Russian pipe producer TMK has developed a technology for applying weather-resistant coatings to large-diameter pipes, with the first industrial batch comprising around 500 tons of 820 mm diameter pipes produced at its Vysota 239 workshop.
The new coating is designed to protect pipes from temperature fluctuations, UV radiation, prolonged moisture exposure and certain aggressive environments. The process involves applying an anti-corrosion powder layer to pipes heated above 200 Celsius, followed by a second protective layer and controlled water cooling.
To implement the technology, TMK upgraded the existing coating line at the Vysota 239 workshop with equipment for applying the second layer and modified the arrangement of spray guns.
The workshop can apply internal smooth coatings and external polyethylene and epoxy anti-corrosion coatings to large-diameter pipes, as well as small-diameter seamless pipes.
TMK is a major global producer of seamless and welded steel pipes and tubular solutions, serving the oil and gas, industrial, mechanical engineering and construction sectors. The group operates production facilities and research centers across Russia and other international markets, supplying products to customers in more than 80 countries.