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FBE Coated Line Pipe

Choosing the Right Coatings: 3LPE Coating vs FBE Coating

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Introduction

In the oil, gas, and water transmission industries, pipeline coatings play a crucial role in ensuring the long-term performance and protection of buried or submerged pipelines. Among the most widely used protective coatings are 3LPE (Three-Layer Polyethylene Coating) and FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating). Both provide corrosion resistance and mechanical protection, but they offer distinct advantages depending on the application environment. Understanding their differences is essential for making an informed decision in pipeline coating selection. 3LPE coating vs FBE coating, let’s explore in-depth.

1. Overview of 3LPE Coating vs FBE Coating

3LPE Coating (Three-Layer Polyethylene Coating)

3LPE is a multi-layered protective system that combines different materials to create an effective shield against corrosion and physical damage. It consists of three layers:

  • Layer 1: Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE): This provides strong adhesion to the pipe surface and offers excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Layer 2: Copolymer Adhesive: The adhesive layer bonds the epoxy layer to the outer polyethylene layer, ensuring a strong bond.
  • Layer 3: Polyethylene (PE): The final layer offers mechanical protection from impacts, abrasions, and environmental conditions.

FBE Coating (Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating)

FBE is a single-layer coating made from epoxy resins that are applied in a powder form. When heated, the powder melts and forms a continuous, highly adherent layer around the pipe surface. FBE coatings are primarily used for corrosion resistance in environments that may expose the pipeline to water, chemicals, or oxygen.

2. 3LPE Coating vs FBE Coating: Understanding the Differences

Feature 3LPE Coating FBE Coating
Structure Multi-layer (FBE + adhesive + PE) Single-layer epoxy coating
Corrosion Resistance Excellent, due to the combined barrier of FBE and PE layers Very good, provided by epoxy layer
Mechanical Protection High impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and durability Moderate; susceptible to mechanical damage
Operating Temperature Range -40°C to +80°C -40°C to +100°C
Application Environment Suitable for harsh environments, including offshore and buried pipelines Ideal for buried or submerged pipelines in less harsh environments
Application Thickness Typically thicker, due to multiple layers Typically thinner, single-layer application
Cost Higher initial cost due to multi-layer system More economical; single-layer application
Longevity Provides long-term protection in aggressive environments Good for moderate to less aggressive environments

3. Advantages of 3LPE Coating

3.1. Superior Corrosion and Mechanical Protection

The 3LPE system offers a robust combination of corrosion protection and mechanical durability. The FBE layer provides excellent adhesion to the pipe surface, acting as the primary barrier against corrosion, while the PE layer adds additional protection from mechanical stresses, such as impacts during installation and transportation.

3.2. Ideal for Buried and Offshore Pipelines

3LPE coatings are particularly well-suited for pipelines that will be buried underground or used in offshore environments. The outer polyethylene layer is highly resistant to abrasions, chemicals, and moisture, making it ideal for long-term performance in harsh conditions.

3.3. Extended Lifespan in Aggressive Environments

Pipelines coated with 3LPE are known for their longevity in aggressive environments such as coastal areas, high-salt regions, and locations prone to soil movement. The multi-layered protection ensures resistance to moisture penetration, soil contaminants, and mechanical damage, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

4. Advantages of FBE Coating

4.1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance

Despite being a single-layer coating, FBE provides excellent resistance to corrosion, particularly in less harsh environments. The fusion-bonded epoxy layer is highly effective at preventing moisture and oxygen from reaching the steel pipe surface.

4.2. Heat Resistance

FBE coatings have a higher operating temperature limit compared to 3LPE, making them suitable for pipelines exposed to higher temperatures, such as in certain oil and gas transmission lines. They can operate in temperatures up to 100°C, compared to 3LPE’s typical upper limit of 80°C.

4.3. Lower Application Costs

Since FBE is a single-layer coating, the application process is less complex and requires fewer materials than 3LPE. This makes FBE a cost-effective solution for pipelines in less aggressive environments, where high-impact resistance is not critical.

5. 3LPE Coating vs FBE Coating: Which One Should You Choose?

5.1. Choose 3LPE When:

  • The pipeline is buried in harsh environments, including coastal regions or areas with high soil moisture content.
  • High mechanical protection is needed during handling and installation.
  • Long-term durability and resistance to environmental factors like water and chemicals are required.
  • The pipeline is exposed to aggressive environments where maximum corrosion protection is essential.

5.2. Choose FBE When:

  • The pipeline will be operating at higher temperatures (up to 100°C).
  • The pipeline is not exposed to severe mechanical stresses, and corrosion protection is the primary concern.
  • The application requires a more economical solution without compromising corrosion resistance.
  • The pipeline is located in less aggressive environments, such as low-salt soils or moderate climate areas.

6. 3LPE Coating vs FBE Coating: Challenges and Limitations

6.1. Challenges with 3LPE

  • Higher Initial Costs: The multi-layer system involves more materials and a more complex application process, resulting in higher initial costs.
  • Thicker Coating: While this adds durability, the thicker coating may require more space in certain applications, especially in tightly confined pipeline installations.

6.2. Challenges with FBE

  • Lower Mechanical Strength: FBE coatings lack the robust mechanical protection provided by 3LPE, making them more susceptible to damage during handling and installation.
  • Moisture Absorption: Although FBE provides good corrosion resistance, its single-layer design makes it more prone to moisture ingress over time, particularly in aggressive environments.

7. Conclusion: Making the Right Choice

Choosing between 3LPE and FBE coatings depends on the specific conditions and requirements of the pipeline. 3LPE is ideal for harsh environments where long-term durability and mechanical protection are priorities, while FBE offers a cost-effective solution for environments where corrosion resistance is the main concern and mechanical stresses are moderate.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each coating, pipeline engineers can make informed decisions to maximize the longevity, safety, and performance of their transmission systems, whether transporting oil, gas, or water.

Know the Differences: TPEPE Coating vs 3LPE Coating

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TPEPE anticorrosive steel pipe and 3PE anticorrosive steel pipe are upgrading products based on the outer single layer polyethylene and internal epoxy-coated steel pipe, it is the most advanced anticorrosive long-distance steel pipeline buried underground. Do you know what is the difference between TPEPE anticorrosive steel pipe and 3PE anticorrosive steel pipe?

 

 

Coating Structure

The outer wall of the TPEPE anticorrosive steel pipe is made of 3PE hot-melt junction winding process.  It is composed of three layers, epoxy resin(bottom layer), adhesive(intermediate layer) and polyethylene(outer layer). The inner wall adopts the anti-corrosion way of thermal spraying epoxy powder, and the powder is evenly coated on the surface of the steel pipe after being heated and fused at high temperature to form a steel-plastic composite layer, which greatly improves the thickness of the coating and the adhesion of the coating, enhances the ability of bump resistance and corrosion resistance, and makes it widely used.

3PE anticorrosive coating steel pipe refers to the three layers of polyolefin outside anti-corrosion steel pipe, its anticorrosion structure generally consists of a three-layer structure, epoxy powder, adhesive and PE, in practice, these three materials mixed melting processing, and steel pipe firmly together, forming a layer of polyethylene (PE) anticorrosive coating, has good corrosion resistance, resistance to moisture permeability and mechanical properties, is widely used in the oil pipeline industry.

Performance Characteristics

Different from the general steel pipe, TPEPE anticorrosive steel pipe has been made internal and external anticorrosive, has a very high sealing, and long-term operation can greatly save energy, reduce costs, and protect the environment. With strong corrosion resistance and convenient construction, its service life is up to 50 years. It also has good corrosion resistance and impact resistance at low temperatures. At the same time, it also has high epoxy strength, good softness of hot melt adhesive, etc., and has high anti-corrosion reliability; In addition, our TPEPE anticorrosive steel pipe is produced in strict accordance with national standard specifications, obtained anticorrosive steel pipe drinking water safety certificate, to ensure the safety of drinking water.

3PE anticorrosive steel pipe made of polyethylene material, this material is marked by good corrosion resistance, and directly extends the service life of anticorrosive steel pipe.

3PE anticorrosive steel pipe because of its different specifications, can be divided into ordinary grade and strengthening grade, the PE thickness of ordinary grade 3PE anticorrosive steel pipe is about 2.0mm, and the PE thickness of the strengthening grade is about 2.7mm. As an ordinary external anticorrosion on casing pipe, the ordinary grade is more than enough. If it is used to directly transport acid, alkali, natural gas and other fluids, try to use the strengthened grade 3PE anti-corrosion steel pipe.

The above is about the difference between TPEPE anticorrosive steel pipe and 3PE anticorrosive steel pipe, mainly reflected in the performance characteristics and application of different, the correct selection of the appropriate anticorrosive steel pipe, plays its due role.

Introduction of 3LPE Coated Line Pipe

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Introduction

The base materials of 3LPE Coated Line Pipe include seamless steel pipes, spiral welded steel pipes, and straight seam welded steel pipes. Three-layer polyethylene (3LPE) anti-corrosion coatings are widely used in the oil pipeline industry for their good corrosion resistance, water vapor permeability resistance, and mechanical properties. 3LPE anti-corrosion coatings are crucial to the service life of buried pipelines. Some pipelines of the same material are buried underground for decades without corrosion, while others leak in a few years. The reason is that they use different coatings.

Structure of 3LPE Coated Line Pipe

3PE anti-corrosion coatings generally consist of three layers: the first layer is epoxy powder (FBE) >100um, the second layer is adhesive (AD) 170~250um, and the third layer is high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 1.8-3.7mm. In actual operation, the three materials are mixed and fused, and processed to make them firmly bonded to the steel pipe to form an excellent anti-corrosion coating. The processing methods are generally divided into two types: winding type and ring die sleeve type.

3LPE anti-corrosion steel pipe coating (three-layer polyethylene anti-corrosion coating) is a new type of anti-corrosion steel pipe coating that cleverly combines the European 2PE anti-corrosion coating with the FBE coating widely used in North America. It has been recognized and used internationally for more than ten years.

The first layer of 3LPE anti-corrosion steel pipe is epoxy powder anti-corrosion coating, the middle layer is copolymer adhesive with branched functional groups, and the surface layer is high-density polyethylene anti-corrosion coating.

3LPE anti-corrosion coating combines the high impermeability and mechanical properties of epoxy resin and polyethylene. So far, it has been recognized as the best anti-corrosion coating with the best performance in the world and has been used in many projects.

Advantages of 3LPE Coated Line Pipe

Ordinary steel pipes will suffer severe corrosion in harsh use environments, thereby reducing the service life of steel pipes. The service life of anti-corrosion and thermal insulation steel pipes is also relatively long, generally about 30-50 years and correct installation and use can also reduce the maintenance cost of the pipeline network. Anti-corrosion and thermal insulation steel pipes can also be equipped with an alarm system to automatically detect pipeline network leakage faults, accurately grasp the fault location, and automatically alarm.

3LPE anti-corrosion and heat-insulating steel pipes have good heat preservation performance, and the heat loss is only 25% of that of traditional pipes. Long-term operation can save a lot of resources and significantly reduce energy costs. At the same time, it still has strong waterproof and corrosion resistance. It can be directly buried underground or in water without setting up a separate trench, and the construction is also simple, quick, and comprehensive. The cost is also relatively low, and it has good corrosion resistance and impact resistance under low-temperature conditions, and can also be directly buried in frozen soil.

Application of 3LPE Coated Line Pipe

For 3PE anti-corrosion steel pipes, many people only know one thing but not the other. Its role is really wide-ranging, suitable for underground water supply and drainage, underground spraying, positive and negative pressure ventilation, gas extraction, fire sprinkler,s, and other pipe networks. Waste slag and return water transportation pipelines for process water in thermal power plants. It has excellent applicability for water supply pipelines of anti-spraying and water spraying systems. Cable protection casings for power, communications, roads, etc. It is suitable for high-rise building water supply, thermal power pipe networks, water plants, gas transmission, buried water transmission, and other pipelines. Oil pipelines, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, printing and dyeing industries, sewage treatment discharge pipes, sewage pipes, and biological pool anti-corrosion projects. It can be said that 3LPE anti-corrosion steel pipes are indispensable in the current application and construction of agricultural irrigation pipes, deep well pipes, drainage pipes, and other pipe networks. I believe that through the extension of technology, more brilliant achievements will be made in the future.

If you need any kind of anticorrosion coating coated steel pipes such as 3LPE /FBE /3LPP/LE/International Brand Paints (AkzoNobel/Hempel/3M/Jotun) coated steel pipes, etc., please feel free to reach out to [email protected].