Field Performance of Coatings and Linings for Welded Steel Pipe in the Water Industry

Linings and coatings have been used for more than 150 years to protect steel water pipe from corrosion. As demonstrated in common field and environmental conditions, some coating and lining systems are better than others at extending the service life of water transmission pipelines with virtually no maintenance. Two systems have been used for over 100 years with a proven history. Some systems, for various reasons, are no longer used. Other systems have been introduced in the last 25 years and have yet to prove long service life in actual installed conditions. The historical performance of lining and coating systems for welded steel water transmission pipelines in the United States under a variety of field and environmental conditions are presented and discussed. These systems are included in internationally-used waterworks standards. This paper presents the results and recommends best practices for the selection of lining and coating systems for welded steel pipe in the water industry.