Corrosion under pipe supports – also known as CUPS (Corrosion Under Pipe Support) – is a silent yet persistent issue in many industrial facilities. What may seem harmless on the outside can lead to severe damage underneath pipelines. This can result in unexpected downtime, high maintenance costs, and in some cases, serious safety risks.
While traditional solutions exist, they are often temporary, cumbersome, or expensive. That’s why more and more asset owners and maintenance engineers are opting for a structural solution: the RedLineIPS SmartPad System, exclusively available through Clambrace.
What causes corrosion under pipe supports?
Pipelines typically rest on metal supports. Due to vibrations, flow, and temperature changes, friction occurs between the pipe and the support. Over time, the protective coating on the pipe wears off at these contact points. Simultaneously, limited airflow and stagnant moisture in these areas create an ideal environment for corrosion to develop.
Moreover, this type of damage often goes unnoticed for a long time. Inspection methods like ultrasonic testing or radiography are costly and labor-intensive, causing inspections of these critical zones to be delayed or skipped altogether.
A smart and simple solution: The redLine IPS SmartPad System
The RedLineIPS SmartPad System is a patented technology specifically designed to combat CUPS. Unlike traditional solutions, this system offers both a preventive and practical approach, with easy installation and long-term protection.
How it works
The system’s base is a fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) pad that supports the pipe from below. This pad prevents direct contact between the pipe and the steel support, protecting the coating from further wear.
An integrated Hydroseal gasket ensures a watertight NEMA-4 seal between the pad and the pipe, preventing moisture buildup – a crucial step in stopping corrosion. The system is secured with specially developed SmartBands, which are easily tensioned using a SmartTool.
The result: a strong, durable, and moisture-free connection – without welding, epoxy, or the need to shut down the pipe.
Key benefits of the system
The RedLineIPS SmartPad System stands out from conventional methods in several ways:
- Prevents metal-to-metal contact, a major cause of wear and corrosion.
- Quick installation without production downtime, reducing operational costs.
- Fully reusable and easy to inspect – perfect for visual checks without advanced equipment.
- Suitable for extreme conditions, including offshore, chemical environments, and temperatures from -51°C to 204°C.
- Long service life, with materials designed for 20–30 years of heavy use.
- A solution without welding or epoxy, minimizing the need for permits and safety measures.
A structural approach to corrosion
Where traditional solutions are mostly reactive, the SmartPad System offers a preventive strategy. By tackling corrosion under pipe supports at the source, not only is the lifespan of pipeline systems extended, but the safety and reliability of the entire facility are also enhanced.
For companies in sectors like (petro)chemicals, energy, water treatment, or offshore, this approach is not a luxury but a necessity.
The expertise of Clambrace
As the exclusive partner of the RedLineIPS SmartPad System, Clambrace supports companies with full implementation. From technical advice and product specification to assistance with installation and inspection planning – Clambrace combines product knowledge with practical experience to structurally reduce corrosion risks.
Conclusion
Corrosion under pipe supports is an underestimated problem with major consequences. Thanks to the RedLineIPS SmartPad System, there is now a proven and sustainable solution that is easy to apply in both existing and new installations. For those who value reliability, safety, and long-term maintenance, this system is a valuable investment.
For more information and a product overview, visit the product page.
