During the last hundred years, coal tar enamel (CTE) coatings have been used on more in-service pipelines than any other coating in the world. Millions of miles of steel pipeline have benefited from the corrosion protection offered by CTE. How, after a century of use, can CTE stand up to natural enemies like root growth, soil bacteria, moisture, salts, acids and extreme temperatures? How, after newer and more attractive systems were developed, has CTE remained one of the most popular and most efficient corrosion protection systems? Because it was designed to endure both the elements and the test of time.
Steel pipelines are the safest and most cost-effective method of transport for large volumes of gas, oil, water and other liquids or slurries. Because steel corrodes when in the presence of oxygen (air) and moisture, it will react and revert to its natural state — rust. If a pipeline corrodes it may leak or burst, having dangerous, expensive or even disastrous results. Corrosion is prevented by creating a barrier between oxygen and moisture and its victim, the steel. CTE provides one of the most effective corrosion protective barriers.