Fusion-bonded epoxy coating, also known as powder coating or FBE coating, is a one-part, epoxy resin-based powder coating widely used to protect steel pipes used in pipeline construction.
One of the most popular and frequently used epoxies is Scotchkote 134 which is rated for long-term performance across many industrial segments. This protective deposit allows businesses involved in the extraction, processing, and transportation of hydrocarbons to bring these products safely and effectively to the market so that they can power our lives and the lives of people around the world.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why IPC Is The Best Protective Coatings Provider in Canada
What is Scotchkote 134?
Scotchkote 134 is a thermosetting epoxy coating applied to pipes and equipment through an electrostatic powder coating process.
Scotchkote 134 may mean little to the average person, but it means a lot more to those who work with protective coatings for the oil and gas industry.
This coating has been used extensively in the oil and gas industry to coat the outer and inner line pipes. Over 40,000 miles (65,000 km) of Scotchkote-coated pipe have been installed worldwide.
The epoxy is applied to preheated steel as a dry powder. Powder properties allow easy manual or automatic application by electrostatic or air-spray equipment. After spraying, the coating is hardened or “cured” using the oven to fusion bond the protective layer to the metal substrate.
At high temperatures, the powder melts and cures to a uniform coating thickness. This bonding process provides excellent adhesion and coverage in applications such as valves, pumps, sewer pipes, spools, hydrants and porous castings.
Such protection is of paramount importance in the oil and gas industry where the pipe interior is regularly exposed to corrosive hydrocarbons or harsh brine conditions.
In fact, this coating offers excellent resistance to CO₂, H₂S, CH₄ and other petroleum distillates at elevated temperatures and pressures. The properties of the coating have been confirmed by rigorous 3M autoclave testing. The results were then verified by an independent laboratory and customer research.
It is commonly used in municipal water projects, protecting potable water infrastructure, seawater intakes, and ancillary equipment protection.
In addition to meeting AWWA C213 requirements, the coating is also approved for contact with drinking water in accordance with NSF/ANSI 61, the National Sanitation Foundation guidelines that regulate the drinking water supply and approve protective coatings for use in the transportation of drinking water.
Scotchkote 134 Benefits
Scotchkote 134 is a fantastic coating product that offers superior resistance to corrosive soils, hydrocarbons, harsh chemicals, seawater and more. It has a proven long-term performance history in water, sewage, and other service environments.
Other benefits include:
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Excellent chemical resistance – Suitable for elevated temperature service (up to 90 deg. C) in presence of H2S, CO2, CH4, crude oil and brine
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No primer is required for most applications
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Resists cavitation and cathodic disbondment
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High adhesion and toughness
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Can be machined by grinding or cutting to meet close tolerance requirements
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Particularly suitable for electrostatic or air-spray application
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Especially useful for coating pipe interiors
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Will not sag, cold flow or become soft in storage
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Particularly suitable for electrostatic or air-spray application on preheated metal articles
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Can be electrostatically applied to unheated metal parts and subsequently cured by baking
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Long gel time allows application on large or complex articles, minimizing the fear of runs, sags, laminations, or unsightly overspray
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Especially useful for coating the inside of the pipe or other fabrications where a smooth, corrosion-resistant coating is required
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Allows easy visual inspection of coated articles
Are Fusion-Bonded Epoxy Coatings Right For Your Next Project?
Think Scotchkote 134 might be right for your next project? Contact our sales team today online or call +1 800-856-4959 for more information. You can also speak to our engineering team directly to learn more about the fusion-bonded epoxy coating products we offer and which one might be suitable for your industry.
As the premier coating applicator for some of the largest coating manufacturers in the world (including 3M), our team has experience coating a variety of products in some of the harshest environments in the world. You are in the right hands with our skilled and longstanding team of coating professionals.
