Material Analysis of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipe

The base material for 3PE anti-corrosion steel pipes typically includes seamless, spiral, and straight-seam steel pipes. The three-layer polyethylene (3PE) coating has gained widespread use in the oil and gas pipeline industry due to its excellent resistance to corrosion, water vapor permeability, and mechanical strength. This coating provides long-term protection, making it a preferred choice for underground pipelines exposed to harsh environments.


Introduction to the Anti-Corrosion Layer of 3PE Pipes

The anti-corrosion layer is crucial for the longevity of buried pipelines. Even with the same base material, some pipes can remain intact for decades without any 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 layer used.


Structure of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Coating

The 3PE anti-corrosion system is generally composed of three distinct layers:

  • Epoxy Powder (FBE) – thickness over 100 micrometers
  • Adhesive Layer (AD) – thickness between 170–250 micrometers
  • Polyethylene (PE) – thickness ranging from 2.5–3.7 millimeters


In practical applications, these three materials are combined and processed to form a strong, integrated coating that adheres firmly to the steel pipe. The two main application methods are the winding type and the round mold wrapping type. These techniques ensure a uniform and durable protective layer.


Advantages of 3PE Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipe

The 3PE coating combines the benefits of different materials: the bottom layer is an epoxy powder coating that adheres directly to the steel surface, the middle layer is a polymer adhesive with branched functional groups, and the top layer is high-density polyethylene. This combination makes the 3PE coating highly effective in preventing corrosion and mechanical damage. It was developed by integrating the European 2PE system with the widely used FBE coating from North America, and has since become a globally recognized standard for pipeline protection.


Inspection Process for 3PE Anti-Corrosion Pipes

The inspection process begins with checking the steel pipe to ensure it meets all requirements for anti-corrosion treatment. This involves examining the pipe for any signs of corrosion or imperfections, such as rust or weld defects. After cleaning and preparing the surface, the pipe is placed inside a polyethylene casing. Polyurethane foam is then injected into the space, ensuring full coverage and proper insulation. Final checks are performed on both the anti-corrosion layer and the finished insulated pipe to guarantee quality and performance.


Pre-Treatment and Application of 3PE Coating

Before applying the anti-corrosion coating, the steel pipe must be inspected and recorded upon entry into the production platform. The outer surface is then cleaned through shot blasting to remove rust and debris. The cleanliness and profile depth of the surface are checked to meet specified standards. Any non-compliant areas are manually polished using a grinding wheel. A tape is applied to the pipe ends, dust is removed, and the pipe is heated to the required temperature. Epoxy powder is then sprayed onto the surface, followed by the application of the adhesive and polyethylene layers through extrusion. After the coating is applied, the pipe is cooled with water, and qualified products are marked, stacked, and prepared for shipment.

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