What is Epoxy Pipe Lining & When to Use It

When it comes to pipeline maintenance, your top priority is ensuring your pipeline system operates efficiently. There are several factors that can impact the efficiency of that pipeline, from tuberculation to pipeline corrosion.

It may seem like the only solution to address issues like these is to replace your pipeline. However, replacing your pipeline can be costly and time-consuming. Thankfully, there are preventative measures you can take instead by utilizing epoxy pipe lining. With epoxy lining, you can avoid costly emergency repairs that can take weeks to complete.

Keep reading to learn about internal pipe coating, when it use it and the pros and cons of epoxy pipe lining.

What is Epoxy Pipe Coating: What to Know

When Do I Need Epoxy Pipe Coating?

The signs of when your pipe needs pipe coating vary depending on how the pipe is used. In other words, does the pipe transport gas, water, wastewater or other substances? Another factor that influences what issues are present in a pipeline is the pipeline material.

Let’s say you discovered that your fire suppression system has a restricted flow when performing an annual test. This low flow can indicate an issue present in the fireline. Because most firelines consist of metallic pipelines, such as cast-iron, the cause of this low flow can be tuberculation. Other issues that you may experience in your pipelines can include corrosion, leaks and other structural integrity issues.

When you use epoxy lining in your pipeline will depend on the issue you’re addressing. For tuberculated cast iron pipes, epoxy lining repair becomes necessary after the tuberculation is cleaned out. The reason behind this is that lining your pipeline prevents it from showing future signs of tuberculation for up to 50 years. Epoxy pipe lining can address other problems such as corrosion by targeting the leaks and breaks corrosion can cause.

What Pipes Can Be Lined?

To ensure that a pipeline receives the proper solution, the pipeline must be evaluated. At American Pipeline Solutions, we perform a visual inspection of a pipeline to determine the pipeline issue. This inspection is necessary to determine the appropriate cleaning solution for the pipeline, which must be done before lining the pipeline.

There are numerous types of pipelines that can receive internal pipe coating. The types of pipelines and pipeline systems that American Pipeline Solution can coat include:

Pipeline materials:

• Cast iron

• Ductile iron

• Copper

• Steel

• HDPE

• PVC*

*For certain pipeline materials like PVC, the pipeline must first be sanded before it can be lined. This is done to ensure that the epoxy coating sticks to the pipeline’s internal walls.

Pipeline systems:

• Water lines

• Fire lines

• Wastewater and sewerlines

• Clarifier drains

• Feed pipes

• Drain lines

This is by no means an exhaustive list of the types of pipes that can receive internal epoxy pipe coating. If you have a pipeline that you’d like to coat, contact American Pipeline Solutions to determine if your pipe can be coated.

Epoxy Pipe Lining vs. Repiping Pros and Cons

When comparing epoxy pipe lining vs. repiping, there are various pros and cons to consider. The first factor to examine is the cost of repiping and pipe coating.

Typically, repiping will cost more than internally coating your pipelines. In addition to the cost of replacing the pipes, there are also the costs associated with taking your pipelines out of operation. Due to the length of time necessary during the repiping process, resulting in a loss of revenue. The amount of time needed to internally coat your pipes is much shorter than repiping.

A disadvantage of epoxy pipe lining vs. repiping is in the prevention of certain pipeline issues. For example, replacing a tuberculated pipe does remove the issue of tuberculation but doesn’t prevent it. The newly installed pipe can still show signs of tuberculation as it ages. This is also true of a pipeline once tuberculation has been cleaned out of it. If the pipeline is not lined, it will need tuberculation In the end, epoxy pipe coating is advantageous because it aids in addressing and preventing additional pipeline cleaning for up to 50 years.

Looking to protect your pipeline systems?

Contact American Pipeline Solutions to learn how epoxy pipe lining can help.