Material Analysis of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipe

3PE anti-corrosion steel pipes are typically made from three types of base materials: seamless, spiral-welded, and straight-seam steel pipes. The three-layer polyethylene (3PE) coating has become a popular choice in the oil and gas industry due to its excellent corrosion resistance, low water vapor permeability, and strong mechanical properties. This makes it ideal for protecting pipelines that are buried underground or exposed to harsh environments.


Introduction to the Anti-Corrosion Layer of 3PE Pipes

The anti-corrosion layer plays a crucial role in the longevity of underground pipelines. Even with the same material, some pipes can remain intact for decades without showing signs of corrosion, while others may fail within just a few years. This difference is largely due to the quality and type of the outer anti-corrosion coating used.


Structure of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Coating

The 3PE anti-corrosion system consists of three distinct layers:

  • 1st Layer: Epoxy Powder (FBE) – thickness over 100 micrometers
  • 2nd Layer: Adhesive Layer (AD) – thickness between 170 to 250 micrometers
  • 3rd Layer: Polyethylene (PE) – thickness ranging from 2.5 to 3.7 millimeters


In practice, these three layers are combined during the manufacturing process, resulting in a strong, integrated coating that adheres firmly to the steel pipe. The application methods usually include either a winding technique or a round mold wrapping method. These techniques ensure uniform coverage and long-term protection against environmental damage.


Advantages of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipes

The 3PE coating is designed to offer superior performance. The bottom layer is an epoxy powder coating that directly bonds with the steel surface, providing a strong foundation. The middle layer is a modified adhesive with branched functional groups, which enhances adhesion between the layers. The top layer is high-density polyethylene, offering excellent weather resistance and mechanical strength. This innovative coating was developed by combining the European 2PE system with the widely used FBE coating from North America. It has been widely adopted globally for over a decade due to its reliability and durability.


Inspection Process of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Pipes

The inspection process begins with a thorough check of the steel pipe to ensure it meets the necessary standards for anti-corrosion treatment. This includes checking for any existing corrosion, removing rust, and cleaning the surface. Afterward, the pipe is placed inside a polyethylene casing for forming. Once the ends are properly sealed, polyurethane foam is injected into the space, ensuring full filling and optimal insulation. Finally, both the anti-corrosion layer and the finished insulated pipe are inspected to confirm they meet all quality requirements.


Preparation and Quality Control Before Coating

Before applying the anti-corrosion coating, the steel pipe must be carefully checked and recorded as it enters the processing platform. The outer surface is then subjected to shot blasting to remove rust and debris. The cleanliness of the surface and the depth of the anchor pattern are inspected to ensure they meet the required standards. If not, manual grinding with a sanding wheel is performed to correct the issues. A tape is applied to the pipe ends, dust is removed, and the pipe is heated to the appropriate temperature using intermediate frequency heating. Then, the epoxy powder is sprayed, followed by the application of the adhesive and polyethylene layers through extrusion. After the coating is completed, the pipes are cooled with water, and only those that pass inspection are marked, stacked, and prepared for shipping.

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