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High Pressure Isolation & Testing Products

GripSafe® ST ORB High Pressure Isolation & Test Plug

Hydrotest open-ended pipe, pipelines, spools, and pressure vessels without welding end caps. Patented self-gripping wedges lock on insertion, hold back pressure up to 10,000 psi, and leave virtually no marks. Sizes 3/4" to 36", to rent or buy. Find your size ›

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GripSafe ST ORB isolation and test plug family, 3/4 inch to 36 inch

GSST ORB Family, 3/4" to 36"‹›

36" GSST ORB‹›

Small body GripSafe ST ORB plug with extension

Small Body GSST ORB‹›

42 inch custom GripSafe ST ORB test plug

42" Custom GSST ORB‹›

Medium Size GSST ORB‹›

Get a Quote or Order

Send us these details and we'll respond the same business day.

GSST plug model (ORB)
Pipe size and schedule
Test pressure
Quantity needed
Rental or purchase
Date needed

Get A Quick Quote Call (800) 456-8721

Technical Data Sheet

GripSafe® ST ORB

DS-GSST-ORB-001 Rev. Current

Specification	Details
Sizes	3/4" – 36" (larger and custom on request)
Schedules	10 through XXH (see size chart)
Back Pressure Rating	Up to 10,000 psi (varies by size and schedule)
Body	Aviation-grade aluminum
Gripping	Self-adjusting wedges • Gritlock® surface
Seals	Tri-Ply® multi-durometer
Temperature	−10°F to 170°F continuous • 200°F intermittent
Body Styles	Small body, 3/4" – 4" • Large body, 4" and up (4" Sch 120, 160, XXH use the small body)
Back Pressure Vent	NPT, sized per plug
Availability	Rent • Purchase

ASME StandardB16.5

ASME StandardB31.1 / B31.3

ASME StandardPCC-2-2018

The Basics

What Is the GripSafe® ST ORB?

The ORB (Outboard Retraction Blocking) is a high pressure isolation and test plug for open-ended pipe. Slide it into the pipe and its wedges grip the wall right away, before the nuts are tightened, so the plug resists ejection from the first moment. As pressure builds behind it, the wedges grip harder.

That lets you hydrotest, isolate, or purge plain-end pipe in minutes, with no welding, cooling, or grinding, and pull the plug out to use again on the next job.

Need double block and bleed instead? See the GSST DBB. Other configurations: GSST IIB and GS XL.

GripSafe ST ORB family of isolation and test plugs — GSST ORB Family of Isolation & Test Plugs

Applications

Where the ORB Is Used

Pipe TestingTest pipe sections without flanges.

Pipe Spool TestingHydrotest spools without welding on end caps.

IsolationProtect crews from hydrocarbon or process leaks if a valve is opened by accident, leaks, or upstream equipment fails.

Line PurgingIntroduce inert gas through the vent pipe to back-purge welds or remove oxygen.

Medium size GripSafe ST ORB high pressure test plug — Medium Size GSST ORB

42 inch custom GripSafe ST ORB test plug showing gripping wedges — 42" Custom GSST ORB

Small body GripSafe ST ORB plug with extension, 3/4 inch to 4 inch — Small Body GSST ORB

Patented Technology

Key Features

Independently Self-Gripping WedgesGrip on insertion, even before nuts are tightened. Each wedge adjusts on its own to pipe ovality and irregularities, spreading load evenly, and grip increases with test pressure.

Gritlock® Surface TechnologyA brazed texture with thousands of microscopic contact points. Strong grip, minimal marking, and no carbon contamination, so the same plug works in carbon, stainless, and alloy pipe.

No Sharp EdgesNo serrated jaws, so virtually no surface damage or pipe cleanup.

Tri-Ply® SealsPatented multi-durometer seals resist deformation and edge mushrooming.

LightweightAviation-grade aluminum. On average lighter than competing plugs, up to 50% lighter in larger sizes.

Temperature−10°F to 170°F continuous, up to 200°F intermittent.

ReusableProven over hundreds of cycles.

Proven in the Field

What Crews Say

"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, and S. Daigle · Global EPC Company

GripSafe ST ORB top plate marked with torque values and plug information — Torque & Plug Info on Top Plate

Pressure Testing Solutions

Test Plugs vs. Welding End Caps

GSST Test PlugsWelded End Caps

SpeedInstalls in minutes, ready to test right awayWeld, cool, test, then grind off. Hours per cycle

CostReusable. No welders, consumables, grinding, or NDESingle-use caps, welder labor, consumables, and inspections

SafetyNo hot work permits, arc flash, fumes, or burnsOpen flame and hot metal. Permits, fire watch, and PPE required

FlexibilityReposition and reuse across spools and test setupsPermanently welded. Changes mean cutting off and starting over

Pipe QualityNo heat-affected zone. Low risk of contamination or distortionHeat-affected zones, possible distortion, post-weld NDE

The Bottom LineIsolation and 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.

Critical Safety ReminderPressure testing is hazardous. Make sure all connections, valves, flanges, and fittings are suitable for the test, and verify the line ID falls within the plug's range. Never stand in front of a test plug or enclosure during testing; a discharge can cause severe injury or death. Follow the full installation procedure in the operating manual, and never exceed the rating of the lowest rated component in the system.

Available to Rent or Buy

Rent GripSafe® for Your Next Turnaround

Rent the plugs you need for the job instead of buying and storing a full set, with our team on call 24/7/365.

Lower Upfront CostPay for the job, not the inventory

No StorageWe keep them between jobs

On Call 24/7/365Support whenever the job needs it

Get A Quick Quote See Rentals

Common Questions

GripSafe® ST ORB FAQ

How much pressure can the ORB hold?

Up to 10,000 psi on smaller sizes. The rating varies by size and schedule, so check the size chart for your plug. Never exceed the rating of the lowest rated component in the system.

How do I choose the right plug?

Start with pipe size and schedule in the size chart, then confirm the measured pipe ID falls within the plug's recommended ID range. On 6" through 24", the tool OD must be within 1/8" concentricity to the pipe ID. Not sure? Call us and we'll match it for you.

Will it mark or contaminate stainless pipe?

Gritlock® wedges leave little to no marking and introduce no carbon contamination, so you don't need separate plugs for stainless or alloy pipe.

Do you make sizes larger than 36"?

Yes. Larger sizes and custom configurations are available on request.

Can I rent ORB plugs?

Yes, rent or purchase. See rentals.

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