An ounce of prevention ... 'blue goo' adds life to pipeline by controlling corrosion.

• Author: Grenn, Ben
• Position: ABM Celebrates Small Business in Alaska - Alaska Insulation Supply

RG-2400[R]. No, it's not the name of a new character in the latest of the Star Wars anthology, nor is it a close friend of Luke Skywalker. The product, distributed by Alaska Insulation Supply, commonly referred to as "blue goo," under the trademark name of RG-2400, is an effective, corrosion-control substance that is applied between pipe and its insulation, for use on many Alaska pipes and corrosion-control projects.

RG-2400, one of four in the family of RG products, is not new technology, but is new to the insulation industry and a breakthrough for corrosion control and prevention on piping systems. RG-2400 has been on the market for five years. RG-2400 ET, RG-2401 and RG-2400 LT are the other three members in the corrosive-prevention product line.

"It's (blue goo) as thin as a dime and can be applied with a short, stiff brush, paint mitt or pad, or via spray application," said Alaska Insulation Supply Co-Owner Mike Devenport. "It's almost like finger painting to a child."

NO MUSS, NO FUSS

It can be brush-applied to odd shapes, such as fittings, valves, crevice areas, threads and other apertures.

Cleanup with the blue goo is a simple process. It's recommended that Polyguard RG-2400 cleaner be used and then followed with soap and water (strong dishwashing liquid).

What makes this relatively new product so unique? The tacky nature of blue goo keeps it in place after application so the insulation does not have to be installed immediately. In addition, it prevents stainless steel and copper-stress crack corrosion under insulation.

There is external corrosion and internal corrosion to pipe. Devenport says the biggest concern has been the external (corrosion) because the pipeline is all insulated, but internal corrosion is slowly becoming a major problem.

He also points out that the product, RG-2400, would not have prevented the leaks last summer in the Prudhoe Bay pipeline that caused headaches for BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc.

"The corrosion problem there was from the inside," said Devenport.

The gel-like substance adheres to the metal and is environmentally safe. It's non-toxic. The blue goo generally costs about $200 a gallon.

Devenport, a former school teacher and assistant principal, says the gel is, "totally environmentally benign-you could eat it. But I highly recommend against it."

The blue goo idea or technology goes back to the 1970s when the formula was designed for the automobile industry. It was used on brake cables to prevent...