Field Joint Coating for Bores

 Special Coating for Pipe Bores?

     There is a significant difference, when evaluating pipe coatings, between the performance required for a buried pipeline that will be backfilled; and a pipeline that will be dragged through a bore hole for (possibly) thousands of feet; encountering who knows what in terms of rocks, roots, clay, etc.  Bores require high performance products, otherwise your coating is likely not going to survive.

     That is illustrated in the photo above.  That is a section of pipe that was dragged through a bore.  What we are looking at here is the "back end" of the field joint coating.  The black that you see (which is kind of scraped away in places) was an epoxy coating that was being evaluated along with the DIRAX coating system.  We can see quite clearly here, that black epoxy was completely scraped away in places.  Meanwhile, the DIRAX sleeve has nothing more than some surface scratches that aren't coming within 100 mils of the bare steel protected underneath.  

     One product failed (the black epoxy product) and the DIRAX passed with flying colors.  

     In terms of products that I offer that are specifically designed to survive a bore and then protect that pipeline for the life of the pipeline; there are 3 products that I lean on:

1.  DIRAX:  more than a coating; DIRAX is a coating system.  Utilizing a two part epoxy primer as both the bonding agent and the actual anti-corrosion coating; DIRAX then adds in a thick, reinforced polyolefin backing and a very tough, very strong hot melt adhesive that bonds both chemically and physically to the epoxy bonding agent.  DIRAX is easy to install and offers unparalleled protection of the field joints on your pipeline.

2.  POWERCRETE J:  the premier and original field joint coating for bores and drills.  Powercrete J offers excellent adhesion to steel; gouge resistance and is great at every other coating parameter that would considered "important" for a bore.  Available in 2#, 4# and custom kit sizes; Powercrete J is an excellent choice.

3.  Powercrete R65/F1:  bringing many of the same excellent features as Powercrete J; Powercrete R65/F1 adds another:  FAST CURE.  Approved for bores; and requiring fewer labor dollars to install, Powercrete R65/F1 is an excellent choice for your bore.  

I'd love to discuss your next project with you.  Steve@jsicoatings.com   936/321-3333

DIRAX: The Ultimate Pipeline Coating for Road Bores and Directional Drilling Applications

 DIRAX: The Ultimate Pipeline Coating for Road Bores and Directional Drilling Applications

Introduction: In the realm of pipeline coatings, one product stands out as a true game-changer: DIRAX. This high-performance fiberglass reinforced sleeve has been specifically designed to provide exceptional corrosion protection for pipes used in directional drilling applications. With its unique three-layer construction and a host of advantageous features, DIRAX emerges as the unrivaled choice for road bores and directional drilling projects.

Advanced Construction and Design: The DIRAX system boasts a three-layer construction, each layer playing a crucial role in ensuring optimal performance and protection. The first layer consists of a solvent-free, two-component liquid epoxy, which forms strong mechanical and chemical bonds to the pipe surface. The second layer comprises a high shear strength copolymer adhesive, further enhancing the bonding capabilities. Finally, the third layer is a thick, fiberglass reinforced, radiation cross-linked polyethylene, providing the sleeve with exceptional durability.

Unmatched Features and Benefits:

1. High Resistance to Shear and Peel Forces: DIRAX exhibits outstanding toughness, making it highly resistant to shear and peel forces induced by soil and thermal movements. This feature ensures the integrity of the pipeline, even under challenging conditions.

2. Exceptional Abrasion and Wear Resistance: The durability of DIRAX is unparalleled, offering abrasion and wear resistance comparable to mill coatings. This ensures that the coating remains intact and undamaged, even during pull-through operations.

3. Monolithic Coating System: DIRAX provides a monolithic coating system, offering seamless protection for girth welds. By eliminating any weak points or vulnerabilities, the coating ensures long-lasting reliability and performance.

4. Enhanced Security with Wear Cone: To provide additional strength and security, DIRAX includes a wear cone that protects the leading edge of the sleeve against pull-through forces. This added layer of protection increases the overall reliability of the pipeline.

5. Fast and Convenient Application: Installing DIRAX is a swift and efficient process. The sleeve is applied directly over wet epoxy, eliminating the need for curing or waiting times. This results in a faster application that saves valuable time without compromising on the quality of the coating.

6. Superior Barrier Protection: DIRAX offers superior cathodic disbondment and hot water immersion resistance, acting as an optimal barrier against corrosion. With DIRAX, pipeline operators can rest assured that their infrastructure is safeguarded against the damaging effects of moisture and corrosion.

7. Pre-Attached Closure Patch: For added convenience, DIRAX comes with a pre-attached closure patch. This feature streamlines the application process, making it fast and easy for pipeline installers.

8. Low Preheat Requirements: DIRAX's low preheat requirements make the installation process faster and more efficient. By minimizing preheating time, pipeline projects can be completed in a shorter duration, leading to significant time and cost savings.

Conclusion: When it comes to road bores and directional drilling applications, DIRAX emerges as the unparalleled choice for pipeline coating. Its unique construction, including a three-layer system and reinforced fiberglass sleeve, ensures high performance, exceptional corrosion protection, and durability. With its host of beneficial features, including resistance to shear and peel forces, wear resistance, fast application, and superior barrier protection, DIRAX stands out as the very best coating available on the market today. When reliability, efficiency, and long-term protection are paramount, DIRAX is the ultimate solution for pipeline projects.

DIRAX Technical Performance

 

 DIRAX:  Unmatched Pipeline Coating Performance

Based on the provided data, let's analyze DIRAX as a pipeline coating and explain why it is considered the best product on the market.

1. Product Thickness:
   • Backing (as supplied): 1.85 mm (0.073 in.)
   • Backing (fully free recovered): 2.3 mm (0.091 in.)
   • Adhesive (as supplied): 1.2 mm (0.047 in.)
   • Wear cone (incl. coating) (as supplied): 3.05 mm (0.12 in.)

The product thickness values indicate that DIRAX provides substantial coating thickness, which is essential for protecting pipelines against external factors, such as corrosion and mechanical damage.

2. Backing Properties:
   • Bursting Strength (DIN 30672): 2350 N

The bursting strength of 2350 N indicates that the backing material of DIRAX is highly durable and can withstand significant pressure. This property ensures that the coating can resist external forces and maintain its integrity.

3. Adhesive Properties:
   • Softening Point (ASTM E-28): 94°C (201°F)
   • Lap Shear (EN 12068 @ 10mm/0.40"/min., 50°C/122°F): 0.55 N/mm²

The relatively high softening point of 94°C (201°F) suggests that DIRAX can withstand elevated temperatures without losing its adhesive properties. The lap shear test result of 0.55 N/mm² at 50°C (122°F) indicates that the adhesive provides strong bonding between the coating and the pipeline surface, ensuring excellent adhesion even under challenging conditions.

4. Sleeve Properties:
   • Peel to Steel (EN 12068 @ 10mm/0.40"/min.): 18 N/mm
   • Specific Coating Resistance (DIN 30672, 100 days immersion): 6 x 10^8 Ωm²
   • Impact Resistance (EN 12068, Class C): Pass 15 J
   • Penetration Resistance (EN 12068, Class C50, 50°C/122°F): > 0.6 mm
   • Cathodic Disbondment (EN 12068, 30 days, 50°C/122°F): 8 mm radius

The high peel to steel value of 18 N/mm suggests that DIRAX has excellent resistance to delamination and separation from the pipeline surface. The specific coating resistance value of 6 x 10^8 Ωm² indicates that the coating provides effective electrical insulation, preventing corrosion caused by stray currents. The impact resistance test passing Class C (15 J) demonstrates the ability of DIRAX to withstand mechanical impacts, reducing the risk of damage during installation or in-service conditions. The penetration resistance of > 0.6 mm at 50°C (122°F) ensures that the coating is resistant to penetration by sharp objects, protecting the pipeline from punctures. The cathodic disbondment test result of 8 mm radius after 30 days at 50°C (122°F) indicates that DIRAX has excellent resistance to disbondment, meaning it maintains a strong bond with the pipeline surface even under cathodic protection conditions.

In summary, based on the technical analysis of DIRAX as a pipeline coating, it demonstrates several desirable properties, including substantial thickness, high bursting strength, good adhesive strength, excellent peel and penetration resistance, high specific coating resistance, impact resistance, and resistance to cathodic disbondment. These properties collectively make DIRAX a superior product on the market, providing reliable protection and durability to pipelines in various operating conditions.