What are the anti-corrosion methods for 3PE-coated steel pipes?


Release time:

2022-05-10

3PE anti-corrosion steel pipes exhibit excellent corrosion resistance, water resistance, air permeability, and mechanical properties. They are widely used in the pipeline transportation industries for oil, natural gas, and water resources. Currently, in the production of 3PE anti-corrosion steel pipes, the main coating methods are the wrapping method and the coating method. In the coating method, steel pipes coated with electrostatically sprayed epoxy powder are directly passed through the center of a mold, while simultaneously using the mold to evenly apply an adhesive and polyethylene onto the pipe’s surface.

   3PE anti-corrosion steel pipe It boasts excellent corrosion resistance, water resistance, breathability, and mechanical properties. It is widely used in the oil, natural gas, and hydraulic pipeline transportation industries. Currently, in the production of 3PE-coated steel pipes, the main coating methods are the wrapping method and the coating method. In the coating method, steel pipes coated with electrostatically sprayed epoxy powder are directly passed through the center of a die, while simultaneously applying an adhesive and polyethylene evenly onto the pipe surface via the die. Due to limitations imposed by the dimensions of the coating die, this method is suitable only for steel pipes with diameters of 630 mm or less.

  The winding method can be categorized into top-die type and side-die type. The top-die type, also known as the top-winding type, refers to a configuration in which the die’s pressure roller, polyethylene, and adhesive are positioned above the steel pipe. Two extruders of the coating system are mounted on lifting platforms that can move back and forth simultaneously, allowing precise adjustment of their distance from the steel pipe. The side-die type, also called the bottom-winding type, features a die located below the side of the steel pipe. In this method, the pressure rollers for polyethylene and adhesive are positioned directly beneath the steel pipe, and the centers of the adhesive and polyethylene extruders are aligned vertically with the coating conveyor line. These extruders can move back and forth at any time to ensure smooth wrapping of the sheet material around the steel pipe.

  Precautions for Storing 3PE Coated Steel Pipes:

  1. The product should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place, away from sources of fire and heat.

  2. This product is a thick-paste coating that can be applied in thick layers. After opening the container, it can be brushed and applied without the need for diluents.

  3. After being stored for an extended period, the paint may develop slight sedimentation. Stir thoroughly before use.

  4. After the coating is prepared, cure it for 20 minutes in summer and 1.5 to 2 hours in winter. It should generally be used within 8 hours; otherwise, its viscosity will increase, making application more difficult.

  5. The topcoat may be applied only after the primer surface has dried. The interval at room temperature should not exceed two days; otherwise, adhesion between layers will be compromised. The time interval between each coat of topcoat should also allow for proper drying. Interpenetrating Network Polymers are a new type of polymer-based anti-corrosion coating that have been researched and developed over the past decade or so. They exhibit outstanding properties characteristic of specialized polymeric materials. This class of polymers represents one of the hottest areas in polymer science and is often referred to as “polymer alloys.” The IPN-series anti-corrosion coatings are copolymers composed of castor oil-based polyurethane and poly-substituted ethylene interpenetrating network polymers. During the mixing and curing process of the coating, the rubber network of the former and the plastic network of the latter interpenetrate, permeate, and firmly adhere to the coating surface. As a result, these coatings effectively prevent corrosion and provide both protection and aesthetic enhancement to material surfaces.

  Key factors affecting the adhesion of the 3PE anti-corrosion coating on buried steel pipes:

  Protective coatings applied to carbon steel structures are one of the primary methods for preventing corrosion. A strong bond between the protective coating and the steel surface is essential to ensure the coating's service life. The adhesion of the protective coating is influenced by numerous factors, including the quality of surface preparation, the type of coating used on 3PE anti-corrosion pipelines buried underground, and the coating application process itself. The quality of surface preparation prior to coating is a critical factor determining the adhesion of the protective coating. Therefore, before painting, non-ferrous metal materials should be removed from the steel surface as much as possible, exposing the metallic iron on the steel surface. This ensures that the paint fully adheres to the steel surface, achieving an effective anti-corrosion performance.