FBE Mechanical Protection

[Amir35]

Dear Engineers
We need to choose between FBE(Fusion Epoxy Bonded) and 3LPE for underground Stainless Steel pipe external coating,Before this we 've used 3LPE(3Layer Poly Ethylene) for these kind of pipes and temperature condition,but now contractor's presented FBE which is unknown for me in mechanical protection ,So If anyone has related experience in this area( working with FBE and knowing its mechanical protection) Please kindly share with me,thanks

 

[LittleInch]

You might find more in the corrosion engineering section, but a 3LPE system normally has FBE as the primary layer of the three layer system. In a 3LPE system this might be only 300-400 micron, whereas a stand alone FBE might by 600-700.

It's pretty tough stuff, but the outer PE is much better at abrasion and resistance to things like sharp stones.

So depends on what type of ground you have, how much you trust the contractor / number of inspectors you have to make sure that the backfill around the pipe is free from sharp stuff.

FBE on its own is quite common but given it is less than 1mm thick, there's only so much it can withstand.

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