Anti-corrosion treatment for steel pipes is a key step to extend their service life. Different anti-corrosion methods have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios. The following table summarizes the core features of common anti-corrosion methods and can help you make a quick comparison.
| Types of anti-corrosion methods | Main features/structure | Key advantages | Typical application scenarios |
| Anti-corrosion of the outer wall | |||
| 3PE anti-corrosion (three-layer structure) | Bottom layer: Fused epoxy powder (FBE); Middle layer: Adhesive; Outer layer: Polyethylene (PE) | It features excellent comprehensive performance, corrosion resistance, high mechanical strength, impact resistance, and a long design life (up to 50 years). | Buried long-distance oil, gas and water pipelines are important projects in harsh environments |
| Fusion-bonded epoxy powder (FBE) | Single-layer thermosetting epoxy resin powder coating | It has extremely strong adhesion, is resistant to chemical corrosion, has a smooth coating with a low friction coefficient, and is environmentally friendly and solvent-free | Anti-corrosion of the inner and outer walls of pipelines, especially as the base layer of 3PE or used alone for buried pipelines in better working conditions |
| Epoxy coal tar pitch | Coatings formulated with epoxy resin and coal tar pitch, etc. are often used in combination with glass cloth | The technology is mature, the cost is low, and it has good water resistance and resistance to chemical media | Anti-corrosion of oil, water and gas pipelines, chemical equipment and sewage ponds |
| Anti-corrosion of the inner wall | |||
| Fusion-bonded epoxy powder (FBE) lining | Similar to the process of external FBE coating materials, a coating is formed on the inner wall by methods such as thermal spraying | Suitable for inner walls. Non-toxic grade can be used for drinking water pipelines. The coating is smooth and reduces resistance, has strong corrosion resistance and a long service life. | Anti-corrosion of the inner walls of water supply and drainage pipelines and petrochemical pipelines, especially in scenarios where hygiene and drag reduction are emphasized |
| Liquid epoxy coating (IPN8710) | A two-component liquid coating that can be sprayed at room temperature | A two-component liquid coating that can be sprayed at room temperature | Anti-corrosion of the inner walls of equipment with high hygiene requirements such as drinking water delivery pipelines and drinking water tanks |
| Special processes/materials | |||
| Glass flake mortar/coating | It is based on vinyl ester resin and other materials, supplemented by flaky glass fillers | It is based on vinyl ester resin and other materials, supplemented by flaky glass fillers | Desulfurization equipment, chemical storage tanks, offshore platforms, sewage ponds and other severely corrosive environments |
💡 How to choose the appropriate anti-corrosion method
Which anti-corrosion method to choose requires a comprehensive consideration based on your specific needs.
• Engineering environment:
Consider whether the pipeline is laid underground, overhead or underwater. For buried pipelines, special attention should be paid to soil corrosiveness and resistance to mechanical damage (such as 3PE). For overhead pipelines, more consideration should be given to weather resistance.
• Conveyed medium:
Whether the medium is water, oil, gas or corrosive chemicals, as well as the temperature of the medium. For instance, the inner walls of water supply pipes, especially those for drinking water, must be coated with non-toxic paints such as IPN8710 or non-toxic grade FBE
• Design life and budget:
For critical pipelines that are expected to operate for several decades and are difficult to maintain, although the initial investment in 3PE is relatively high, its long service life may make the total life cycle cost more favorable. For short-term projects or situations with limited budgets, epoxy coal tar pitch may be an economical choice.
• Construction conditions:
Assess whether the site has complex process conditions such as heating and large-scale spraying equipment. Liquid epoxy coatings have more advantages in terms of construction convenience.
