Industrial piping systems have enabled commercial properties to do and have a great many things. This includes a natural gas supply, indoor plumbing, fire sprinkler systems, sewage, and much more. However, industrial piping undergoes a ton of wear and tear through the years, including corrosion, cracking, internal breakdown, and much more. This is especially true for outdoor or underground pipes exposed to the elements, bacteria, and moisture.
While all industrial piping systems will eventually break down and require replacement, you can extend the lifespan of these systems with pipe coatings. Pipe coatings get applied to the outside of industrial pipes and help protect them from moisture, mold, bacteria, and other elements that can break them down and destroy them.
While it's not a permanent fix, pipe coatings can significantly extend the lifespan of your industrial piping system. This article will explain how and why advanced pipe coatings work, the different types, and the numerous benefits pipe coatings offer.
Why Pipe Coatings Matter
Industrial pipes are made of some of the most durable, strong, and hard-nosed materials in the piping industry. However, because they're subjected to harsh elements, both internally and externally, they experience substantial amounts of wear and tear.
Typically, wear and tear manifests in the form of corrosion, abrasion, and chemical damage. This can happen to the inner lining of pipes transporting liquids and gases, as well as on the outside when pipes are exposed to moisture, bacteria, and chemicals.
That's where pipe coatings come into play. When applied correctly and you choose the right coating for the job, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your industrial piping system. Pipe coating can also prevent damage, which results in fewer repairs and less maintenance. The right coating can also increase the flow efficiency of gases, liquids, and chemicals within your pipes.
Types of Pipe Coatings
Although there are many different kinds and brands of pipe coatings, there are three basic types to choose from.
External Coatings
External pipe coatings get applied to the outside of piping systems, similar to a layer of finish on wood. External pipe coatings are perfect for situations where your pipes are going to be exposed to elements, such as moisture, UV radiation, and freezing temperatures. Common external pipe coatings include:
- Epoxy
- Polyurethane
- Asphalt
Internal Coatings
As the name implies, internal pipe coatings get applied to the inside of industrial pipes. Internal coatings are essential for pipes that transfer chemicals and harsh liquids, or even water that's riddled with minerals and contaminants that can cause internal corrosion and breakdown.
The main role of internal pipe coatings is to increase flow efficiency and prevent scaling and breakdown. Common internal coatings include:
- Epoxy
- Cement lining
- Polyethylene
Specialized Coatings
Last but not least, there are also specialized pipe coatings. Specialized coatings are designed specifically to handle high-temperature situations where the inside or outside of the pipe will be exposed to extreme heat. Other specialized coatings are designed to handle especially harsh chemicals and acids. Common specialized coatings include:
- Fusion bonded epoxy
- Coal tar enamel
- Specialized polyurethane
Benefits of Using Pipe Coatings
We've touched briefly on the numerous benefits of using pipe coatings for your industrial piping system. Let's go into a bit more detail about each of these benefits.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion is the number one killer of industrial pipes. Corrosion can happen inside or outside of pipes and cause serious issues that require repairs or replacement. It can cause anything from leaks and contamination to reduced flow and water damage and must be tended to promptly.
Enhanced Flow Efficiency
When there's corrosion inside of a pipe transferring gas, water, or another type of liquid, it slows the flow of your medium. Pipe coating can prevent corrosion from happening, thereby resulting in enhanced flow efficiency.
Cost Savings
Because pipe coatings increase flow efficiency, reduce breakdowns, and extend your pipes' lifespan, it results in massive cost savings, both in the short term and in the long.
Environmental Protection
Leaks from pipes transferring chemicals and contaminants are a leading cause of ecological damage. Contaminants can leak into the local water supply or nearby bodies of water, both of which are ecological catastrophes. Pipe coating can prevent these leaks from occurring, which is essential.
Industries That Rely on Pipe Coatings
There are many different industries that rely heavily on pipe coatings. These industries rely on coatings, not just to extend the lifespan of pipe systems and minimize repairs, but also to protect the environment. These industries include:
- Oil and gas
- Chemical processing
- Water and wastewater treatment
- Food and beverage production
- Power generation
- Marine and offshore
How to Choose the Right Pipe Coating
While all pipe coatings offer the same benefits of extended lifespan, enhanced flow efficiency, less maintenance, and more, it's important to choose the right coating for your needs. Otherwise, it won't be as effective and will not substantially increase your industrial piping systems' lifespan. Here's how to choose the right coating for your pipes:
Operating Conditions
Not all pipe coatings are created equal, and some are better suited for extreme operating conditions than others. It's important to consider the internal and external temperatures of the pipe, as well as your desired flow pressure and the presence of harsh chemicals when choosing your coating.
Pipe Material
Certain pipe coatings are better suited for certain pipe materials than others. Whether your pipes are PVC, cast iron, concrete, or another material will impact which coating you need.
Environmental Factors
It's also important to consider whether your pipes will be exposed to UV radiation, moisture, and other environmental factors when choosing your coating.
The Role of CIS in Pipe Coating Solutions
Because of the many different types of pipe coatings and factors to consider when choosing your coating, it's important to work with industry experts to ensure you choose the right coating. That's where CIS comes into the picture.
CIS is also a leading expert when it comes to internal, external, and specialized pipe coatings. We have plenty of industrial piping systems to choose from, including coated pipes, as well as the maintenance solutions you need to keep them functional. Protecting your systems and helping them last as long as possible is essential, and CIS has the solutions and expert advice necessary to make it happen.