Isolation & Insulation

Isolation Sleeves

Bolt Insulating Sleeves & Washers

Insulating bolt sleeves and washers break the electrical path through individual bolts in flanged connections. Used alongside isolation gaskets, or on their own where a full kit isn't needed, to keep cathodic protection systems working as intended. Mylar handles most temperatures; switch to Nomex above 150 °C.

Types & Variants

Mylar (PET) Sleeves

Standard insulating sleeves for general pipeline isolation. Thin-wall design fits standard bolt clearances on ASME flanges.

HDPE Sleeves

Thicker-wall polyethylene sleeves for larger clearance bolt holes and applications requiring higher mechanical strength.

Nomex Sleeves

High-temperature insulating sleeves rated to 220 °C for hot service flange isolation.

Insulating Washers

Flat insulating washers in Mylar, G10, and PTFE fitted under nuts and bolt heads to break the electrical path.

Common Applications

Pipeline Cathodic Protection

Breaking the bolt electrical path at isolation flanges to maintain cathodic protection system integrity.

Dissimilar Metal Joints

Preventing galvanic corrosion where carbon steel flanges bolt to stainless steel or other alloy flanges.

Electrical Isolation Testing

Used with flange isolation kits and verified using a flange isolation tester to confirm isolation resistance.

Materials & Standards

Materials

  • Mylar (PET) for standard duty
  • HDPE for heavy duty
  • Nomex for high temperature
  • PTFE for chemical resistant service
  • G10 fibreglass laminate (insulating washers)

Standards

  • AS 2832 — Cathodic protection of metals
  • NACE SP0286 — Electrical isolation of cathodically protected pipelines

Need Insulating Sleeves?

Bolt size, flange standard, and service temperature: we supply sleeves and washers individually or bundled into complete isolation kits. Your call.

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Disclaimer

This page is provided for general engineering reference only and does not constitute professional advice, specification, or guarantee of performance. Actual results depend on specific application conditions. Universal Gaskets Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for decisions made based on this information. For full terms, see our Terms & Conditions.