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Types Of Pipeline Coatings
If you want to bury or lay steel pipelines, you’ll need to research pipeline coatings. These coatings can help cut down on pipeline corrosion. That’s crucial, as corrosion can lead to everything from minor leaks to explosions. To avoid outcomes like these, high-quality coatings are a must!
Buried steel pipelines date back to the late 1800s, but the first pipelines did not have coatings. These pipelines soon corroded and leaked, making the need for extra protection obvious. Early coatings such as asphalt and coal tar came into use shortly thereafter. The pipe coating industry has continued to grow ever since.
Before you can start on applying pipeline coatings, you have to choose the coating that’s right for you. There are many types of pipe coatings available, and they each have their own pros and cons. Here, we’ll go over some popular types of pipe coatings and when you might want to use each one.
Liquid Epoxy
- Excellent water penetration/electrical/solvent resistance
- Good bendability/impact resistance
- Heat resistance up to 230 F
- Field application
Liquid epoxy pipe coating is a good choice for pipes that might deal with water or electricity. There are better coatings for hot settings – it will decompose at temperatures above 250 F.
Coal Tar Epoxy
- Excellent water penetration/electric resistance
- Fair solvent resistance
- Heat resistance up to 350 F
- Mill and field application
Coal tar epoxy pipe coating can withstand higher temperatures than liquid epoxy can. It’s still very resistant to water/electricity, but its solvent resistance is weaker.
Liquid Polyurethane
- Excellent water penetration/electric resistance
- Good bendability/impact resistance/solvent resistance
- Heat resistance up to 235 F
- Mill and field application
Liquid polyurethane is a flexible choice for pipeline coating. It has lower heat resistance than coal tar epoxy, though. It also has lower solvent resistance than liquid epoxy.
High Density Polypropylene
- Excellent water penetration/electric/solvent resistance
- Excellent bendability/impact resistance
- Heat resistance up to 230 F
- Mill and field application
This coating has excellent resistance in almost every category – it can stand up to the elements well. Despite this, its heat resistance is on the low end. (Additionally, its cathodic disbondment resistance is good, but the other coatings have excellent resistance to that.)
Each of these pipeline coatings have unique strengths and weaknesses. As a result, none of them are the best option in all situations. Depending on your needs, any one of these coatings could be the right choice for your pipeline.
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Do You Need A Pipeline Coating Inspector?
Pipeline coating inspection is an important part of any pipeline installation project. A pipeline coating inspector will help make sure your coatings meet industry standards. They can also provide financial benefits – their job is to help you save money on your project.
While you might consider not hiring a pipeline inspector, doing so can be risky. Without expert oversight, your pipeline coating work could end up being subpar. You may also miss out on cost-saving opportunities related to pipeline coating.
It’s also important to note that there are two types of inspectors for this work. These include pipeline coating inspectors and cathodic protection inspectors. Both of these inspectors have important roles and work together to do their jobs. Don’t choose one or the other – bring both types of inspectors on to your pipeline project.
At IPP Magazine, we can help you get in touch with top-rated inspectors. Contact us for your pipeline coating inspection needs!
Pipeline Coating Companies [sta_anchor id=”companies” /]
When you’re looking for a pipeline coating company, qualifications matter. Choose companies that belong to the National Association of Pipe Coating Applicators (NAPCA). NAPCA sets standards for pipeline coating companies, so you’ll get quality work.
According to its official website, NAPCA has been active since 1965. Industry members who wanted to promote efficiency and standardization founded NAPCA. Today, over 135 companies in the US and other countries are NAPCA members.
Pipeline coating companies that are members of NAPCA include:
- Berg Pipe (Panama City, Florida)
- Flowline Alaska (Fairbanks, Alaska)
- Liberty Coating Company, LLC (Morrisville, Pennsylvania)
- Midwest Pipe Coating, Inc. (Schererville, Indiana)
- Tex-Isle Coating (George West, Texas)
Want to see more pipeline coating companies involved with NAPCA? Check out the association’s membership roster here.