Understanding Pipe Coatings And Safety Requirements
Pipelines have been used for the past 150 years to transport petrochemical, petroleum, oil, and natural gas products over long and short distances. They’ve even been transported across continents. But to what the sustained, rapid growth in energy demands, particularly in the last few decades, pipeline infrastructure has exponentially expanded. Across the country, with gas and oil pipelines proliferating, they have moved into deeper waters, further offshore. That was new safety concerns due to extreme weather condition exposure. To help guard against catastrophe, the selection of pipe coatings were created and are being used.
Pipe Coatings Help Maintain Integrity
It doesn’t take a specialist to understand that maintaining the integrity of pipelines is of the utmost concern and importance. Additionally, increasing operational challenges must be addressed. Both of these goals can be achieved by cathodic protection in conjunction with the use of exterior and interior protective coatings. Most commonly used coatings for pipeline systems are referred to as “failsafe”. These coatings fall into five basic categorizations. They are as follows:
FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) Powder Coatings
To better cathodic disbandment resistance, specialty additives are used in these coatings. They are available as standalone or multilayer products and can be used to coat the interior and exterior of pipelines and more.
3LPP (Three-Layer Polypropylene) Pipe Coatings
Enhanced with an outer layer of poly propylene and copolymer adhesives, these fusion bonded epoxies are high-performance. Offering superior pipeline protection, these coating systems operate well in high temperatures and other extreme conditions.
3LPE (Three-Layer Polyethylene) Coatings
As long as proper surface preparation is executed, steel pipes are provided with good adhesion courtesy of these coatings. Excellent resistance is also offered by these coatings regarding corrosive agents (i.e., water, salt air, acid rain, moisture), UV exposure, temperature variations, and chemical stresses. For gas and oil pipelines installed underwater, underground, and aboveground, superior anti-corrosive protection is provided by these coatings.
PUR (Polyurethane) Pipe Coatings
A unique combination of corrosion and mechanical resistant properties is offered by these coatings. They also withstand weather conditions of varying types including saltwater, acid rain, high temperatures, and strong UV radiation. In deep and shallow waters, these coatings are frequently specified because they meet various sub sea performance and installation requirements courtesy of their beneficial characteristics.
AE (Asphalt Enamel) Coatings
For corrosion protection of steel pipes, and is suitable for gas, oil, and water pipelines, asphalt enamel pipeline coatings are the systems of choice. As long as a fluid does not exceed 150°F, they can also be used for other types of pipelines.
A&A Coatings for Your Thermal Spray Needs
Our experienced, knowledgeable technicians are aware of which coatings are right for any given application. We can, therefore, help you select the application, the coating, and assist with surface preparation. All standards, guidelines, and regulations will be complied with. These have been set forth by the PHMSA, OSHA, and the EPA. For ensuring the integrity of pipeline, they are crucial. Additionally, they help protect the safety and health of everyone on site as well as assisting in the prevention of environmental pollution.
No matter what kind of coating you need, or what application you need it for, A&A Coatings is who to turn to. For numerous industries across the continent, we consistently provide thermal spray protective coatings to guard against corrosion, erosion, environmental threats, friction, and more. If you’re not sure what type of coating would best suit your needs, we have experts to assist you. Contact us today with any questions or to make an appointment.
