No matter the season, there’s always equipment to be stored and transported. Even the most indestructible-looking machinery needs protection from the elements. Dr. Shrink’s Premium Shrink Wrap provides an economical way to keep company assets safe from dirt and damage that can happen on a job site or when in transit.
Tarps and plastic sheeting can blow off, tear and destroy surfaces. Moisture can also collect beneath them. Shrink wrap is waterproof and can be ventilated to eliminate dampness and mildew. Dr. Shrink also offers Vapor Corrosion Inhibiting products to prevent harm to sensitive metals and electrical circuits.
Dr. Shrink’s distributor in Norway, Alfa Solution, recently completed three different shrink wrap applications used within the Oil & Gas Industry. Shrink wrap was installed for corrosion prevention and transport protection of a large 250 ton offshore crane manufactured in Norway. The crane was shipped as deck cargo to Korea with 10 weeks of transit time. All electrical components and motors were protected with Dr. Shrink’s VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibiting) film and sealed with Dr. Shrink’s Premium Shrink Wrap. Finally the whole foundation was covered with 12 mil Premium Shrink Wrap to protect against sea spray on deck during transit.
Alfa Solution also used shrink wrap for securing the protectors inside oil pipes- the shrink wrap kept the pipes clean and ready for operation. Dr. Shrink’s Premium Shrink Wrap was also used in combination with their VCI film for preservation of the risers. The company also shrink wrapped a new transformer for BP which was transported to one of their platforms in the North Sea. The transformer had to be properly protected for sea spray and was fully covered with VCI and sealed with Dr. Shrink’s Premium Shrink Wrap.
Rune Johansen with Alfa Solution states, “Experience has proved the efficiency of using Dr. Shrink’s premium virgin-resin shrink wrap in the oil & gas industry as very valuable compared to more traditional methods of protection. Dr. Shrink’s shrink wrap is easy to use and gives a long lasting, durable form of protection during preservation, storage and transport of offshore equipment of all sizes and shapes, and it’s a money saver beyond any other methods. Any piece of equipment that has to be preserved and stored can be done so by using shrink wrap in a cost efficient, safe and space saving manner.
Since it can fully encapsulate just about anything, shrink wrap enables users to protect an entire load with one piece. It’s easy to apply. Dr. Shrink’s training video offers easy-to-follow instructions on the whole installation process. The company has the widest selection of zipper access doors available, so owners can gain entry to covered assets without cutting or removing the shrink wrap cover.
This 100% virgin resin shrink wrap with maximum UV inhibitors is cost effective. Prices start at $149.30 for a 12′ W x 149′ L roll of 7 mil thick shrink wrap.
Contact Dr. Shrink, 315 Washington St., Manistee, MI 49660. 800-968-5147; Fax: 231-723-9586. drshrink@dr-shrink.com
Category: Shrink Wrap Supplies
SHRINK WRAP PROTECTS HISTORIC VESSEL DURING REPAIRS
On the 160th year after it was first launched, the USS Constellation must undergo an almost $2 million hull restoration. To do this, it requires a new temporary structure to provide protection during the rebuilding process. An easy solution was to utilize Dr. Shrink’s premium shrink wrap, professionally installed by Atlantic Shrink Wrap.
The task was to create an enclosed structure from the middle of the vessel to completely surround the hull. Controlling the temperature of the work area and underside of the boat was also a high priority. Atlantic Shrink Wrap’s portfolio of unique shrink wrapped scaffolding projects over large ships in Bangkok, Thailand and the US Coast Guard yard in Baltimore, Maryland, where the USS Constellation is drydocked, made it the perfect company to complete such a project. (continued below)
After consulting with Dr. Shrink, Atlantic Shrink Wrap determined the 12 mil, white shrink wrap would be ideal for this job. Then, the USS Constellation was raised and docked inside the World War II era floating drydock USS Oak Ridge. The Oak Ridge is part of the USCG Baltimore Fleet Support Yard.
With 205′ long stretches of open air space between the hull of the Constellation and the walls of the Oak Ridge, the 12 mil material is strong enough to withstand heavy ice and snow loads throughout the winter months. Atlantic Shrink Wrap coordinated the building of scaffolding around the Constellation’s lower half to facilitate both the mounting of the shrink wrap and the hull repairs beneath.
The cover was installed in seven separate pieces. This was only possible because of the incredible ability to blend one section to another, creating the length and unique shape needed to match the hull of the ship.
The front and back of the vessel were closed off by continuing the shrink wrap over pre-erected scaffolding. Large entrance doors were framed into it to allow access to tools and materials.
Decommissioned in 1955, the Constellation was the last all-sail vessel in the US Navy. She became a training ship in 1894 for the Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, helping train more than 60,000 recruits during World War I. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, the Constellation is scheduled to be back in her home berth in early 2015.
Contact Dr. Shrink, 315 Washington St., Manistee, MI 49660. 800-968-5147; Fax: 231-723-9586. drshrink@dr-shrink.com; www.dr-shrink.com.
Shrink Wrapping Modular Units
Shrink wrap works very well for protecting modules against weather damage while being stored or transported. It is inexpensive, easily applied, and UV protected for long term usage (12 months+). General application steps are listed below. Many of the steps will be the same as those used when installing regular plastic transit sheeting. Please note that the shrink wrap you will be using is not flame retardant unless specified on the label, so a fire extinguisher must be kept handy at all times, and all safety precautions must be followed.
Dr. Shrink’s system is very simple with very few parts:
- DS-SHFAST998 Propane Fired Heat Tool Kit w/25’ hose and regulator
- DS-704W 4”X180’ White Heat Shrink Tape
- DS-009 Long Cuff Safety Gloves (pair)
- DS-007 Film Cutting Knife
- Shrink wrap to fit the job. We offer shrink wrap in widths of 12’-60’ with a variety of mil thicknesses.
Installation Instructions:
1. Pad all sharp objects where the shrink wrap will touch the module—corners, roof edges, ends of rafters, etc., with carpet scraps or cardboard. Do the padding in a similar fashion as would be done when installing regular plastic transit sheeting.
2. Lay the shrink wrap over the unit leaving at least two feet of material at each end of the roof. If you are covering a hinged roof unit a 32’ wide roll of shrink wrap will allow the roof and marriage wall to be wrapped in one piece. For flat top modules a 28’ wide shrinkwrap works well.
3. The shrink wrap must be held firmly on all sides so it will shrink properly. Roll the edge of the shrink wrap one complete turn in furring strips. The strips then need to be attached with either double headed nails or staples around the entire perimeter of the shrink wrap. This step is also very similar to installing regular plastic transit sheeting.
4. When covering the roof and marriage wall with one piece of shrink wrap, which is the preferred method for complete weather protection, then stripping must be attached horizontally on the marriage wall in line with the stripping on both ends. This will separate the wall shrinkwrap from the roof, thereby keeping billowing to a minimum.
5. Once the shrink wrap is firmly attached to the module it can then be shrunk using the Shrinkfast 998 Heat Tool Kit. This is a propane fired heat tool which must be used with common sense and all necessary safety precautions–Never point the Heat Tool at yourself or anyone else; always wear safety gloves, long sleeves, long pants and safety glasses. When heating the shrink wrap cover, begin at the bottom of the module and sweep the heat across the cover. Starting low on the units lets the heat rise to help shrink the upper surface. After the entire side is shrunk the top then may be heated.
6. After shrinking the entire module it is necessary to do a “hole patrol.” There can be small holes that occur from either a bit too much heat or by being poked with staples, nails, sharp corners, etc. Small holes are easily repaired with our heat shrink tape. Always cut the tape rather than ripping it so the ends are clean and will adhere to the shrink wrap much better.
7. The last step is to run a few vertical furring strips along the length of the marriage wall to keep the plastic from billowing. A good formula is to install them about 6-8 feet apart.
8. If access is needed into the module, nail furring strips on both sides of the opening before it is cut. The opening can be repaired with heat shrink tape or a larger piece of plastic taped over the opening. Always lightly heat the tape to warm the adhesives as this makes the tape stick much better.
Call Dr. Shrink, Inc. any time with questions at 800-968-5147 or email drshrink@dr-shrink.com.
Shrink Wrapping a Sailboat – Mast Up
Covering a sailboat mast up can seem like a very daunting proposition at first, but it takes only a couple of more steps than shrink wrapping a mast down boat. Following the directions below and watching the training DVD at least twice will minimize any problems.
1. Install your strapping fore and aft on the boat from the highest points at the bow and stern. The strapping will be tied around the mast from the stern and then around the mast from the bow (if the boom is left on, it can become part of the support structure aft of the mast, but you must put a 2” x 4” upright under the rear of the boom to give it strength). Pull the strapping tight as you normally would, measure and install your wooden uprights as on a mast down boat, put your lateral straps over the wooden uprights, or boom, and pad them.
2. Install the perimeter band following the DVD instructions.
3. Go aboard the boat with a 25’ tape measure. Measure from the mast back to the farthest point aft (top of the stern rail). To this figure add 2 feet which will extend aft of the mast and 4 feet that will drape over the bow (a total of 6 extra feet).
4. Now measure from the mast forward (top of the bow rail or pulpit). To this figure add on 2 feet which will extend aft of the mast and 4 feet that will drape over the bow (a total of 6 extra feet).
5. Next cut your roll of shrink wrap the measurement from the mast back. Roll it up and take it onto the boat. Lay the roll over the support structure or boom and open it enough to measure and find the center. Make a 2’ lengthwise slit in the shrink wrap at the center of the wrap. This slit area will be wrapped around the mast to form a collar. Once you have a collar formed, take the roll of heat shrink tape and go around the collar twice very tightly (do not stick tape directly to the mast as there might be an adhesive residue in the spring).
6. Unroll the aft section of shrink wrap towards the stern (do not unfold its entire width yet; the wind might catch it). Go aft as far as possible, until you run into the aft stays. Now you can unfold the shrink wrap and have it lay as straight fore and aft, and side to side, as possible. Using your wrap cutting knife make slits in the shrink wrap up to stays and halyards. They should be as neat as possible. Use strips of heat shrink tape to seal them and then apply heat to warm the adhesives (press tape down firmly to remove all air bubbles).
7. Trim and tuck the shrink wrap under the perimeter band on the boat so that wind doesn’t catch it.
8. Now the shrink wrap piece at the bow can be attached. It is done in a similar fashion as the aft piece. Place the measured piece of wrap just forward of the mast; find the center and slice into it 2 feet. Make a collar around the mast tightly and tape around it. Unroll the wrap toward the bow up to the forestay. Slice the wrap to the forestay and roll it over the bow. Tape the slit together and unfold the shrink wrap.
9. Run a strip of tape from the mast down to each side of the shrink wrap where the forward and aft pieces meet. Use the heat tool to warm the adhesives in the tape and actually heat weld the pieces of shrink wrap together.
10. Trim and tuck the forward piece under the perimeter band. Shrink wrap the boat according to DVD.
Please call us at (800) 968-5147 with any questions or email drshrink@dr-shrink.com.
SHRINK WRAP KEEPS MACHINERY PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE
For machines to run properly, and look presentable when delivered to your customers, they must be protected during storage and transportation from all weather damage. Dr. Shrink, a full-service supplier of premium shrink wrap and installation accessories, provides a versatile, cost-effective solution that helps ensure equipment stays clean and damage free. At pennies per square foot, shrink wrap provides essential protection to valuable machinery.
Dr. Shrink offers premium shrink wrap in widths of 12 feet to 60 feet with thicknesses from 6 to 12 mil. All materials are 100% virgin resin with maximum UV filtration for long-term usage. When properly installed, white shrink wrap will last more than one year in any climate without becoming brittle due to sun damage.
Shrink wrap has considerable advantages over tarps, construction plastic sheeting and other types of covers that can move and chafe painted surfaces. It can be ventilated to eliminate moisture and mildew, and zipper access doors provide a convenient, easy-entry option. The affordable shrink wrap is also easily recycled through Dr. Shrink’s REBAG recycling program and Recycling Run efforts. For a catalogue, shrinkwrap samples, or additional product information contact Dr. Shrink at 800-968-5147; Fax: 231-723-9586; drshrink@dr-shrink.com.
Shrink Wrap Used as Art in Norway Museum
The versatility of shrink wrap still amazes all of us! Alfa Solutions in Norway recently used shrink wrap as a form of art at a museum; and the pictures are amazing! Shrink wrap provides a custom, form-fitting cover for any size object and these pictures prove that statement to be completely true. It is easy to tell what each shrink wrapped object is because of the level of custom-fitting protection shrink wrap offers. Take a look and see if you can figure out what each shrink wrapped object is. Great job to Alfa Solutions!
Take a minute to view the entire album; outstanding work! https://bit.ly/1uRyW72
Shrink Wrap Weekly Bundle 4/28 – 5/2: Semi-Fit Indoor Storage Cover
Free Semi-Fit Indoor Storage Cover
Place an order of $500.00 or more this week and you can receive a free Semi-Fit Indoor Storage Cover, in any size! *LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER, ONE PER WEEK*
Make sure to mention this bundle if you are ordering over the phone. If ordering online, use the promo code is BUNDLE164 at checkout.
**YOU MUST ADD THE WEEKLY BUNDLE PRODUCT INTO YOUR SHOPPING CART IN ORDER FOR THE PROMO CODE TO WORK**
Shrink Wrap Weekly Bundle 2/17 – 2/ 21: Wrap n' Strap Knife
Free Wrap n’ Strap Knife
Place any size order this week and you can receive a free Wrap n’ Strap Knife (DS-008)!
*LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER, ONE PER WEEK*
Value of $9.38!
Make sure to mention this bundle if you are ordering over the phone. If ordering online, use the promo code is BUNDLE154 at checkout.
**YOU MUST ADD THE WEEKLY BUNDLE PRODUCT INTO YOUR SHOPPING CART IN ORDER FOR THE PROMO CODE TO WORK**
DR. SHRINK EXPANDS GLOBAL PRESENCE FOR SHRINK WRAP
To expedite order fulfillment in Europe, Dr. Shrink has arranged for its UK distributor, Marine Components International Ltd, (MCI), to stock more of its products and materials. With its shrink wrapping system, installation supplies and accessories, Dr. Shrink supplies everything needed to professionally cover nearly anything.
Marine Components International of Poole, Dorset, serves the marine industry of the UK and Europe by providing import, warehousing and distribution for client companies located throughout the US, Canada and New Zealand. Besides offering products of interest to leading boatbuilders, boat yards and dealers, it prides itself on excellent technical support and customer service.
“This is a major step for our company in expanding our global network,” said Mike Stenberg, Dr. Shrink president. “The agreement with Marine Components allows us to deliver more products with increasingly efficient service to all of Europe. Mark Saunders, managing director at MCI, has been very progressive in his efforts to expand shrink wrap distribution not only in Great Britain, but throughout all of Europe.”
Shrink wrapping specialist Dr. Shrink has been a full-service, full-circle supplier of premium shrink wrap since 1992. Our company stocks immediately available shrink wrap in widths from 12′-50′.
Shrink Wrap Weekly Bundle 2/10 – 2/14 : Strapping Dispenser
Free Strapping Dispenser
Place an order for $250.00 or more and you can receive a free Strapping Dispenser (DS-STRAPDISP)!
*LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER, ONE PER WEEK*
Value of $34.00!
Make sure to mention this bundle if you are ordering over the phone. If ordering online, the promo code is BUNDLE153.
**YOU MUST ADD THE WEEKLY BUNDLE PRODUCT INTO YOUR SHOPPING CART IN ORDER FOR THE PROMO CODE TO WORK**
Dr. Shrink’s strapping system consists of four components working in conjunction with one another to create a sturdy, secure and sloped shrink wrap cover. To have the most effective, durable, and secure shrink wrap cover, Dr. Shrink highly recommends using all four components of the strapping system: Woven Cord Strapping, Buckles, End & Bottom Caps, and Tension Tool.
Dr. Shrink’s Strapping Dispenser has a durable and lightweight design which is compatible with all of our premium 1/2″ and 3/4″ width strapping rolls. The unit features a convenient carrying handle and low resistance spindle system. The Strapping Dispenser is the ideal tool to prevent knots, tangles, and twists in the strapping.
Don’t forget about our Valentine’s Day special this week on Tideminders. Only $39.95 per kit! Order your “String of Pearls” today!