GripSafe® ST ORB
Superior Technology
Money.
Rent.
Quickly, safely and reliably hydrotest open-ended pipe, pipelines, and pressure vessels using USA's high pressure Outboard Retraction Blocking plug
To Order Call (800) 456-8721 — Specify:
- GSST Plug Model Required
- Size
- Pipe Schedule
- Test Pressure
- Quantity Needed
- Rental or Purchase
- Necessary Delivery Date
Key Technical Features
Patented innovations that enable reliable high-pressure containment
Intelligent Wedge System
Self-adjusting wedges distribute load evenly across the pipe wall, automatically conforming to ovality and surface irregularities. Grip strength increases proportionally with test pressure.
- Even Load Distribution: Eliminates pressure points
- Adaptive Design: Accommodates pipe variations
- Pressure-Responsive: Stronger under load
Gritlock® Surface Technology
Proprietary coating creates thousands of microscopic contact points for superior grip without surface damage. Proven durability through extensive field testing.
- Microscopic Contact: Maximum grip area
- Surface Protection: Minimal pipe marking
- Long-Lasting: Hundreds of cycles
Tri-Ply® Multi-Durometer Seals
Patented Tri-Ply seal design prevents deformation and edge mushrooming. Enhanced flexibility and strength beyond standard seal configurations.
- Deformation Resistant: Maintains seal integrity
- Enhanced Flexibility: Superior adaptation
- Patent Protected: Proprietary design
Aviation-Grade Construction
Lightweight aluminum construction reduces handling requirements while maintaining structural integrity under extreme forces.
- Material: Aviation-grade aluminum
- Weight: Optimized for handling
- Durability: Maximum performance
Temperature Performance
Engineered seal materials maintain integrity across industrial temperature ranges.
- Continuous: -10°F to 170°F
- Intermittent: Up to 200°F
- Material Stability: Consistent performance
Standards Compliance
Designed and manufactured to meet or exceed relevant industry standards for piping systems.
- ASME B16.5
- ASME B31.1/B31.3
- ASME PCC-2-2018
(P) - When testing in ANSI A106 Grade B pipe material, a Pipe Reinforcement Device (PRD) is required if the Max Plug Back-Pressure Rating (PSI) shown in the last column of our specifications pages for plug sizes 4" and above will exceed the number identified after the "P-". If the material is not A106 B, consult USA Industries engineering team for more information.
In general, a pipe reinforcement device is strongly recommended for all pipes 10/10S and thinner walled.
GripSafe®ST — Outboard Retraction Blocking (ORB) Isolation & Test Plug
3/4" – 36" Specifications & Ratings | Document M-GSST-ORB-3/4-24-2.6
| NPS (in) |
Schedule | Part Number | Tool Dia. (in) |
Rec. ID Range* (in) |
Nom. Pipe ID Clearance (in) |
Approx. Wt. (lbs) |
Tool Length (in) |
Torque Range (ft-lbs) |
Comp. Hex Nut Socket (in) |
Back Pressure Vent Thread |
Back Pressure Rating (PSI) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norm | Max | |||||||||||
* Larger sizes and custom configurations available upon request.
NPS 6–24: Tool OD must be within 1/8" concentricity to the pipe ID.
(P-XXXX): When testing in ANSI A106 Grade B pipe, a Pipe Reinforcement Device (PRD) is required if test pressure exceeds the P-value shown. For non-A106 B material, consult USA Industries engineering. A PRD is strongly recommended for all pipes 10/10S and thinner walled.
Data is subject to change. Consult manufacturer to verify this is the latest release.
USA Industries — South Houston, TX | Prairieville, LA — (800) 456-8721 — www.USAIndustries.com
©2024 USA Industries • ISO 9001:2015 • M-GSST-ORB-3/4-24-2.6
GRIPSAFE ST ORB PLUG APPLICATIONS
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Test pipe sections without the need for flanges.
Perform hydrostatic testing of pipe spools, eliminating the need for end caps and welding.
Enhance safety measures by averting exposure to hydrocarbon or other process leaks. Mitigate the potential for harm to personnel in cases of accidental valve openings, valve leaks, or other pressure equipment failures upstream.
Introduce inert gases via the vent pipe into a vessel to facilitate back-purging welds or to remove oxygen for various other processes.
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UNMATCHED SAFETY & RELIABILITY
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With its exclusive patented design, GripSafe ST features an advanced self-gripping technology that mitigates the chance of plug ejection immediately upon insertion into the pipe, even before nuts are tightened.
The advanced system evenly distributes the load among the gripping wedges, guaranteeing optimal surface contact and secure holding. As pressure mounts behind the plug, the wedges tighten their grip. Regardless of any pipe irregularities, each wedge adjusts independently to ensure plug security and safety. Combined with its automatic gripping function, GripSafe elevates the concept of "self-gripping" to new heights.
On average, GripSafe plugs are lighter than competing products. As plug sizes increase, substantial weight disparities emerge, with larger sizes experiencing reductions of up to 50% in weight without compromising their holding capabilities.
Unlike competing products that rely on serrated jaws or sharp edges to grip the pipe, GripSafe ST features a distinctive wedge system to securely hold the plug in place, while leaving virtually no surface damage and potential need for pipe cleanup.
GripSafe plugs feature Gritlock®, an exclusive brazed texture on the gripping wedges suitable for any metal type without introducing carbon contamination. Unlike other plugs, GripSafe doesn't necessitate alternative parts for application in stainless steel and other alloy pipes where cross-contamination poses a concern.
Patents & Trademarks
Designed, Manufactured & Supplied Exclusively by USA Industries, an ISO 9001:2015 Certified Company.
- US PATENTS: 9,927,058 | 9,810,364 | D894,349 | 10,746,339 | 11,391,404 | 11,408,548 | 11,408,549
- US REGISTERED TRADEMARKS: 6,540,339 | 6,540,338 | 6,2569,105
- CANADIAN PATENT: 3,004,787 | 3,114,389 | 3,086,395 | 3,144,389
- CANADIAN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: CA 186293
- CANADIAN TRADEMARKS: 1,168,054 | 1,168,053
- EUROPEAN PATENT: EP3377797 B1 | EP386575B1 | EP3728929B1
- EUROPEAN PATENT [Germany]: 602016051864.3
- EUROPEAN UNION DESIGN REGISTRATION: 00628264-001
- EUROPEAN UNION INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK REGISTRATION #'s: 1567890 | 1550298 | 1550337
- AUSTRALIAN PATENT: 2016355337 | 2018392008 | 2022231742 | 2020304050
- AUSTRALIAN TRADEMARK NUMBER: 2120735
- Other US and Foreign Patents Pending
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
"GripSafe plugs have been valuable assets on the LNGC site. The quick and easy installation, use, and removal of the plugs have made testing plain end pipe simple. The Lifting Device makes rigging of the larger plugs into position fast, convenient, and safe. The design of the grippers leave little to no marks inside the pipe. Torque values and plug info on the front plate makes plug identification and double-checking for the right plug usage easy. Overall, the GripSafe plugs are an excellent product."
T. Read / Hydro Foreman,
S. Daigle | Global EPC Company
A Critical Reminder: Conducting pressure testing poses significant hazards, demanding strict adherence to safety protocols. Ensure all connections, valves, flanges, and fittings are suitable for pressure testing. Verify the compatibility of line ID & Plug Range. Most importantly, never position yourself in front of a test plug or enclosure during testing. Discharge from a plug during testing could result in severe injury or fatality.
Failure to adhere to the complete installation procedures outlined in our operating manuals may lead to personnel injury and equipment damage.
ISOLATION/TEST PLUGS VS. WELDING END-CAPS
Isolation/Test plugs deliver faster turnarounds, lower costs, improved safety, and greater flexibility than welding end caps on pipe spools—transforming pressure testing from a bottleneck into a streamlined operation.
THE COMPARISON
GSST Isolation / Test Plugs
RecommendedWelding End-Caps
Legacy MethodWHY PLUGS WIN
Faster Turnarounds
Eliminate welding and grinding time. Go from installation to pressure testing in minutes, not hours—keeping your project schedule on track.
Lower Total Cost
Reusable plugs replace single-use caps, welder labor, consumables, and post-weld inspections. The ROI is immediate and compounding.
Improved Safety
Zero hot work means no fire watches, no arc flash risk, no fume exposure, and no hot work permits. A fundamentally safer process.
Greater Flexibility
Quickly adapt to changing test configurations. Reposition plugs across different spools and pipe sizes without rework or waste.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Isolation/Test plugs transform pressure testing from a bottleneck into a streamlined operation—delivering speed, savings, safety, and flexibility that welding end-caps simply cannot match.
GSST ORB Technical Documentation
Why USA Industries?
40+ years of manufacturing excellence and innovation
Fastest Turnaround
Same-day shipping on stock items. Custom orders in days, not weeks.
Manufactured In-House
U.S. produced steel, PMI verified, QC certified.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified
Quality-driven manufacturing process ensures excellence.
Engineering Innovation
Precision-Engineered Industrial Solutions — Delivered Fast!
100% USA Materials
All raw materials sourced from American mills.