must ensure the joint remains sealed under high internal pressure. This helps to eliminate leak points that are common with mechanical joints and flanged connections.

Allowing Standard Welds

LPS systems permit the use of standard carbon steel welding techniques, enabling contractors to maintain familiar, efficient construction methods while preserving internal lining continuity.

FlexSleeve®: The Flexible Pipe Joint Sleeve Insert

Design Benefits

The FlexSleeve® insert is designed for versatility and ease of installation. Its thin-gauge, flexible body adapts to various pipe diameters and tolerances. This flexibility ensures uniform sealing and easy insertion, especially useful in cases of out-of-round pipe sections.

Heat Resistance and Weld Performance

FlexSleeve® includes a broader profile and insulation barrier that reduces heat transfer to the lining. This allows full-penetration welds to be completed without damaging the interior lining, ensuring seamless construction across joint zones.

Ideal for Automated Welding

FlexSleeve® is fully compatible with internal line-up clamps and automated welding equipment. This makes it suitable for high-volume projects requiring consistency and speed—offshore installations, long-distance water transport, and large-scale industrial pipelines.

CCB® Sleeve: A Legacy Pipe Joint Sleeve Insert for Smaller Diameters

Proven Technology with 25+ Years of Use

The CCB® Sleeve is one of the original internal weld sleeve technologies and has protected hundreds of thousands of pipe joints in real-world conditions. LPS acquired this trusted system and continues to offer it for pipeline projects with diameters 12 inches or smaller.

Superior Seal and Slim Profile

Its sloped and tapered profile offers a tighter seal than many alternatives and permits the passage of cleaning pigs without significant head loss. This design not only ensures lining continuity but also optimizes flow dynamics.

Market Standard for Quality

With a track record spanning over two decades, the CCB® Sleeve remains a go-to pipe joint sleeve insert for contractors who prioritize reliability and performance.

SealSleeve™: The Insert Revolutionizing Rubber and Polyurethane Lining

Solving the Weld Problem for Rubber Linings

Traditionally, rubber and polyurethane-lined pipelines had to rely on mechanical joints, which are expensive and prone to leaks. SealSleeve™ eliminates this issue by allowing full-penetration welded joints while maintaining the integrity of the internal lining.

Integrated Insulation and Seamless Lining

SealSleeve™ is lined with the same polymer as the pipe lining and includes integrated insulation to prevent thermal damage. This guarantees continuity across the weld area without burn-through.

Applications in Mining and Slurry Systems

Used widely in mining operations, SealSleeve™ is ideal for pipelines transporting abrasive materials like tailings and ore concentrate. Its ability to permit field bends and rapid tie-ins reduces construction time and cost.

SealSleeve™ for Thermoplastic Liners

Proprietary Locking Method

For pipelines lined with thermoplastic materials like HDPE or nylon, SealSleeve™ uses a proprietary method to lock the plastic liner in place, creating a stationary seat against which the insert can seal.

Maintains Pressure Integrity

Once welded, the joint can withstand the same internal pressure as the rest of the pipeline. The pipe joint sleeve insert ensures this performance by sealing tightly around the liner.

Fast, Repeatable Installation

With a design optimized for ease of installation, SealSleeve™ supports rapid deployment in the field or on offshore vessels. It also permits standard NDE inspections, helping contractors meet quality assurance requirements.

Pipe Lining Materials That Benefit from Sleeve Inserts

Polyurethane and Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Both aromatic and thermoplastic PU linings offer excellent abrasion resistance and elongation. When used in conjunction with a pipe joint sleeve insert like FlexSleeve® or SealSleeve™, they can remain intact through the welding zone.

Rubber Linings

Natural and synthetic rubber linings are flexible and resilient, ideal for high-wear applications. The correct insert ensures that these materials do not degrade during field welding.

Epoxies and Polyamides

Fusion-bonded epoxy and nylon provide chemical and temperature resistance. Pipe joint sleeve inserts protect these coatings from weld-zone heat and preserve their effectiveness.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is particularly prone to damage from welding heat. Inserts like those provided by LPS ensure continuity of HDPE linings and prevent pinhole formation.

Industry Applications of Pipe Joint Sleeve Inserts

Oil & Gas

Pipe joint sleeve inserts protect linings in pipelines transporting sour gas, produced water, and hydrocarbons fluids that would quickly corrode unlined carbon steel.

Mining

Tailings and slurry pipelines benefit significantly from joint protection. Inserts enable the use of abrasion-resistant linings while maintaining full weld strength.

Municipal and Industrial Water

Applications like wastewater treatment, desalinated water distribution, and seawater injection systems require corrosion-resistant internal linings. Pipe joint sleeve inserts make it possible to maintain those linings through each joint.

Why Lined Pipe Systems Is the Industry Leader

Patented Technologies

LPS offers patented solutions like FlexSleeve®, CCB® Sleeve, and SealSleeve™ that have proven performance across industries and conditions.

Economical and Durable

Using standard carbon steel pipes and full-penetration welds, these inserts allow you to reduce material costs while extending pipeline lifespan.

Fast Deployment and Compatibility

All LPS pipe joint sleeve inserts are compatible with standard field welding techniques, reducing training and equipment requirements. They’re ideal for projects with tight timelines or remote access challenges.

Conclusion 

Pipe joint sleeve inserts are more than a convenience they are essential components that determine the long-term success of internally lined pipelines. With LPS technology, contractors no longer have to compromise between durability, cost, and speed. Every joint is protected, every lining remains intact, and every project gains a competitive edge.

Contact Lined Pipe Systems today to explore how our pipe joint sleeve insert solutions can elevate your next pipeline project.