Pipeline Protection Systems

Maximising the reliable service life of steel pipelines for the oil and gas industries requires the application of coating systems that deliver long-term protection against a range of elements.

These include:

• impacts and abrasions,
• chemicals and UV,
• corrosion,
• high and low temperatures,
• environmental stress cracking.

Borcoat™ polyolefin-based three-component and multi-component coating systems from Borealis and Borouge not only satisfy those needs but also raise the level of protective performance.  When compared with conventional, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and medium density polyethylene (MDPE) –based systems, Borcoat brings greater efficiency to coating production, application and maintenance.

Higher performance achieved

Borcoat high density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe coating materials are produced using Borealis’proprietary, advanced bimodal technology that enhances the materials’ mechanical and heat deformation properties.  Its performance is further enhanced when used in conjunction with a Borcoat grafted PE adhesive as the tie layer between the HDPE top coat and the epoxy primer in three-component systems.

For the pipe producer or applicator, Borcoat offers:

• improved melt strength and extrudability,
• processability and coating output,
• low shrinkage and productivity.

For the pipelayer and pipeline operator, Borcoat delivers solutions with improved impact and environmental resistance at low and elevated temperatures (-45° to 90°C), greater indentation and abrasion resistance, higher resistance to stress cracking and stress crack propagation, and better ageing performance and longer working life.

Where a three-component system must withstand higher in-service temperatures of up to 110°C, Borealis offers a Borcoat polypropylene (PP) white top coat that additionally provides for excellent thermal ageing resistance and UV protection, together with a high-temperature compatible Borcoat grafted adhesive.

Multilayer thermal insulation systems

For challenging offshore pipeline projects, Borealis has developed a family of Borcoat PP thermal insulation coating materials and dedicated Borcoat grafted adhesives for multi-component systems.  Borcoat PP compounds provide good insulation against severe temperatures (-20° to 140°C) and Borcoat foamable insulation grades exhibit the high compressive strength necessary to resist the pressures of deep-water installations.