High performance composite coating (HPCC) is a type of coating system that offers an excellent method of maintaining and preserving the integrity of pipelines.
Its physical, mechanical and chemical properties can identify the water permeability, microstructure, cathodic disbondment, adhesion, electrochemical impedance and resistance to impact of the coating layer. HPCC adhesion to substrates is top ranking according to standards, while HPCC impact energy is at 22°C or 9.7 Joules and on 10.2 Joules at about 0°C.
HPCC is very popular for providing protection to pipelines due to outstanding anti-corrosion properties, cathodic disbondment resistance and impressive metal adhesion. When used alone, this type of coating can be at risk to suffering damage throughout the installation of pipes, since it also shows fairly high permeation to moisture. Typically, HPCC contains additional layers such as polyolefin, which possesses useful qualities that cannot be found in fusion epoxy coatings. High performance protective coating prepared with polyolefin possesses the following characteristics:
· Advanced impact resistance
· Enhanced moisture permeability
· Higher protection from a wide range of chemicals
Despite the many advantages, protective coatings with polyolefin present one disadvantage: polyolefin adheres poorly to metallic substrates. Using copolymers as adhesives will not provide the same level of cathodic disbondment and resistance compared to a metal-epoxy bond. In terms of application, high performance protective coating is easy to apply. In order to apply HPCC:
1. Pre-heat the pipe to 175° to 275°C.
2. Always position the pipe in the same direction of the length from and to the powder booth whilst turning it on its axis.
3. Apply powder coverings sequentially to the external surface as it passes through the powder booth.