Can 3PE-coated pipes be installed outdoors?
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Recently, I came across a project in which the buried pipes were 3PE-coated pipes; one section that required crossing was designed to use paint-based anti-corrosion treatment, but the owner believed that 3PE-coated pipes could also be used for that crossing section. The designer believes that 3PE has poor weather resistance and tends to age easily. It is difficult to repair after aging. Right?
The design makes sense; using three layers of coating for corrosion protection on pipes that run exposed outdoors is somewhat counterproductive. The main issue is related to weather resistance. If it is a requirement from the client, one can ask the client to issue a work order specifying that three layers of anti-corrosion coating be applied as per the client’s request; having written documentation will make things easier
Moreover, the cost of three-layer coatings is higher than that of paint-based anti-corrosion methods, and it’s difficult to carry out regular inspections
I agree with the opinion above; this pipeline is protected by sacrificial anode cathodic protection. By installing insulating flanges at the crossing sections, the cost of anti-corrosion coating is low and maintenance is straightforward.