FBE Coated Carbon Steel Pipe

Published:2025-07-03 | Last Updated: 2025-07-03    Views: 1

I. What are FBE-coated carbon steel pipes?

FBE-coated carbon steel pipes refer to pipes with a fusion-bonded epoxy powder coating applied to the outer surface of the carbon steel pipe.

II. FBE-coated carbon steel pipe structure

(1) Base layer: carbon steel LSAW steel pipes

Carbon steel pipes compliant with API 5L, ASTM A106, ASTM A53, or other standards are used as the base material.

Prior to coating, the steel pipe surface must undergo sandblasting treatment (typically achieving Sa 2.5 grade) to achieve surface roughness and remove oxide scale and impurities.

(2) Bonding Interface: Fusion Layer

FBE coating does not rely on additional adhesives but instead forms strong adhesion through physical-chemical reactions between the powder and the rough steel pipe surface after melting at high temperatures.

The steel pipe is heated (generally to 200–250°C), and epoxy powder is sprayed onto it. The powder rapidly melts, flows, and cures on the steel pipe surface, forming a continuous, dense protective film.  

(3) Coating Layer: Epoxy Powder Corrosion-Resistant Layer  

The thickness is generally 350–500 μm (adjustable according to design requirements).  

It forms a dense cross-linked network structure, providing excellent corrosion resistance and chemical resistance.

III. Six major performance advantages of FBE-coated carbon steel pipes

IV. Application Areas

FBE-coated carbon steel pipes are widely used in:

Oil and natural gas transmission pipelines

Buried water supply pipelines

Oil and gas station piping systems

Subsea pipelines (requires a double-layer or triple-layer structure)

V. FBE-coated carbon steel pipes: standards of various countries

VI. FBE, 3LPE, and 3LPP Coating Performance Comparison Table

VII. FAQ

(1) What is the thickness of the FBE coating?

Generally 350–500 μm (micrometers), and can be made thicker according to design requirements and standards (e.g., high-temperature FBE can reach 600–1000 μm).

(2) What is the maximum operating temperature of the FBE coating?

Standard FBE coatings can withstand temperatures up to +85°C;

special high-temperature formulations can reach +110°C to +150°C.  

(3) How is the adhesion of the FBE coating tested?  

Common testing methods include ASTM D4541 (pull-off method) or CSA Z245.20 standards, requiring adhesion ≥ 12 MPa, with some standards requiring higher values.

(4) Can FBE coatings be used for drinking water pipelines?  

Yes. Food-grade epoxy powder compliant with the AWWA C213 standard and certified under NSF 61 must be used.

(5) What is the service life of FBE coatings?  

Typically over 30 years, depending on construction quality, environmental conditions, and coordination with the cathodic protection system.