3PE, 3PP and FBE coated anti-corrosion steel pipes for oil, gas, water and buried pipeline systems. High durability carbon steel pipeline with DIN, API and ASTM standards. China manufacturer & exporter.
Keywords: 3PE coated steel pipe, 3PP coated steel pipe, FBE coated steel pipe, anti-corrosion steel pipe, oil & gas pipeline, water supply pipeline, buried steel pipe, coated carbon steel pipe, pipeline supplier
3PE, 3PP, and FBE Coated Steel Pipes, also called anti-corrosion steel pipes, are advanced external corrosion-protected carbon steel pipes widely used in oil, gas, water, and industrial pipeline projects. Our factory produces seamless and welded (ERW / LSAW) carbon steel pipes with 3-layer polyethylene (3PE), 3-layer polypropylene (3PP), and fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) coatings, according to API 5L, ASTM A53/A106, EN10204, EN10219, and JIS G3454/G3456 standards. All pipes are engineered for excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and long-term service in buried, submerged, and exposed environments. Supplied with MTC EN10204 3.1 and export-grade packaging, our coated steel pipes meet the requirements of global B2B buyers, EPC contractors, and pipeline engineers.
What is 3PE Coated Steel Pipe?
3PE Coated Steel Pipe (Three-Layer Polyethylene Coated Steel Pipe) is a type of anti-corrosion pipeline widely used for transporting oil, gas, water, and other fluids in harsh environments.
It uses a 3-layer protective coating system applied to the surface of a steel pipe to significantly improve corrosion resistance and service life.
Structure of 3PE Coating
The "3PE" system consists of three layers:
| Layer | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Layer | Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) | Provides strong adhesion and anti-corrosion base protection |
| 2nd Layer | Adhesive (Copolymer) | Bonds epoxy layer with outer polyethylene layer |
| 3rd Layer | Polyethylene (PE) | Mechanical protection against impact, moisture, and soil stress |
3PE vs 3PP vs FBE Coating – Key Differences
| Comparison Item | FBE Coating | 3PE Coating | 3PP Coating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Fusion Bonded Epoxy | Three-Layer Polyethylene | Three-Layer Polypropylene |
| Layer Structure | Single layer (epoxy) | FBE + Adhesive + PE | FBE + Adhesive + PP |
| Base Function | Anti-corrosion protection | Anti-corrosion + mechanical protection | High-temperature + anti-corrosion protection |
| Operating Temperature | Low to medium (~-30°C to 80°C) | Medium (~-40°C to 80°C) | High (~-20°C to 110–140°C) |
| Impact Resistance | Medium | High | High |
| Soil Stress Resistance | Medium | High | High |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Very good | Very good |
| Flexibility | Good | Good | Slightly lower (stiffer than PE) |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Very good | Excellent (better than PE) |
| Water Absorption | Very low | Very low | Very low |
| Best Use Environment | Above-ground / buried mild conditions | Underground pipelines, oil & gas, water pipelines | High-temperature pipelines, desert, chemical transport |
| Typical Applications | Valve, fittings, small pipes | Long-distance oil & gas pipelines, buried pipelines | Hot crude oil, chemical pipelines, high-temp transmission lines |
| Cost Level | Low | Medium | Medium–High |
Applications of Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipes
Anti-corrosion steel pipes are widely used in industries where pipelines are exposed to moisture, chemicals, soil, seawater, or high humidity. Protective coatings (such as 3PE, 3PP, FBE, epoxy, or galvanized layers) significantly extend service life and reduce maintenance costs.
1. Oil & Gas Transportation
Crude oil transmission pipelines
Natural gas distribution systems
Refined petroleum product pipelines
Gathering and trunk pipelines in oil fields
👉 Key reason: Long-distance transport requires high corrosion resistance and safety reliability.
2. Water Supply & Water Treatment Systems
Municipal drinking water pipelines
Industrial water transport systems
Desalination plant pipelines
Wastewater and sewage systems
👉 Key reason: Prevents rust contamination and pipe degradation in wet environments.
3. Offshore & Marine Engineering
Offshore oil platforms
Subsea pipelines
Marine seawater intake & discharge systems
Shipbuilding piping systems
👉 Key reason: Strong resistance to chloride corrosion and seawater exposure.
4. Chemical & Petrochemical Industry
Acid and alkali transport pipelines
Chemical processing plants
Fertilizer and refinery systems
Corrosive fluid transfer lines
👉 Key reason: Protection against highly aggressive chemical media.
5. Underground Infrastructure
Buried urban pipeline networks
Heating pipelines (district heating systems)
Gas distribution grids
Municipal infrastructure projects
👉 Key reason: Prevents soil corrosion, moisture attack, and stray current corrosion.
6. Power & Energy Industry
Cooling water pipelines in power plants
Nuclear and thermal plant piping systems
Renewable energy infrastructure (hydro, hydrogen systems)
👉 Key reason: Ensures long-term stability under continuous operation.
7. Mining & Industrial Applications
Slurry transport pipelines
Tailings disposal systems
Mining wastewater pipelines
Heavy industrial fluid transport
👉 Key reason: Resists abrasion, corrosion, and harsh operating conditions.
8. Agricultural & Irrigation Systems
Long-distance irrigation pipelines
Agricultural water distribution networks
Fertilizer liquid transport systems
👉 Key reason: Ensures durability in outdoor soil and moisture conditions.
Standards and Specifications for Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipes (API / ASTM / DIN)
Anti-corrosion steel pipes are manufactured and tested under international standards to ensure quality, safety, and performance consistency. The most widely used standards come from API, ASTM, and DIN/EN systems.
1. API Standards (American Petroleum Institute)
API standards are mainly used in oil & gas pipelines and high-pressure transmission systems.
| Standard | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| API 5L | Line pipe specification (most important standard) | Oil & gas transmission pipelines |
| API 5L PSL1 / PSL2 | Product Specification Levels (PSL2 = stricter testing) | High-integrity pipeline systems |
| API 5CT | Casing and tubing for wells | Oil drilling and well completion |
| API RP 5L2 | Internal coating of pipelines | Anti-corrosion internal protection |
👉 Key point:
API 5L is the core standard for 3PE / 3PP coated pipeline steel pipes.
2. ASTM Standards (American Society for Testing and Materials)
ASTM standards are widely used in materials, coatings, and mechanical property testing.
| Standard | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A53 | Seamless and welded steel pipe | General-purpose pipelines |
| ASTM A106 | High-temperature service pipe | Power plants, refineries |
| ASTM A333 | Low-temperature service pipe | Cryogenic and cold regions |
| ASTM A672 | Electric fusion welded steel pipe | High-pressure service |
| ASTM G8 / G42 | Coating cathodic disbondment tests | Anti-corrosion coating performance |
| ASTM D1000 | Tape and coating adhesion testing | PE/epoxy coating evaluation |
👉 Key point:
ASTM focuses on material performance + coating testing methods.
3. DIN / EN Standards (European System)
DIN (Germany) and EN (European Norms) are widely used in Europe, Middle East, and international EPC projects.
| Standard | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| DIN EN 10216 | Seamless steel tubes for pressure purposes | Industrial pipelines |
| DIN EN 10217 | Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes | Gas and fluid transport |
| DIN 30670 | Polyethylene coating for steel pipes (3PE) | Underground pipelines |
| DIN 30678 | Polypropylene coating (3PP) | High-temperature pipelines |
| EN ISO 21809 | External coatings for buried pipelines | International pipeline coating systems |
👉 Key point:
DIN 30670 / 30678 are core coating standards for 3PE and 3PP systems.
4. Coating Standards Summary (3PE / 3PP / FBE)
| Coating Type | Main Standards | Function |
|---|---|---|
| FBE | AWWA C213, ISO 21809-2 | Epoxy anti-corrosion layer |
| 3PE | DIN 30670, ISO 21809-1 | Buried pipeline protection |
| 3PP | DIN 30678, ISO 21809-1 | High-temperature pipeline protection |
5. Quick Selection Guide
API 5L → Pipeline steel base standard (oil & gas industry)
ASTM → Material performance & testing standards
DIN/EN → Coating system standards (especially 3PE / 3PP)
Xi'an Dongmeng Steel Co.,Ltd,
Anti-corrosion steel pipes play an important role in engineering construction due to their unique anti-corrosion properties and wide range of applications. The following is an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of anti-corrosion steel pipes:
Advantages
➢Good corrosion resistance:
Anti-corrosion steel pipes can effectively resist various corrosive media, such as acid, alkali, salt, water, oxygen, etc., prevent steel pipes from corroding in harsh environments, and greatly extend the service life of steel pipes.
For buried pipelines, the anti-corrosion layer can isolate moisture, oxygen and other corrosive substances in the soil, protecting the steel pipe from soil corrosion.
➢Excellent mechanical properties:
Anti-corrosion steel pipes retain the high strength and toughness of the steel pipe itself, and can withstand external forces such as greater pressure, tension and impact.
Whether in long-distance transmission pipelines or in some special engineering structures, anti-corrosion steel pipes can maintain good mechanical properties to ensure the safe operation of pipelines.
➢Easy construction:
Anti-corrosion steel pipes are relatively light in weight and easy to transport and install.
At the construction site, welding, flange connection and other methods can be used for connection. The construction process is relatively simple, which can shorten the construction period of the project.
For some anti-corrosion steel pipes that require on-site processing, such as cutting and opening holes, it is also relatively easy to operate and will not cause too much damage to the anti-corrosion layer.
➢Smooth inner wall:
After special treatment, the inner wall of the anti-corrosion steel pipe has a high surface smoothness and is not easy to scale.
This can not only reduce the flow resistance of the fluid in the pipeline and reduce energy consumption, but also avoid pipeline blockage and local corrosion caused by scaling.
➢Low maintenance cost:
Because the anti-corrosion steel pipe has good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, under normal conditions of use, it does not require frequent maintenance and replacement, which greatly reduces the maintenance cost of the pipeline.
Even if maintenance is required, it is relatively simple, and only local repair or replacement of the anti-corrosion layer is required.
➢Environmental protection and energy saving:
The anti-corrosion steel pipe has good sealing performance, which can reduce the leakage of the medium during transportation and reduce pollution to the environment.
At the same time, the characteristics of smooth inner wall and low resistance also help save energy, which meets the requirements of modern society for environmental protection and energy saving.
International Standard Size Table – Coated Steel Pipe
| Outer Diameter (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Length (m) | Weight (kg/m) | Imperial OD | Schedule | Coating Type | Thickness (µm) | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60.3 | 3.0 – 6.0 | 6 / 12 | 8.5 | 2" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.3 mm |
| 89 | 4.0 – 8.0 | 6 / 12 | 13.2 | 3" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.3 mm |
| 114.3 | 5.0 – 10.0 | 12 | 21.0 | 4 1/2" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.4 mm |
| 168.3 | 6.0 – 12.7 | 12 | 33.5 | 6 5/8" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.4 mm |
| 219.1 | 8.0 – 14.3 | 12 | 50.0 | 8 5/8" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.5 mm |
| 273 | 8.0 – 16.0 | 12 | 65.5 | 10 3/4" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.5 mm |
| 323.9 | 9.0 – 16.0 | 12 | 78.5 | 12 3/4" | 40 / STD | 3PE / 3PP / FBE | 250–500 | ±0.5 mm |
Notes:
Standard lengths: 6 m / 12 m; cut-to-length available
Wall thickness classes: Light, Standard, Heavy, Extra Heavy
Dimensional tolerance per ASTM / API / EN / JIS standards
Chemical Composition (Typical – wt%)
| Grade | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | Fe Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A53 GrB / A106 GrB | ≤0.30 | 0.29–1.06 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.10 | – | – | Balance |
| API 5L B / X42 | ≤0.26 | 0.95 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.30 | – | – | Balance |
| EN10216-1 P235GH | ≤0.22 | ≤1.60 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.035 | ≤0.50 | – | – | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM A53 GrB | 205 | 345 | 25 | 120–160 |
| ASTM A106 GrB | 205 | 340–430 | 30 | 120–170 |
| API 5L B / X42 | 241 | 379 | 30 | 130–170 |
| EN10216-1 P235GH | 235 | 360–510 | 26 | 120–170 |
Coating Features
3PE Coating: Fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) primer + adhesive + polyethylene top layer; 3-layer protection for buried pipelines
3PP Coating: Fusion bonded epoxy primer + polypropylene layers; suitable for higher temperature environments
FBE Coating: Single-layer fusion bonded epoxy; excellent corrosion resistance and adhesion
Coating thickness: 250–500 µm depending on diameter and application
Provides long-term anti-corrosion protection, abrasion resistance, and UV stability
Anti-corrosion pipe
Xi'an Dongmeng Steel Co.,Ltd,
Anti-corrosion pipe
Anti-corrosion steel pipe refers to a steel pipe that has been processed by anti-corrosion technology and can effectively prevent or slow down the chemical or electrochemical reaction that occurs during transportation and use, leading to corrosion. The following is a detailed introduction to anti-corrosion steel pipes:
- 1. Importance
According to my country's statistical data, the direct economic losses of steel pipe corrosion in China amount to more than 280 billion yuan each year, and the global annual losses due to steel pipe corrosion are as high as 500 billion US dollars. Anti-corrosion steel pipes can effectively prevent or slow down corrosion, thereby extending the service life of steel pipes and reducing the operating costs of steel pipes.
- 2. Classification
Anti-corrosion steel pipes can be classified according to different standards:
◆Classification by manufacturing process:
Seamless steel pipe: The manufacturing process includes hot rolling (extrusion), cold rolling (drawing), hot expansion steel pipe, etc.
Welded pipe: The manufacturing process includes straight seam welded steel pipe, spiral welded steel pipe, plate coil butt welded steel pipe, welded pipe hot expansion steel pipe, etc.
◆Classification by shape:
Conventional steel pipes such as round pipes, square pipes, and rectangular pipes.
Octagons, hexagons, D-shaped, pentagonal and other special-shaped steel pipes.
Complex cross-section steel pipes, such as double concave steel pipes, five-petal plum-shaped steel pipes, conical steel pipes, corrugated steel pipes, melon-shaped steel pipes, double convex steel pipes, etc.
◆Classification by use:
Steel pipes for pipelines, steel pipes for thermal equipment, steel pipes for mechanical industry, etc.
Steel pipes for petroleum and geological drilling, container steel pipes, steel pipes for chemical industry, etc.
Special purpose steel pipes, such as steel pipes used for long-distance water supply, sewage treatment, bridges, steel structures, marine water supply piling and other pipeline projects.
- 3. Inner wall anti-corrosion classification
◆Liquid epoxy coating IPN8710 anti-corrosion:
Composition: composed of aliphatic polyurethane prepolymers and epoxy resins, high-quality pigments, additives, and solvents.
Use: Specially used for the anti-corrosion of equipment, water supply and distribution pipelines, and drinking water tank surfaces that come into contact with food and drinking water.
Advantages: The coating is non-toxic, high solid, and low viscosity. It is a new type of anti-corrosion coating with strong adhesion, high strength, impact resistance, hydrolysis resistance, corrosion resistance, water resistance, and excellent weather resistance.
◆Fusion-bonded epoxy powder anti-corrosion:
Also known as thermosetting epoxy resin heavy anti-corrosion powder, it is a solid material that is transported and dispersed with air as a carrier. It is applied to the surface of preheated steel products, melted, leveled, and solidified to form a uniform coating. It is a heavy anti-corrosion coating formed at high temperature.
Advantages: The coating operation is simple, pollution-free, the coating has good impact and bending resistance, and high temperature resistance.
- 4. External wall anti-corrosion classification
◆3PE anti-corrosion steel pipe:
Structure: It is composed of epoxy powder at the bottom layer, adhesive at the middle layer, and polyethylene at the outer layer.
Advantages: It has good corrosion resistance, impact resistance, and anti-cathodic stripping performance.
Application: It is widely used in oil, natural gas and other transportation pipelines.
◆2PE anti-corrosion steel pipe:
Structure: It is composed of two layers of adhesive and polyethylene.
Application: Similar to 3PE anti-corrosion steel pipe, but used in certain specific occasions.
◆Single-layer PE anti-corrosion steel pipe:
Process: The steel pipe heated by medium frequency is rotated by pouring coating process (also known as curtain method). The top layer of the steel pipe is filled with a container of polyethylene powder, which is sprinkled on the outer wall of the steel pipe to form a polyethylene coating.
◆Epoxy coal tar anti-corrosion steel pipe:
Composition: It is composed of epoxy coal tar primer and topcoat, and the anti-corrosion purpose is achieved through multi-layer coating.
Advantages: Low cost and convenient construction.
Application: Suitable for water supply and drainage, sewage treatment and other fields.
- 5. Anti-corrosion principle
◆Barrier effect: The anti-corrosion layer can effectively block the external corrosive medium from contacting the steel pipe to prevent corrosion. For example, the polyethylene anti-corrosion layer can prevent moisture, oxygen and corrosive substances in the soil from entering the surface of the steel pipe; the epoxy coal tar anti-corrosion layer forms a dense paint film to isolate water, oxygen and other corrosive substances and protect the steel pipe from corrosion.
◆Corrosion inhibition: Some anti-corrosion materials contain corrosion inhibitors, which can slow down the corrosion rate of steel pipes. Corrosion inhibitors can form a protective film on the surface of steel pipes to inhibit the corrosion reaction.
◆Electrochemical protection: For some anti-corrosion steel pipes using cathodic protection technology, a cathode current is applied to the surface of the steel pipe to make the steel pipe a cathode, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of corrosion.
- 6. Application fields
Anti-corrosion steel pipes play an important role in various fields due to their high strength and good anti-corrosion performance, including but not limited to:
◆Chemical industry: Pipelines that transport various corrosive media need to use anti-corrosion steel pipes to ensure the safe operation of the pipelines.
◆Urban construction: As one of the main materials for urban water supply and drainage pipelines, sewage treatment systems, bridge support structures, etc.
◆Marine engineering: Seawater is highly corrosive to ordinary metals, and anti-corrosion steel pipes can effectively resist the corrosion of seawater and extend the service life of pipelines.
◆Environmental protection industry: Many wastewater treatment equipment, waste gas treatment equipment, etc. require the use of anti-corrosion steel pipes.
◆Metallurgical industry: Many high-temperature and high-pressure fluids need to be transported through pipelines, and ordinary steel pipes are prone to deformation and corrosion under high temperature and high pressure. Therefore, high-temperature, pressure-resistant, and corrosion-resistant anti-corrosion steel pipes are required.
◆Power industry: Use anti-corrosion steel pipes to manufacture transmission line support structures such as towers to improve their life and stability.
◆Transportation field: Used for drainage systems in tunnels, bridge support structures, etc.
Our Certificate
CE
CE
CE
CE
Inspection & Quality Assurance
Raw material QC: chemical composition, mechanical testing, surface inspection
In-process monitoring: diameter, wall thickness, straightness, coating adhesion
Final inspection: hydrostatic test, coating thickness & adhesion, dimensional check
Third-party inspection: SGS / BV / TUV available
Export packaging: seaworthy wooden crates, anti-rust coating, proper marking
We are committed to providing our customers with an exceptional buying experience. Our knowledgeable and friendly sales team is always available to assist you in selecting the right steel pipe for your needs. We offer prompt shipping and secure payment options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free purchase.
Our address
Room 4107, Runfeng Building, Sanqiao New Street, Weiyang District, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province
Phone Number
+86 15769214734
FAQ – Coated Anti-Corrosion Steel Pipe
Q1: What is the difference between 3PE, 3PP, and FBE coating?
A1: 3PE = FBE primer + adhesive + polyethylene top layer; 3PP = FBE primer + polypropylene top layers; FBE = single-layer fusion bonded epoxy coating.
Q2: Can coated pipes be supplied in ERW, LSAW, and seamless types?
A2: Yes, all three types are available depending on diameter and pressure requirements.
Q3: What standards do these pipes comply with?
A3: ASTM A53/A106, API 5L, EN10216, EN10210, JIS G3454/G3456.
Q4: Can pipes be cut to custom lengths?
A4: Yes, lengths from 6 m up to 12 m or as requested.
Q5: Do you provide mill test certificates (MTC)?
A5: Yes, EN10204 3.1 certificates are available.
Q6: What is the typical wall thickness tolerance?
A6: ±0.3–0.5 mm depending on diameter and coating.
Q7: Are the coated pipes suitable for welding?
A7: Yes, welding can be performed after proper coating removal or using FBE/PP compatible welding procedures.
Q8: Can you provide third-party inspection?
A8: Yes, SGS, BV, and TUV inspection services are available.
Q9: Are pipes suitable for buried and offshore pipelines?
A9: Yes, 3PE and 3PP coatings are designed for long-term buried and submerged service.
Q10: Do you provide customized coating thickness and color?
A10: Yes, coating thickness and color can be customized according to project requirements.
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