Abstract
The selection of a reliable pipeline coating is an integral part of repair and rehabilitation of aging pipelines. Liquid epoxies have been a preferred choice, specifically considering handling properties, application, compatability to cathodic protection (CP), corrosion control and soil stress. The next generation of field applied two part liquid epoxy coatings will need to offer application and performance properties beyond the specification requirements set forth by the industry. These liquid coatings are designed to protect steel from the harsh effects of corrosion both onshore aswell as in offshore environments. While high build epoxies are generally well regarded for adhesion, one challenge has been to match performance with higher coating flexibility.
This paper introduces the next generation two part liquid epoxy coating with superior flexibility, greater surface tolerance and improved functional properties to meet the demands of rugged terrains supported by laboratory and field data.
Industry specifications have not offered much guidelines on two part liquid epoxy coatings and not much advancement in technology has come to the industry. Abrasion Resistant Epoxy Coatings (AREC) are the next generation of field applied pipe line coatings. They provide a tough coating with outstanding mechanical properties like abrasion resistance, gouge resisastance and impact resistance while maintaining a high degree of flexibility. This next generation two part liquid epoxy coatings will provide similar flexibility properties as FBE, but with the ease of application that two part liquid epoxies offer.
