Understanding 3 Different Types of Industrial Pipe Coatings

Though often out of sight and out of mind, modern life would hardly be possible without the plethora of pipes that carry many daily resources, like water, natural gas and petroleum. Along with the pipes themselves, their coatings are often just as important. Here’s what you need to know about the three main types of pipe coatings.

1. Epoxy coating
Epoxy coatings are suitable for a wide range of environments. For example, they can withstand extremely high temperatures and resist abrasion. Epoxy is typically made by combining an amine agent and an epoxy polymer. However, manufacturers can alter the ratios of their ingredients to produce different characteristics, depending on the coating’s intended use.

Fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) is one of the most popular pipe coatings given its suitability for both internal and external use. FBE is impact, wear and chemical resistant. Therefore, it’s suitable for underwater and underground conditions ranging from -40 to +80 degrees Celsius.

2. Polyurethane coating
Unlike most polymers, polyurethane is made from various materials, giving it unique properties depending on the ingredients. As a pipe coating, polyurethane is typically used as an interior lining because it reacts to light. It’s an excellent choice for potable water because it doesn’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is highly resistant to corrosion. Moreover, it’s thin and cures quickly.

However, polyurethane must be applied to a clean, dry surface to ensure correct adhesion. This isn’t always possible when applied to pipes currently in use.

3. Insulation coating
Pipes carrying hot materials are almost always insulated to reduce heat loss. However, if moisture gets through to the pipe through holes or cracks in the insulation, it can get trapped inside, causing rapid, though largely invisible, corrosion. This is known as corrosion under insulation.

Insulation coatings help solve this problem by lining the pipe with a highly adhesive material that provides an added barrier against moisture, corrosive compounds and oxygen.

The team at Advanced Flow Systems can help you find the right coating for your piping system to avoid potentially disastrous leaks and ensure it can carry the required material.

Pipe coating experts

Advanced Flow Systems is an industry leader in pipe coating technology. Our expert team can apply Denso, SPC, LifeLast and Carboline coatings and linings to large, finished piping projects in our Calgary facility and flagship, three-story paint booth in Maple Ridge. Contact us today to find out how we can help bring your project to life.