3 Layer Polyethylene Coating (3LPE)

3 layer polyethylene coating (3LPE) is a multilayer coating composed of three functional components: a FBE primer, a grafted copolymer adhesive and an outer layer of polyethylene to provide excellent corrosion protection and mechanical protection for oil & gas pipelines at operating temperature up to 80oC.
The 3LPE System achieves superior long term corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical protection for small and large diameter pipelines operating at high temperature thanks to strong adhesion of FBE to steel and the tough outer layer of high density polyethylene. The 3LPE system can be applied in a wide range of thicknesses to meet project specifications and requirements.

The three coating layers in 3-LPE coated pipe are as follows:

Layer 1: This is the corrosion protective layer. This layer is of fusion bonded epoxy which offers very good corrosion protection. The fusion bonded epoxy has a very good bonding with the blasted steel surface.

Layer 2: This layer is the copolymer adhesive. The copolymer adhesive is a maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene compound. This material has good chemical bonding to the fusion bonded epoxy and the top layer polyethylene.

Layer 3: This layer is for physical protection and consists of polyethylene. Since the copolymer adhesive and polyethylene are similar, they bond well with each other

FEATURES OF 3LPE COATED PIPES

Corrosion Resistance :

  • 3LPE Coating prevents steel pipe from corrosion.
  • Excellent chemical resistance properties and resistance to cathodic disbondment.
  • 3LPE Coating has got good resistance to moisture permeability.

Mechanical Protection :

  • Top coat of polyethylene prevents abrasion and damage to fusion bonded epoxy during handling.
  • Polyethylene topcoat permits use of local material without relying on specific backfilling material.

High Bond Strength :

  • The external and internal 3LPE coating and lining is bonded firmly to the mild steel pipe surface and the mean adhesion strength is 125 kg/cm² (ASTM D 4541).

Long Working Life :

  • Pipe has constant performance characteristics through out the life span. Service life of more than 75 years.

Customized Solutions :

  • 3LPE external coating can be applied from diameters 25 mm to 3000 mm with lengths of up to 12m.