NPL2 2.25” FME Sponges 25/Pkg

2.25” 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• Sponges can be withdrawn and inserted through manhole openings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

NPL2 2.25-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. NPL2 is a laminated, compressible FME sponge with a nominal 2.25-inch (57 mm) outside diameter, supplied 25 per package.

This nuclear-compatible configuration includes an integral retrieval loop, bag-level batch identification and x-ray-visible elements that support location if a sponge is inadvertently retained in a tube or piping system. Use and track every sponge under the facility’s approved FME program.

Key Features

● 2.25-inch (57 mm) nominal outside diameter

● 25 sponges per package

● Nuclear-compatible small-diameter configuration

● Laminated construction

● Compressible fit for tubes, piping and equipment openings

● Integral retrieval loop for controlled insertion and removal

● X-ray-visible elements to support locating an inadvertently retained sponge

● Batch control code supplied with each bag

● Molded tab provides space for a site-approved job identification number

● Low levels of halogens and heavy metals

● Quick insertion and retrieval when the correct size is selected

Important Fit Information

The 2.25-inch dimension is the sponge’s nominal outside diameter; it is not automatically the correct choice for every 2.25-inch opening. Measure the actual opening and select a sponge that fits firmly while still allowing controlled insertion and retrieval. 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 NPL2 FME Sponge

These instructions summarize current product-use guidance for this small-diameter sponge. 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, record the bag’s batch control code and assign the sponge to the specific opening under the site’s FME tracking system. If a job-site identification number is required, use the molded tab and a site-approved identification method.

2. Inspect Before Installation

Inspect the sponge, laminate, loop, tab and visible surfaces. Do not use a sponge that is worn, cut, frayed, contaminated, distorted or otherwise damaged. Account for and replace rejected sponges under the site’s FME process.

3. Confirm the Size and Application

Verify that the 2.25-inch nominal diameter provides a firm fit while still permitting easy insertion and retrieval. Confirm the opening is free from sharp edges or surfaces that could cut or abrade the sponge. Do not use this product as a pressure plug, mechanical isolation device, load-bearing surface or substitute for an engineered barrier.

4. Orient the Sponge Correctly

Place the sponge into the tube or opening with the laminated side facing up and the retrieval loop facing up and remaining accessible. Keep the loop centered where practical for controlled removal.

5. Position It Below the Work

When used beneath machining or milling work, place the sponge below the tool with the loop facing up. Confirm the barrier remains seated and that the loop cannot contact or become entangled with rotating or moving equipment.

6. Apply the Required Tether or Lanyard

Attach a lanyard to NPL sponges where practical and as required by the site’s FME program and applicable industry standards. For a vertical-down application, the current product instructions require the retrieval handle to be tethered; if a selected configuration has multiple handles, tether each handle. Keep the tether identified, controlled and clear of moving equipment.

7. Protect and Inspect During Use

Inspect the sponge during the work as required by the approved procedure. Protect it from welding slag, flame, grinding sparks, ignition sources and any sharp surface that could damage the material. Do not step on the sponge.

8. Control Chemical and Fluid Exposure

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

● Do not expose the laminated sponge to hydraulic oil or other oils; they can weaken the laminate bond.

● Incidental amounts of water-based cutting fluid are acceptable under the supplier’s general instructions.

● Do not immerse the sponge or expose it continuously to water or other fluids.

● Isolated exposure to a small amount of water is acceptable, but the sponge must still pass inspection.

This standard NPL2 product is not identified as a high-temperature configuration. Confirm the applicable temperature rating and required protections with Energy Safety Supply before elevated-temperature use.

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 debris being released into the protected opening during removal.

10. Retrieve, Account and Inspect

Remove the sponge using the retrieval loop or approved tether without damaging the opening or product. Immediately reconcile the sponge with the FME log. Inspect it after removal and replace it if it is worn, frayed, contaminated or damaged. Store acceptable sponges in a clean area away from contaminants.

Use Limitations and Warnings

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

● Inspect before, during and after use.

● Keep the laminate and retrieval loop facing up during installation.

● Use only where a firm but readily retrievable fit can be achieved.

● Do not cut, trim or otherwise modify the sponge. Request a custom size or shape instead.

● Do not use against sharp edges or abrasive surfaces that could damage it.

● Protect from welding slag, flames, grinding sparks and ignition sources.

● Do not expose the laminate to acetone, alcohol-based solvents, hydraulic oil or other oils.

● Do not immerse or continuously expose the sponge to water or other fluids.

● Do not step or place loads on the sponge.

● Do not use as a pressure seal, mechanical isolation device or walking surface.

● Keep the retrieval loop and any tether clear of moving machinery.

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

From the ESS Team

The most important parts of using an FME sponge are selecting the right diameter, keeping the loop accessible, recording where it was installed and positively accounting for it after removal.

For this NPL2 sponge, install it with the laminate and loop facing up. Use your site’s approved tracking and tethering requirements, and use a tether for vertical-down applications. Inspect it before, during and after use, vacuum debris before removal, and immediately reconcile it with the FME log.

One correction that matters: laminated FME sponges should not be exposed to hydraulic oil or other oils because oil can weaken the laminate bond. If your work involves oil, 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 NPL2 intended for every opening with a 2.25-inch inside diameter?

Not automatically. NPL2 has a nominal 2.25-inch outside diameter. The selected sponge should fit firmly while remaining easy to insert and retrieve. Verify the actual opening and site requirements before use.

Which side faces up?

Install this small-diameter laminated sponge with the laminate side and retrieval loop facing up. Keep the loop accessible for controlled removal.

Does the sponge need a tether?

Use a lanyard or tether as required by the site’s FME program and applicable industry standards. Current product instructions recommend lanyards on NPL sponges where practical and require the retrieval handle to be tethered in vertical-down applications.

Can NPL2 be used around hydraulic oil?

No. Current product instructions say not to expose laminated sponges to hydraulic or other oils because the laminate bond may be damaged.

Can the sponge be cut to fit a smaller or irregular opening?

Cutting or modification is not recommended. Contact ESS for a different size or custom configuration.

Can it be reused?

Only when permitted by the facility’s FME program and after the sponge remains clean, accounted for and undamaged following inspection. Replace any worn, frayed, contaminated or damaged sponge.

Is NPL2 a high-temperature sponge?

No. NPL2 is not identified as an HT configuration. Contact ESS to confirm the applicable temperature rating or select an application-specific high-temperature product.

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 whether a tether or custom configuration is needed.

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.