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Cooling Tower Bypass Pipe: Dual-Environment Corrosion Protection
Fossil Fuel Power Plant — U.S.A.
Fossil Fuel Power Plant · U.S.A.
The Problem
Simultaneous Attack from Two Environments
A carbon steel cooling tower bypass pipe was under simultaneous attack from two different environments, each requiring a separate protective specification.
Interior
Corrosive attack from brackish salt water flowing through the pipe.
Exterior
Salt spray exposure as water exits the cooling tower.
Specification
Dual-System Epoxy — Interior and Exterior
Substrate
Carbon Steel
Interior DFT
60 mils (3 coats)
Exterior DFT
30 mils (2 coats)
Interior
Abrasive blasted, three-coat epoxy system applied by roller and brush to 60 mils total DFT.
Expansion Joints
Flexible epoxy/urethane hybrid installed by caulking gun to accommodate movement at joints.
Exterior
Abrasive blasted, two-coat epoxy system applied to 30 mils total DFT. Sun-exposed sections coated white to reflect heat load.
The Result
Installation completed October 1988. Minor touchup performed over the years, primarily to expansion joints.
High-performance epoxy systems for industrial repair and protection.
