Cold-applied corrosion protection that flows into every irregularity
Some pipeline components can't be blasted, can't be heated for HSS shrinking, and have surfaces too irregular for traditional tape wrapping. Flanges with bolted joints, valve bodies with stems and seats, custom castings with abrupt geometry transitions — they all need a coating system that conforms to the surface and self-heals minor damage. That's the niche visco-elastic materials fill.
The technology works because the material is non-crystalline at ambient temperature: it stays in a permanent semi-fluid state that creeps slowly into every void, scratch and surface profile irregularity, displacing trapped air and water. Once positioned and over-wrapped with a mechanical outer wrap, the visco-elastic core forms a complete, void-free seal that can self-heal under the static pressure of the outer wrap.
Where we recommend visco-elastic systems
- Flange joints — bolted faces, raised faces, seal-welded flanges
- Valve bodies and stems — protection that doesn't impede operation
- Couplings and dismantling joints — irregular surfaces, frequent disassembly
- Custom forgings and castings — abrupt geometry, high-stress concentration
- Splash-zone retrofits on offshore platforms — no need for blasting access
- Existing-coating rehab — applied directly over compromised paint or 3LPE
- Buried pipeline appurtenances — anchor flanges, casings, vault piping
What we supply
Visco-elastic anti-corrosion paste
For irregular surfaces where a traditional tape can't lay flat — bolt heads, complex valve geometries, weld profiles. Hand-applied; over-wrap with PE/PVC mechanical tape.
Visco-elastic anti-corrosion tape
Roll-applied for cylindrical components. Inner visco-elastic adhesive layer + carrier film. Requires only a power-tool surface clean (no blasting). Compatible with all common mainline coatings.
Visco-elastic + mechanical wrap kit
Two-layer system: visco-elastic core for corrosion + outer PVC or polyethylene wrap for mechanical protection and UV resistance. The complete field-joint solution where blasting access is limited.
Why visco-elastic instead of HSS or liquid epoxy
| Criterion | Visco-elastic | HSS | Liquid epoxy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface preparation | Power-tool clean (St 2-3) | Sa 2½ blast | Sa 2½ blast |
| Heat / torch required | No | Yes | No |
| Cure time | None (immediate seal) | Minutes | Hours |
| Conforms to irregular shapes | Excellent | Limited | Poor |
| Self-healing | Yes | No | No |
| Field application | Easy, cold | Specialist crew | Specialist crew |
| Service life | 30+ years | 30+ years | 25+ years |
Build properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Service temperature | -40 °C to +90 °C continuous |
| Surface preparation | St 2-3 (power-tool) minimum |
| Adhesion | self-adhering, no curing required |
| Permeation rate | < 1 mg/m²·day water vapour |
| Compatible substrates | steel, cast iron, ductile iron, concrete, composite |
| Dielectric strength | > 25 kV/mm |
Standards
- EN 12068 — pipeline visco-elastic and tape coatings
- ISO 21809-3 — field-joint coatings (tape systems)
- NACE SP0109 — cold-applied tape coatings
- DIN 30672 — corrosion protection of buried pipelines (tape coatings)
Frequently asked
Does visco-elastic work as well as HSS on a 3LPE girth weld? For cylindrical girth welds with proper blasting access, HSS remains the better choice — it's faster to install and provides comparable barrier performance. Visco-elastic shines on irregular shapes where HSS can't fit.
How thick is the system? Inner visco-elastic core: 1.0-1.5 mm. Outer mechanical wrap: 0.5-1.0 mm. Total system 1.5-2.5 mm typical.
Can it be over-coated with anything? Yes — visco-elastic systems can be over-coated with epoxy or polyurethane topcoats for atmospheric protection. We supply compatible topcoat systems if required.
