Fast, Worry Free Pipeline Installation with Dual-Layer FBE Coatings

Summary: Utilizing two layers of fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) provides great versatility in coatings used for pipeline protection. The first layer has the properties of a standalone FBE coating, including excellent resistance to cathodic disbondment. The top layer provides mechanical damage resistance from impact or gouging during handling, transportation, and construction. The combination provides the contractor faster, worry-free installation and the pipeline owner with improved underground coating performance. This paper reviews single-layer FBE, three-layer polyolefin (3LPO) (polyethylene and polypropylene) coatings, and dual-layer FBE (DLFBE). It also demonstrates the performance characteristics of dual-layer FBE pipeline coating systems through test results and case histories for entire pipeline projects. The review includes application and installation specifics. It also introduces nano-technology for improved dual-layer performance.