COVER STORY
Committed to providing value-engineered solutions, Hall Longmore’s decision to introduce dual-layer (DL) fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) corrosion protection coating systems will set a new benchmark for the South African market. The primary objective, says managing director Kenny van Rooyen, is to ensure legacy benefits for local infrastructure.
Hall Longmore ventures into dual-layer FBE coatings
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o ensure that carbon steel pipes meet their expected lifespan, some form of coating system is always required – often in conjunction with cathodic protection – to combat corrosion. Allied to this are primary considerations like impact, as well as load and soil stresses, which all influence the internal and/or external lining system chosen for each specific application. Examples include the oil and gas sector, and the water and wastewater segment. Alongside pipelaying, these coatings also need to be able to withstand and maintain
their integrity for rigorous tasks like horizontal directional drilling, pipe jacking and allied trenchless technology techniques. Here, these coatings perform optimally in terms of high mechanical impact resistance, providing exceptional protection properties that exceed what was previously available in these hot, moist environments. “Hall Longmore, as a leading steel pipe manufacturer since 1924, has always fielded a range of coating systems. However, we’re confident that one of our most enduring solutions to date comes in the form of AkzoNobel’s
Kenny van Rooyen, managing director, Hall Longmore, discusses the benefits of ARO and MRO coatings during a factory open day in March 2021
proprietary DL FBE powder coatings series. FBE is a premier corrosion resistance coating adopted globally,” says Van Rooyen.
Adding back “As a South African company, our investments and innovations play a crucial role in revitalising our country’s industrial base, especially via local content production. This has a direct benefit for all the industries that we supply, and we clearly understand that their growth is integral to ours. In addition to this, we understand the need to launch products that can extend the life of our pipeline assets. Up front, that hinges on choosing the best technologies,” Van Rooyen continues. Hall Longmore’s target market for FBE coated pipes is for 100 mm to 600 mm nominal bore applications in the water reticulation sector.
Dual-layer benefits There’s a two-pronged solution, which is application dependent, namely an abrasionresistant overcoat (ARO) and a moisture-resistant overcoat (MRO). Both are intended to provide the final protection layer within the DL powder-coating Second layer being applied
