What are the features of 3LPE coated pipes?

In the long-distance transportation of crude oil, natural gas, or refined petroleum products, pipelines are often buried underground to ensure protection and efficiency. When steel pipes or fittings come into contact with soil and water, it is crucial to consider their external anti-corrosion properties to ensure a long service life.

The three-layer Polyethylene (3LPE or 3PE) external coating offers an ideal solution to this challenge. This coating system consists of three layers:

A high-performance fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) layer that provides excellent corrosion protection,

An adhesive layer that binds the epoxy to the outer polyethylene,

An outer layer of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) that provides mechanical protection.

This three-layer system offers exceptional resistance to abrasion, wear, acids, alkalis, and cathodic disbonding, making it the preferred choice for oil and gas pipelines worldwide. The 3LPE coating system is highly versatile, able to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, from the arid heat of deserts to the harsh, corrosive environments of deep underwater regions. In addition to its applications in oil and gas, 3LPE coated pipes are also used for transporting drinking water and other fluids. These pipes are suitable for use in environments where temperatures reach as high as 60°C to 80°C.

Key Features of 3LPE Coated Pipes:

- Exceptional Chemical and Corrosion Resistance:

The 3LPE coating prevents the steel pipe from sustaining damage due to exposure to corrosive elements in the environment.

- Cathodic Disbondment Resistance:

The coating maintains its integrity even under cathodic protection, ensuring long-lasting performance in buried or submerged conditions.

- Mechanical Protection:

The outer polyethylene layer shields the pipe and the fusion-bonded epoxy from physical damage during handling, installation, and operation.

- Extended Service Life:

3LPE-coated pipes boast high-performance characteristics, significantly extending the pipeline's life cycle compared to uncoated or less advanced coatings.

In summary, 3LPE-coated steel pipes are an optimal choice for ensuring long-term durability and safety in the transportation of oil, gas, and water under varied and demanding conditions.