What Makes UHMWPE Lined Steel Pipes Corrosion Resistant?

UHMWPE-lined steel pipes are primarily used in industries that handle highly abrasive or corrosive materials. Their main applications include slurry transport at mining and mineral processing area, acid and alkali transport at chemical industry.

 

UHMWPE-lined steel pipes are primarily used in industries that handle highly abrasive or corrosive materials. Their main applications include slurry transport at mining and mineral processing area, acid and alkali transport at chemical industry. UHMWPE lined pipes combine the structural strength of steel with the corrosion and abrasion resistance of uhmwpe, making them ideal for high-wear, aggressive environments.

 

 

UHMWPE-lined steel pipe is corrosion-resistant primarily due to the properties of UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), which is used as an inner lining inside the steel pipe. Here’s a breakdown of why it works:

 

Chemical Inertness of UHMWPE

 

UHMWPE is highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, acids, and alkalis. It does not react with most corrosive substances commonly found in industrial or mining slurries, wastewater, or chemical transport systems. This barrier prevents corrosive materials from contacting the steel.

 

Low Water Absorption

 

UHMWPE liner absorbs very little water—less than 0.02%. This property prevents moisture from permeating the lining and reaching the steel pipe, which could otherwise cause rust or corrosion.

 

Excellent Abrasion Resistance

 

While not directly related to corrosion, UHMWPE’s toughness and resistance to wear help preserve the integrity of the lining. A worn lining could expose the steel underneath to corrosive substances, but UHMWPE’s durability delays that significantly. 

 

Smooth Surface

 

UHMWPE has a very low coefficient of friction, making it hard for materials to stick and build up. This reduces the chance of deposits that could lead to localized corrosion or microbial activity.

 

While UHMWPE provides excellent corrosion resistance to the internal surface, the external surface of the steel pipe must still be protected using coatings or painting protection if it’s exposed to corrosive environments. When UHMWPE lined steel pipe is used as tailings transport pipeline, usually there is painting DFT requirement to steel pipe surface from pipeline technical specification document.