소개
Epoxy coating became popular in the early 1980s, and using epoxy powder to coat the steel pipe surface was quite common. Three layers are coated in the epoxy coating. The first layer is epoxy. The second layer is adhesive. The third layer is polyolefin. A layer of about 75mm is projected onto the surface of the steel pipe, which is essential for protecting pipes from getting corroded or damaged. It also helps transport chemicals or other substances, as lined pipes won’t get damaged or leak. Galvanizing, polyethylene (PE) coating, polypropylene (PP) coating, and epoxy resin (Epoxy) coating are kinds of coatings that are used to protect the pipe linings,
What is an Epoxy Pipe?
It is advised that the pipelines in an older building and house must be repaired over time. Epoxy pipe, also known as structural pipelining or cured-in-place lining (CIPP), is a noninvasive procedure for restoring and protecting damaged pipes.
Various pipe coatings are available, like FBE-coated pipe and three-layer coated pipe. The electrostatic power of resin is sprayed onto the heated steel pipe surface to form a uniform layer of epoxy on the pipe. 2LPE, 2LPP, and 3PE polypropylene-coated pipes can resist corrosion, high temperature, and high pressure exerted on pipes. Instead of replacing the whole pipeline, the pipes and their joints are repaired by a resin layer known as epoxy pipe lining instead of replacing the whole pipeline. Any breakage or leakage is cured with the help of a layer of epoxy inside and outside of the pipe. The coating won’t get damaged by exposure to water or any chemical. Pipe damage can be secured with epoxy coating.
The use of an Epoxy Pipe
Instead of replacing the damaged pipes completely, getting epoxy coating for the steel pipe’s surfaces is advised.
- ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) has certified this epoxy coating process. It uses no harmful materials, like lead or carcinogenic by-products from the pipe replacement.
- The process is cost-effective and practical in remaining intact in adverse conditions.
- The epoxy coating can repair damaged clay, PVC, cast iron, and steel pipes.
- Epoxy that is 100% solid won’t get shrunk after the repairing process.
- It eliminates the mess caused by a complete pipe system replacement. The epoxy coating reduces the 85% chance of digging.
- A pinhole leak in the pipe might damage the building and result in water waste. Epoxy coating can solve this problem.
- The drop in water pressure is usually due to leakage, which can be easily subsided by coating pipes with epoxy.
- The materials used in the epoxy coating are always water-repellent to secure the leak for a longer time.
How long does it last?
Many factors can impact the lifespan of the epoxy pipe coating. The coating is about 2mm thick, depending on the pipe size. The average time for an epoxy coating depends on the material used in the process, how professionally all the leakage spots have been covered, and the environment in which the coating has been done. If all the standards are fulfilled, then the average ability of the epoxy coating to remain intact is around 30-50 years. After every 10 years, there is a need for minor damage repair, and after that, the whole system is sound to go for the next 10 years. It has been reported that the coating remains in its original condition after 100 years if proper care is administered. Regular inspections, cleaning, and monitoring of the operating conditions can enhance the lifespan of the epoxy coating.
Advantages of Epoxy Pipe
The process of epoxy pipe coating has many advantages, some of these are as follows:
· Cost Effective
The epoxy coating of steel, concrete, or clay pipes inside commercial or residential buildings is a very cost-effective solution for leakage and corrosion problems. The coating process first involves pipe inspection; if there is a lot of damage, this process will not be effective. Applying this resin layer on the pipe’s surface will reduce the cost of replacing the damaged pipes. This process can save labor costs and the budget required to install a new drainage system.
· Time Efficient
Coating the damaged pipes with epoxy or resin is very time-efficient. It will save the time required for traditional methods of restoring the damage to the pipes. As this is a noninvasive process, it reduces the time needed to repair rusted or damaged pipes. The installation of new pipes and the removal of old ones require a lot of time and investment.
· Easy to Manage
Epoxy coating is easy to handle, and the plumber or laborer can easily coat every inch of the pipe. It can be applied to the whole pipe or the site of damage, so it is extremely easy to handle and safe to use.
· Ensure Long Term Safety
Epoxy coating is an NSF-certified process, an international organization for health and safety. This process is not harmful to humankind and is long-term safe because it remains intact for about 30-50 years. It can be applied to any pipe, such as gas, water, or chemical pipelines, in an industry.
· Reliability
After epoxy coating, the steel or PVC pipeline can bear the liquid’s high pressure. A liquid with a pressure of 1000 PSI can be passed through these epoxy-coated pipes. This repair process is reliable and can be used to secure the damaged or cracked portion of the pipe.
· Ecofriendly
Epoxy does not release harmful chemicals during the mixing process, making these coatings eco-friendly. Rasin or epoxy is hydrophobic, meaning that the chemicals won’t get mixed with water or anything else.
· Reduce Blockage
The coating on the inner lining of the make pipe is smooth from the inside. The epoxy coating will reduce the chance of blockage, which is very high for pipes without coating.
Disadvantages of Epoxy Pipe Coating
Epoxy pipe coating has many advantages, but there are certain drawbacks associated with this procedure. The details are as follows:
· Delamination
The significant risk associated with the epoxy coating is delamination; this means that after coating the upper surface of the pipe, there is a chance that the pipe suffers deterioration from the inside. Most of the time, the second layer gets damaged and will result in corroding the pipe. The process of layering the epoxy on the pipes is done in three layers; if one gets damaged, it causes the corrosion to speed up fast. The fracture in the layer causes severe damage that will affect the whole coating and cause damage that cannot be controlled.
· Reduced Diameter
After coating, the diameter of the pipe gets reduced, which will affect the flow of the materials inside. The layer of epoxy covering up the breakage or the rust will reduce the inner diameter of the pipe, which will result in blockage. The reduced diameter will reduce the area for the liquid to flow, which in turn reduces the pressure.
· Repairing the Epoxy Lining
There is little or no chance of repairing this epoxy layering in the case of epoxy coating damage. As the layer is 2mm thick, repairing this layer thickness is quite impossible. The thin lining is one of the significant disadvantages of using epoxy layering to cure the problem of leakage and rust.
· Greater Potential for Corrosion
Coating pipes with epoxy increases the chance of corrosion, as the damaged crack will be the site for the moisture to enter the steel pipe and cause corrosion faster. The outside material affects the affected area, which causes more damage to steel or metal pipes.
· Suitability
Epoxy coating is not suitable for all kinds of pipes. Steel and clay pipes can be repaired with epoxy coating, but many different kinds are fragile and can’t be repaired with epoxy coatings.
· Health Concerns
Specific health concerns are associated with the epoxy coating, as contamination at the joint site is possible. The main concern for drinking water is the contamination of benzene, which is an alarming situation.
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