Fusion Bonded epoxy (FBE) is used extensively worldwide under conditions of severe corrosive attack, providing excellent adhesion to the steel substrate through a combination of mechanical and chemical bonding. FBE materials are the preferred coatings for protecting underground pipelines. Tailored gel time and curing characteristics provides for economic application of FBE coatings to all sizes of pipe by Hall Longmore.
Surface preparation of pipes includes removal of all surface moisture, by passing pipes through a heating ring and flame, impinging all surface contaminants.
The surface profile is achieved by shot blasting via a wheelabrater where a steel shot/grit is used to produce the required surface (up to SA 3 standard).
Prepared pipe passes through a process of wire brushing and vacuuming before the application of chromate pre-treatment. This is followed by induction heating which reaches a temperature of between 235 - 250oC prior to processing through the electrostatic spray booth.
Full curing takes place within seconds with inspection commencing once surface temperature has reduced to a hand touch level.