fbe coating spiral steel pipe, anti-corrosion spiral steel pipe

FBE coated anti-corrosion spiral steel pipe

Date:2024-10-17

The outer coating of spiral welded pipe using FBE (Fusion Bond Epoxy) is a modern anti-corrosion solution that has been developed over the last 30 years. This coating offers several benefits, including a straightforward application process, environmental friendliness, excellent impact and bending resistance, and high-temperature tolerance, making it widely adopted internationally.

 

FBE is a solvent-free, solid powder coating that eliminates the need for solvents, thus reducing pollution and conserving energy and resources. Additionally, it reduces labor intensity and provides a coating film with high mechanical strength. These powders remain stable at room temperature and, after being applied using methods such as electrostatic spraying, friction spraying (thermosetting process), or fluidized bed dipping (thermoplastic process), they are heated and baked to form a smooth, durable, and glossy coating. This process not only enhances the decorative finish but also significantly improves corrosion resistance.

 

FBE Epoxy Powder Anti-Corrosion Spiral Steel Pipe Production Process:

FBE coatings on spiral welded pipes are available in two types: single-layer and double-layer coatings. The term "FBE coating" typically refers to the single-layer fusion-bonded epoxy coating, which uses specialized epoxy powder as the main film-forming material. This thermosetting coating is made by combining solid epoxy resin with curing agents and additives, then processing them into a fine powder.

 

Before applying the FBE coating, the spiral steel pipe (SSAW) undergoes surface preparation through shot blasting and intermediate frequency preheating. The heated pipe is then electrostatically sprayed with epoxy powder, which melts and adheres to the pipe's surface, forming a protective layer as it cools and cures.

 

The resulting FBE coating typically forms a one-time film with a thickness ranging from 300 to 500 μm. This coating offers excellent adhesion to the steel, a smooth membrane surface, resistance to cathodic disbondment, and protection against soil stress and wear. However, its resistance to mechanical damage, moisture, and high heat is somewhat limited. FBE coatings are ideal for external corrosion protection in buried or submerged pipelines operating at temperatures between -30°C and 100°C.

 

Double-Layer Epoxy Powder Anti-Corrosion Spiral Steel Pipe:

In contrast, double-layer epoxy powder coatings utilize a three-layer PE process. This involves applying a combination of epoxy powder coating, polyethylene (PE), and adhesive, either through winding or coating. This enhanced coating is widely used in the oil, gas, urban gas supply, and water supply industries, providing superior corrosion protection for pipelines in demanding environments.