Epoxy Lining for Shipboard Piping Systems

The Naval Research Laboratory has developed an epoxy lining to prevent corrosion and erosion of copper-nickel pipe. Before being approved for use aboard ship, the lining was tested in the laboratory for resistance to chemicals found in sanitary systems and tested in a simulated ship piping system for application viscosity and hardening time. Commercially-available linings were also tested but found to be deficient in one or more critical properties. Entrained air in the applied coating is avoided more easily by control of application parameters than by the use of air-releasing additives in the lining. The process used to install the lining is described in detail. The Navy now uses this lining to restore corroded or eroded ship piping systems rapidly without lengthy disruption of shipboard operations. This technology has been shown to be a proven inexpensive alternative to replacement of pipe. Air-releasing additive, Coatings formulation, Chemical resistant lining, Copper-nickel alloy, Epoxy lining, Pipe lining process.