🛡️ How to Choose the Right Pipe Coating for Your Project
- Pipekom
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Why Pipe Coating Matters
In pipeline projects, the choice of pipe with coating is not just a technical detail — it’s a major factor in lifetime cost, corrosion resistance, and operational efficiency. Coatings serve as the first line of defense against environmental, chemical, and mechanical damage.
In fact, according to NACE International, corrosion-related costs globally exceed $2.5 trillion annually, with a major portion linked to infrastructure and pipeline failures. Choosing the right coating can reduce maintenance costs by 30–50% over the pipeline’s lifecycle.
🔍 Internal vs External Pipe Coatings
Understanding the difference between internal and external coatings is key when selecting a pipe with coating for your project.
🧩 External Coatings – First Defense Against Soil & Environment
External coatings protect the pipeline from soil corrosion, UV radiation, abrasion, and mechanical damage during transportation and installation.
Coating Type | Thickness | Temp. Resistance | Lifespan | Use Case |
3LPE (3-Layer Polyethylene) | 2.5–4.5 mm | up to 80°C | 30–50 yrs | Oil & gas, buried steel lines |
Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) | 250–500 μm | up to 110°C | 20–30 yrs | High-pressure gas & oil |
Bitumen + Zinc Primer | 70–150 μm | up to 60°C | 15–25 yrs | Ductile iron pipes for water |
Coal Tar Enamel (CTE) | 2–4 mm | up to 55°C | 25 yrs | Sewer, water, and low-cost lines |
🛠 Pipekom Tip:For trenchless installations or rocky terrain, use 3LPE or multilayer coatings with reinforced impact resistance.
💧 Internal Coatings – Preventing Corrosion from Within
Internal coatings are used to protect the pipeline from fluid-induced corrosion, microbial growth, scaling, and pressure-related erosion.
Coating Type | Thickness | pH Range | Lifespan | Typical Use |
Cement Mortar Lining | 4–10 mm | Neutral | 50+ yrs | Potable water, DI pipes |
Epoxy (FBE/Internal) | 250–400 μm | 3–10 | 25–30 yrs | Oil, gas, water |
Polyurethane (PU) | 500–1000 μm | 4–10 | 30+ yrs | Abrasive/slurry flow |
Glass Flake Epoxy | 300–500 μm | 3–10 | 20–25 yrs | Chemical plants, sea water |
🔎 Did you know?A study by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) found that cement mortar linings can reduce internal friction loss by up to 25%, leading to lower pumping energy costs.
🌍 International Standards for Pipe Coating
ISO 21809 – Coating of line pipes for oil & gas pipelines
AWWA C104 / C210 / C213 – Coating & lining of water transmission pipes
DIN 30670 – Polyethylene coatings
EN 545 / EN 598 – DI pipe coatings for water & sewerage
Pipekom supplies coated pipes that comply with all major global standards.
🔧 Matching Coating to Application – Pipekom’s Expert Picks
Application | Internal Coating | External Coating | Pipe Type |
Potable Water | Cement Lining | Zinc + Bitumen | Ductile Iron |
Oil & Gas (Buried) | FBE | 3LPE | LSAW/ERW/SSAW |
Sea Water / Desalination | Glass Epoxy | PU or FBE | Seamless |
Wastewater | Epoxy | Coal Tar | Ductile or Spiral Welded |
🚛 Pipekom Advantage: Full Coating Support, Fast Delivery
At Pipekom, we deliver pipe with coating customized to the specific chemical, mechanical, and environmental requirements of your project.
✔️ Sizes from DN100 to DN2600
✔️ Coating options for oil & gas, water, industrial use
✔️ Fast lead times across Middle East & Africa
📞 Talk to Our Technical Team
Let us recommend the right pipe coating based on your project’s location, pressure class, and fluid type.
