PL36 36" FME Sponge

• Low Halogen and Heavy Metals
• Withstands flange sandblasting
• Custom made to fit L.P. & H.P. extraction ports, tube & seal openings
• Fail safe handles

PL36 36-Inch Unlaminated FME Sponge — 1 Each

Create a visible, retrievable foreign material exclusion barrier in large-diameter pipes, turbine openings, extraction ports and equipment openings during maintenance and repair work. PL36 is an unlaminated, compressible FME sponge with a nominal 36-inch (914 mm) outside diameter, supplied as one sponge.

Integral retrieval handles support controlled insertion and removal. Select, install, tether, inspect and account for every sponge under the facility’s approved FME program.

Key Features

● 36-inch (914 mm) nominal outside diameter

● One sponge per order

● Unlaminated, compressible construction

● Designed for large-diameter pipes, turbine openings and equipment openings

● Conforms to many round, irregular and uncommon opening shapes when properly sized

● Integral retrieval handles for controlled insertion and removal

● Low levels of halogens and heavy metals

● Suitable for properly controlled flange-sandblasting applications

● Quick insertion and retrieval when the correct size is selected

● Reusable only when permitted by the site’s FME program and the sponge remains clean, accounted for and undamaged

● Custom sizes and configurations are available for nonstandard applications

Important Fit Information

The 36-inch dimension is the sponge’s nominal outside diameter; it is not automatically the correct choice for every 36-inch opening.

For this large-diameter sponge, select a size that produces at least 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) of compression on every side of the opening while still permitting controlled insertion and retrieval. Measure the actual clear opening, including irregularities, and confirm the fit under the facility’s approved FME procedure.

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. Custom FME barriers are available for many nonstandard openings.

How to Use the PL36 FME Sponge

These instructions summarize current general product-use guidance for large-diameter FME sponges. The facility’s approved FME procedure, work package and responsible FME or quality personnel control the application.

1. Assign and Record the Sponge

Before installation, assign the sponge to the specific opening under the site’s FME tracking system. Record the product identification, installation location and any job-specific identification required by the work package.

2. Inspect Before Installation

Inspect the entire sponge, including the foam body and every retrieval handle. 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.

3. Confirm the Size and Application

Measure the actual clear opening. Verify that the selected sponge will compress by at least 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) on every side and remain firmly seated while still allowing controlled insertion and retrieval.

Confirm that the opening is free from sharp edges or surfaces that could cut or abrade the sponge. Do not use PL36 as a pressure plug, mechanical isolation device, load-bearing surface or substitute for an engineered barrier.

4. Position the Sponge and Handles

PL36 is unlaminated, so it does not have a laminate side that must face up. Position the sponge as specified in the approved work plan, with every retrieval handle accessible for controlled removal. Keep the handles centered where practical and clear of rotating or moving equipment.

5. Insert It Evenly

Compress and insert the sponge evenly without cutting, folding sharply or dragging it across abrasive surfaces. Confirm that it is fully seated, maintains the required compression around the opening and cannot shift into the protected system.

6. Apply the Required Tethers or Lanyards

Attach and control lanyards as required by the site’s FME program and applicable industry standards. Lanyards are recommended where practical in fossil-power and industrial applications.

For a vertical-down application, tether every retrieval handle. Identify and control each tether, and keep all handles and tethers clear of moving equipment, hot work and trip or entanglement hazards.

7. 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 212°F (100°C) for standard PL and L-PL sponges measuring 5 inches and larger, subject to the stated protections and the site’s application review. PL36 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.

8. Control Chemical and Fluid Exposure

● Do not expose the sponge 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 and isolated exposure to a small amount of water are acceptable under the general instructions, but the sponge must remain serviceable and pass inspection.

● Do not assume universal compatibility with oil or any chemical. Confirm compatibility for the exact fluid, concentration, temperature and exposure duration with Energy Safety Supply before use.

PL36 is unlaminated, so the laminate-bond warning that applies to laminated sponges is not directly applicable. That distinction does not establish compatibility with every oil or chemical.

9. 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.

10. Retrieve, Account and Inspect

Remove the sponge using its retrieval handles and controlled tethers 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.

Use Limitations and Warnings

● Follow the facility’s approved FME program, work package and tracking requirements.

● Inspect the sponge and every handle before, during and after use.

● Select a size that provides at least 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) of compression on every side.

● Keep every retrieval handle accessible.

● Tether every handle 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 PL36 is a high-temperature product.

● Do not expose it to acetone or alcohol-based solvents.

● Do not assume compatibility with oil or another chemical without application-specific confirmation.

● 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 handles and tethers clear of moving machinery and entanglement hazards.

● Remove, account for and replace any sponge that becomes damaged or cannot be positively identified.

From the ESS Team

The most important parts of selecting and using this 36-inch FME sponge are confirming the actual opening dimensions, achieving at least 3/8 inch of compression on every side, keeping every handle accessible and positively accounting for the sponge after removal.

PL36 is the unlaminated version. It does not use the laminate-side-up orientation rule that applies to an LPL sponge, and it should not be described using small-diameter or nuclear-specific x-ray, batch-code or identification-tab features.

Use your site’s approved tracking and tethering requirements. For a vertical-down application, tether every handle. Inspect the sponge before, during and after use, vacuum accumulated debris before removal and immediately reconcile the sponge with the FME log.

If the work involves oil, chemicals, elevated temperature, sharp edges, continuous moisture or an unusual opening, contact ESS before selecting the product.

Need another diameter or a custom shape? Use our live chat or request a quote, and include the opening dimensions, shape, orientation, work conditions and application requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PL36 intended for every opening with a 36-inch inside diameter?

Not automatically. PL36 has a nominal 36-inch outside diameter. The selected sponge must provide at least 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) of compression on every side while remaining controllable and retrievable. Measure the actual opening and follow the site’s approved selection process.

What is the difference between PL36 and LPL36?

PL36 is unlaminated. LPL36 is a separate laminated configuration with different orientation and exposure considerations. Select the version approved for the specific work conditions; do not treat the two SKUs as interchangeable.

Which side faces up?

PL36 is unlaminated and does not have a laminate side. Position it as required by the approved work plan, with every retrieval handle accessible and clear of moving equipment.

Does the sponge need a tether?

Use lanyards or tethers as required by the site’s FME program and applicable industry standards. They are recommended where practical in fossil-power and industrial applications. For a vertical-down application, tether every retrieval handle.

Can PL36 be used around oil?

Do not rely on a broad claim that the sponge is compatible with every oil. Confirm the exact oil, concentration, temperature and exposure duration with ESS before use. PL36 is unlaminated, but that alone does not establish universal chemical compatibility.

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 PL36 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 PL36 a high-temperature sponge?

No. The current general instructions state a maximum recommended temperature of 212°F (100°C) for standard PL and L-PL sponges measuring 5 inches and larger, subject to the stated protections and application review. Contact ESS for an application-specific high-temperature configuration.

How is PL36 sold?

PL36 is sold individually: one sponge per order quantity.

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 and tethering requirements.

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.