How to choose the right SSAW anti-corrosion coating for your project

Number of visits：53 seconds Update time：2026-01-01

When procuring spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) steel pipes, the anti-corrosion coating directly affects the pipeline's service life, construction safety, and long-term maintenance costs. Common anti-corrosion coatings include fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE), three-layer polyethylene (3PE), and asphalt coatings. Understanding the characteristics and applicable scenarios of each coating helps procurement personnel make the right choice.

I. Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coating (FBE)

(1) Features

Single-layer epoxy powder coating, high-temperature fusion adhesion to pipe surface

Strong adhesion, corrosion resistance, and good wear resistance

Suitable for medium and low pressure pipelines

(2) Applicable Scenarios

Underground pipelines, urban water supply pipes

Environments with low corrosivity

(3) Procurement Focus

Uniform FBE thickness and adhesion meeting standards

Whether it meets ASTM, ISO, or GB/T testing standards

Easy to construct, easy to handle pipe bends and joints

II. Three-layer polyethylene coating (3PE)

(1) Features

Structure: Epoxy primer (EP) + adhesive layer + polyethylene protective layer

Corrosion resistance is superior to single-layer FBE, with strong resistance to mechanical damage

Suitable for medium and high pressure, large-diameter pipelines

(2) Applicable scenarios

Long-distance oil and gas pipelines

Highly corrosive soil or marine environments

(3) Procurement considerations

The thickness of the three layers meets design requirements (epoxy primer 250–350μm, polyethylene layer 2–3mm)

Accepted adhesion test results

Complete anti-corrosion test report, and rich construction experience

III. Bitumen/Asphalt Coating

(1) Characteristics

Temperature: Coated with hot asphalt or modified asphalt to form a waterproof and anti-corrosion film.

Good water resistance, but weak resistance to mechanical damage and high temperature.

Highly economical, suitable for low-cost projects.

(2) Applicable Scenarios

Low-pressure water supply and drainage, general oil pipelines.

Environments where resistance to mechanical impact is not high.

(3) Procurement Focus

Uniform asphalt coating, free of bubbles and cracks.

Thickness conforms to design specifications.

Property protection measures are in place during transportation and construction.

IV. Procurement and Selection Recommendations

Selection Considerations:

Based on project pressure rating: FBE is suitable for medium and low pressure applications; 3PE is preferred for high pressure or long-distance pipelines.

Based on environmental corrosivity: 3PE is recommended for highly corrosive soil or marine environments.

Based on cost budget: Asphalt coating can be considered for economical projects.

Check supplier qualifications: Ensure the supplier has complete certifications and provides corrosion protection testing reports.