In the pipeline industry, there have been concerns about certain coatings providing “non- shielding” characteristics when applied to pipelines. In an effort to clarify these concerns and shed more light on the subject, we offer information about NACE standards and the role of tape coatings as applied to pipelines.
To start, it is important to understand NACE’s role in establishing standards regarding coatings, shielding and the unbonding of coatings.
NACE standard SP0169 indicates the following:
It is important to note that nowhere in the NACE standard does it suggest that coatings should be specifically designed to have poor electrical nor poor moisture barrier properties. In fact, an ideal coating should have high electrical and moisture barrier properties.
Elastomeric tapes such as those made by Tapecoat are designed and manufactured to provide excellent electrical and moisture barrier properties. Tapecoat tapes are made with a solid film backing and an aggressive adhesive to provide the following when applied to substrates:
Tapecoat products offer a variety of different coating technologies. These products function as effective corrosion prevention by eliminating direct contact between the electrolyte and the metal surface it is protecting. All Tapecoat products are compatible with and work in conjunction with CP systems, a requirement of NACE standard SP0169 and other industry standards. CP systems are designed to provide protection in cases where a coating has been damaged (as a back-up to the primary coating system).
NACE standard SP0169 lists desirable characteristics of external coatings such as;
Tapecoat’s line of epoxies, tapes and coatings have proven to provide these characteristics for more than 60 years.
The next time someone says their tape is “non-shielding”, we hope you’ll remember that Tapecoat tapes are the best bonded tapes in the industry. Contact us if you need more information.