Why are Powercrete J, Powercrete R65/F1 and Powercrete R95 such GREAT Coatings? 

For more info: steve@jsicoatings.com

Two-part epoxies are commonly used as pipeline coatings to prevent corrosion due to several advantageous properties they possess. Here are some reasons why two-part epoxies are considered good pipeline coatings:

1. Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Two-part epoxies exhibit exceptional resistance to corrosion, making them highly effective in protecting pipelines from degradation caused by exposure to moisture, chemicals, and other corrosive substances. The cured epoxy forms a dense and impermeable barrier that shields the pipeline from corrosive agents.

2. Adhesion and Bonding Strength: Two-part epoxies have excellent adhesion properties, allowing them to bond strongly to the surface of the pipeline. This ensures that the epoxy coating remains firmly attached, even in harsh environmental conditions or when subjected to mechanical stress.

3. Chemical Resistance: Two-part epoxies exhibit resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, solvents, and hydrocarbons. This resistance is crucial for pipeline coatings, as pipelines often transport various fluids that may contain corrosive elements.

4. Durability and Longevity: Two-part epoxy coatings are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand prolonged exposure to UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental factors without significant degradation. This long-lasting protection helps extend the lifespan of pipelines and reduces maintenance costs.

5. Flexibility and Compatibility: Two-part epoxy coatings are available in different formulations that can be tailored to specific pipeline requirements. They can be applied to a variety of substrates, including steel, concrete, and plastics, making them versatile for different pipeline applications.

6. Easy Application: Two-part epoxy coatings can be applied using various techniques such as spraying, brushing, or dipping. They have good flow and leveling properties, allowing for smooth and uniform coverage over the pipeline surface. The ease of application contributes to efficient coating processes.

7. Environmental Friendliness: Many modern two-part epoxy coatings are designed to be environmentally friendly, with low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous substances. This aspect is crucial for ensuring compliance with environmental regulations while providing effective corrosion protection.

Overall, the combination of excellent corrosion resistance, adhesion, chemical resistance, durability, and ease of application makes two-part epoxies well-suited for pipeline coatings. They offer reliable protection against corrosion, helping to maintain the integrity and safety of pipelines over their operational lifetime.

Road Bore Coating Post-Pull Analysis: DIRAX

DIRAX Post Pull Analysis

     We had a unique opportunity here recently.  On a large project utilizing some different two part liquid epoxies as their field joint coating, it was quickly determined that the epoxies were being damaged  beyond acceptable levels during the pull through.

     Now, I want to be clear - this was an extremely difficult pull.  There were large, razor sharp rocks sticking in the bore that were causing significant damage to anything that was being pulled through.  In my sixteen years of experience, I've never seen damage like this done on a lubricated directional drill pull through.  Never.  So I'm not saying there is or was a problem with the epoxies - I'm simply saying that they did not survive the incredibly challenging forces they were facing underground.

     The end user (after fully evaluating the system) decided that they would put a DIRAX shrink sleeve on the outside of the two part epoxy in order to add significant, added physical protection to that field joint coating.  Installations were done as normal when applying the two part epoxy - and then the DIRAX was installed directly on top of it (after the two part had cured).

     This introduced a 150+ mil layer of fiber reinforced polyolefin / polyamide material in the hopes that the DIRAX could act as a sacrificial coating preventing any damage from getting to the two part epoxy.  Fortunately, the DIRAX that was on the leading end of the pull through was pulled all the way through the bore so that it could be inspected.  The DIRAX was then cleaned off with a rag and a bottle of water.  Here was the result:

DIRAX after being pulled through a large directional drilling bore hole.

     Clearly there was a small amount of mud and dirt still left on the DIRAX sleeve, but all in all its performance was outstanding.  No tears in the sleeve; no holes in the sleeve, no wrinkles in the sleeve.  The DIRAX came through several hundred feet of being dragged through a hole and looks exactly as it looked just moments after installation.  DIRAX is an absolutely incredible product. 

Protol Epoxy for Pipelines

Protol 7200 Pipeline Epoxy

Protol Epoxy being hand applied to a 36" pipeline.

          For the last decade or more, two part epoxies like Protol 7200 have seen an increased market share as more and more end users (oil and gas companies) have selected two part epoxies as their coating of choice on pipeline field joints.  Protol offers excellent adhesion to properly prepared bare steel and the adjacent factory applied line coating (fusion bond epoxy).  It offers excellent Shore D hardness ratings, good flexibility and is highly resistant to soil stresses.  The truth is, there are many different technologies out on the market, and each has its own niche.  Each of these technologies is strong in some areas and sometimes weaker in another.  It really is like a universal game of rock-paper-scissors where we pit different pipe coatings against different pipeline and soil conditions!

   

     Epoxies like Protol do depend on an installer to properly prepare the surface, properly apply the epoxy (with no voids or air bubbles) and apply the epoxy in the proper coating thickness as required by the pipeline owner company's specification (please make sure your crews have a wet film gauge!!).  As more and more epoxies have been used in recent years, of course it is a natural trend that there are more and more pipeline crews out there who have experience properly applying it.  Protol is no longer considered to be a pioneer in the pipeline coatings world; Protol is now simply a proven product that has been used often and pipeline companies are collecting data on its performance for more than ten years now.  

     One big factor when coating your pipeline with an epoxy is going to be the cure time of the epoxy.  Protol has a very fast cure time which is good for a whole bunch of reasons that I won't list here (other than to say that coating a field joint and then having to wait 36 hours before burial can present some unique problems).  That fast cure time (and high build status) does mean that no matter how effective and efficient your pipeline field joint coating crew is, you will almost always end up with some epoxy cured in the bucket...wasted.  To attempt to keep that to a minimum, Protol is available in several different kit sizes:  1 Liter, 1.5 Liter, 2 Liter and even 75 Liter and 800 Liter (which would only be used in spray equipment). 

Protal 7200 - Successful Project

Protal 7200 In Stock

Protal 7200 Hand Applied on a 42" Line

      The year was 2010 and one of the largest pipeline jobs in the country was just wrapping up:  500 miles of 36" and 42" pipe.  Kinder Morgan's Mid-Continent Express used Protal 7200 on all of the field joints; hand applied (as opposed to brush applied).  500 miles of 36" and 42" pipe uses a LOT of liters of Protal 7200!

     A situation like this; a large project requiring many, many pallets of material is where Joint Specialists can really add some value to your project.  Why would you want to purchase and store dozens of pallets worth of Protal 7200 somewhere? In addition, why pay the prices that you have to pay to purchase all of those liters one pallet at a time?  You shouldn't have to do either of those things - and now with Joint Specialists as your partner - you don't.

     We have plenty of warehouse space.  We understand the value of on hand inventory.  We excel at customer service.  Simply place your blanket order with us and we'll store all of the Protal 7200 you are going to need right here on hand.  We'll ship it out as you need it (even if it is a pallet at a time or less) and we will invoice you as we ship; for what we ship. 

     In addition, stop getting nickel and dimed!  We will offer the same, great project prices to you even if you really only need a few liters.  We think the most fair thing to do is to consider your purchases over the course of a year; rather than taking of advantage of you on those small jobs...and being fair is important to us. 

     So give us a shot on your next project that requires Protal 7200.  We'll treat you well and we'll treat you right.  No games.  No bickering back and forth.  We try to make things easy on you...we know you've got bigger things to deal with than buying field joint coatings!