NPL1.5 1.5” FME Sponges 25/Pkg
1.5” FME Sponges 25/Pkg
Laminated Sponge
- Quick installation & removal
- Low Halogen and Heavy Metals
- Conforms to uncommon dimensions & shapes
- Withstands flange sandblasting
- Fail safe handles
- Remain in position indefinitely
- Custom made to fit L.P. & H.P. extraction ports, tube & seal openings
- Sponges can be withdrawn and inserted through manhole openings
- Doughnut sponges available for turbine oil application
- Material is non-reactive to oil & non-flamable facing is available
NPL1.5 1.5-Inch Nuclear-Compatible FME Sponges — 25/Pack
Create a visible, retrievable foreign material exclusion barrier in small tubes, piping and equipment openings during maintenance and repair work. NPL1.5 is a laminated, compressible FME sponge with a nominal 1.5-inch (38 mm) outside diameter, supplied 25 sponges per package.
This nuclear-specific, small-diameter configuration includes an adjustable retrieval loop and bag-level batch identification to support controlled installation, tracking and retrieval. Use and account for every sponge under the facility’s approved FME program.
Key Features
● 1.5-inch (38 mm) nominal outside diameter
● 25 sponges per package
● Nuclear-specific, small-diameter configuration
● Laminated, compressible construction
● Designed for small tubes, piping and equipment openings
● Adjustable retrieval loop for controlled insertion and removal
● Coated loop tip
● Batch control code supplied with each bag
● Self-stick identification labels supplied for inventory control
● Low levels of halogens and heavy metals
● Quick insertion and retrieval when the correct size is selected
● Suitable for properly controlled flange-sandblasting applications
● Custom sizes and configurations are available for nonstandard applications
Important Fit Information
The 1.5-inch dimension is the sponge’s nominal outside diameter; it is not automatically the correct choice for every 1.5-inch opening.
Measure the actual clear opening and select a sponge that fits tightly while still allowing easy, controlled insertion and retrieval. The 3/8-inch compression rule used for sponges 5 inches and larger does not apply to this small-diameter configuration.
Do not force the sponge into a sharp, damaged or excessively tight opening. For an unusual diameter, shape, surface condition or application, contact Energy Safety Supply before use.
How to Use the NPL1.5 FME Sponge
These instructions summarize current product-use guidance for small-diameter nuclear-specific FME sponges. The facility’s approved FME procedure, work package and responsible FME or quality personnel control the application.
- Assign and Record Each Sponge
Before installation, record the batch control code attached to the bag and assign each sponge to its specific opening under the site’s FME tracking system.
Use the supplied identification labels or another site-approved identification method. Because NPL1.5 is supplied 25 per package, account for every sponge removed from the bag, including unused, installed, rejected and removed sponges.
- Inspect Before Installation
Inspect the sponge, laminate, retrieval loop, coated loop tip and all visible surfaces. Do not use a sponge that is worn, cut, torn, frayed, contaminated, distorted or otherwise damaged. Account for and replace rejected sponges under the site’s FME process.
- Confirm the Size and Application
Measure the actual clear opening. Verify that the 1.5-inch nominal diameter provides a tight fit while still permitting easy insertion and controlled retrieval.
Confirm that the opening is free from sharp edges or surfaces that could cut or abrade the sponge. Do not use NPL1.5 as a pressure plug, mechanical isolation device, load-bearing surface or substitute for an engineered barrier.
- Orient the Sponge Correctly
Place the sponge into the tube or opening with the laminated side and coated retrieval-loop tip facing up. Keep the loop centered and accessible where practical for controlled extraction.
- Position It Below the Work
When used beneath machining or milling work, position the sponge below the tool with the laminate and retrieval loop facing up.
Confirm that the sponge remains firmly seated and that the loop or tether cannot contact or become entangled with rotating or moving equipment.
- Attach and Control the Required Lanyard
Attach a lanyard to every NPL sponge in accordance with the facility’s FME program and applicable industry standards.
For a vertical-down application, tether the retrieval loop. If a selected configuration has more than one handle or retrieval point, tether each one. Identify and control the tether, and keep it clear of moving equipment, hot work and entanglement hazards.
- Protect and Inspect During Use
Inspect the sponge during the work at the frequency required by the approved procedure. Protect it from welding slag, flame, grinding sparks, ignition sources and sharp surfaces.
The current general instructions state a maximum recommended temperature of 185°F (80°C) for standard PL and NPL sponges from 1 through 4 inches. NPL1.5 is not a high-temperature configuration. Contact Energy Safety Supply before elevated-temperature use.
Do not step on the sponge or place tools, equipment or other loads on it.
- Control Chemical and Fluid Exposure
● Do not expose the laminated sponge to hydraulic oil or other oils because oil may damage the laminate bond.
● Do not expose it to acetone or alcohol-based solvents.
● Do not immerse the sponge or expose it continuously to water or other fluids.
● Incidental amounts of water-based cutting fluid are acceptable under the general instructions.
● Isolated exposure to a small amount of water is acceptable, but the sponge must remain serviceable and pass inspection.
● Confirm compatibility with Energy Safety Supply before exposure to any other chemical, fluid or process condition.
- Remove Debris Before Retraction
Vacuum or otherwise remove accumulated debris using the approved work procedure before retracting the sponge. This reduces the chance of releasing debris into the protected opening during removal.
- Retrieve, Account and Inspect
Remove the sponge using its retrieval loop and controlled tether without damaging the opening or sponge. Immediately reconcile it with the FME log.
Inspect the sponge after removal. Replace it if it is worn, cut, torn, frayed, contaminated, distorted or otherwise damaged. Store an acceptable sponge in a clean area away from contaminants.
Account for all 25 sponges supplied in the package according to the facility’s FME controls.
Use Limitations and Warnings
● Follow the facility’s approved FME program, work package and tracking requirements.
● Account for every sponge removed from the 25-piece package.
● Record the bag-level batch control code before use.
● Inspect the laminate, sponge body and retrieval loop before, during and after use.
● Select a size that fits tightly while allowing easy insertion and retrieval.
● Install the sponge with the laminate and coated loop tip facing up.
● Keep the retrieval loop accessible and centered where practical.
● Attach and control a lanyard in accordance with the site’s requirements and applicable industry standards.
● Tether every retrieval point in a vertical-down application.
● Do not cut, trim or otherwise modify the sponge. Request a different size or custom configuration instead.
● Do not use against sharp edges or abrasive surfaces that could damage it.
● Protect it from welding slag, flames, grinding sparks and ignition sources.
● Do not exceed the applicable temperature rating or assume NPL1.5 is a high-temperature product.
● Do not expose it to hydraulic oil, other oils, acetone or alcohol-based solvents.
● Do not immerse it or expose it continuously to water or other fluids.
● Do not step on it or place loads on it.
● Do not use it as a pressure seal, mechanical isolation device, walking surface or structural support.
● Keep the loop and tether clear of moving machinery and entanglement hazards.
● Remove, account for and replace any sponge that becomes damaged or cannot be positively identified.
● Do not assume x-ray, RFID, metal-detection or other detection capabilities unless they are documented for the exact configuration supplied.
From the ESS Team
The most important parts of using this 1.5-inch nuclear-compatible FME sponge are selecting the correct diameter, installing it with the laminate and coated loop tip facing up, attaching the required lanyard, recording the bag-level batch code and positively accounting for every sponge after removal.
NPL1.5 is a small-diameter laminated sponge. Use a size that fits tightly while still allowing easy insertion and retrieval. Do not apply the 3/8-inch compression rule used for sponges 5 inches and larger.
NPL1.5 is supplied 25 sponges per package. Maintain positive control of the entire package and account for every unused, installed, rejected and removed sponge according to the site’s FME program.
Inspect each sponge before, during and after use. Protect it from sharp edges, hot-work hazards, oil and incompatible solvents. Vacuum accumulated debris before removal and immediately reconcile the sponge with the FME log.
If your application requires x-ray visibility, RFID, metal detection or another detection method, confirm that requirement with ESS before ordering. Do not assume those capabilities based only on the NPL designation.
Need another diameter or a custom configuration? Use our live chat or request a quote, and include the opening dimensions, orientation, temperature, fluid exposure, nearby work conditions, traceability requirements and required detection method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NPL1.5 intended for every opening with a 1.5-inch inside diameter?
Not automatically. NPL1.5 has a nominal 1.5-inch outside diameter. Select a sponge that fits tightly while still allowing easy insertion and controlled retrieval. Measure the actual opening and follow the site’s approved selection process.
How many sponges are included?
NPL1.5 is supplied 25 sponges per package.
Is NPL1.5 laminated?
Yes. NPL1.5 is part of the small-diameter laminated sponge family.
Which side faces up?
Install the sponge with the laminated side and coated retrieval-loop tip facing up. Keep the loop accessible and centered where practical.
Does the sponge need a tether?
Yes. Current product instructions direct users to attach lanyards to NPL sponges in accordance with applicable industry standards. For a vertical-down application, tether every retrieval point.
Does each sponge have an individual batch code?
The batch control code is attached at the bag level. Record that code and track each individual sponge according to the facility’s approved FME procedure.
Is NPL1.5 x-ray visible or RFID enabled?
Do not assume either feature is standard. Confirm the exact detection features required for your application with ESS before ordering. RFID-equipped configurations may be available by request.
Can NPL1.5 be used around hydraulic oil?
No. Current instructions state that laminated sponges should not be exposed to hydraulic or other oils because oil may damage the laminate bond.
Can the sponge be cut to fit a smaller or irregular opening?
No. Cutting or modifying the sponge is not recommended. Contact ESS for a different size or custom configuration.
Can NPL1.5 be reused?
Only when the facility’s FME program permits reuse and the sponge remains clean, positively accounted for and undamaged after inspection. Replace a sponge that is worn, cut, torn, frayed, contaminated, distorted or otherwise damaged.
Is NPL1.5 a high-temperature sponge?
No. The current general instructions state a maximum recommended temperature of 185°F (80°C) for standard PL and NPL sponges from 1 through 4 inches. Contact ESS for an application-specific high-temperature configuration.
How is NPL1.5 sold?
NPL1.5 is sold by the package. Each package contains 25 sponges.
What information should I provide when requesting help?
Provide the opening’s actual dimensions and shape, installation orientation, temperature, fluid and chemical exposure, nearby machining or hot-work conditions, required traceability, tethering requirements and any required detection method.
Documentation
Technical, chemical-control, traceability and available conformity documentation can be requested through Energy Safety Supply. Documents are provided unaltered when manufacturer identification or other traceability information is required.