Clad Pipe vs Lined Pipe: Key Differences

Clad pipe and lined pipe both combine a carbon or low-alloy steel outer pipe with a corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) inner layer. The difference is the bond. Clad pipe has a metallurgical bond between the layers (weld overlay, roll-bonding, or explosion-bonding). Lined pipe has a mechanical fit (the CRA liner is inserted and expanded into the carbon steel host pipe, with no metallurgical fusion).

This distinction affects structural integrity, inspection, fabrication, and cost.

Comparison Table

Feature	Clad Pipe	Lined Pipe
Bond type	Metallurgical (fused)	Mechanical (friction/interference fit)
Manufacturing	Weld overlay, hot roll-bond, explosion-bond	Hydraulic or mechanical expansion of CRA tube into CS pipe
CRA thickness	2-6 mm	2-3 mm
Bond strength	High (shear strength > 140 MPa typical)	Low (relies on friction fit)
Disbonding risk	Very low	Higher (thermal cycling, pressure fluctuation)
Structural contribution	CRA contributes to wall strength	CRA does not carry pressure (CS pipe only)
Max. temperature	Up to service limit of CRA	Limited by liner material and disbonding risk
Girth welding	CRA overlay weld at each joint	Seal weld at pipe ends (CRA liner to CS)
NDT	UT bond quality + weld inspection	UT at seal welds; limited bond inspection
Design code	ASME B31.3 (wall includes CRA)	ASME B31.3 (CS wall only; liner ignored)
Cost	Higher (+50-100% vs. lined)	Lower
Lead time	Longer (16-30 weeks)	Shorter (12-20 weeks)
CRA materials	316L, 825, 625, C-276	316L, 825, 625

Clad Pipe Manufacturing

Three primary methods produce clad pipe:

• Weld overlay: CRA is deposited onto the ID of the carbon steel pipe using submerged arc welding (SAW), electroslag welding, or hot wire TIG. This is the most common method for large-diameter pipe.
• Hot roll-bonding: CRA plate is bonded to carbon steel plate at high temperature and pressure, then the composite plate is formed into pipe (typically LSAW). Per ASTM A265.
• Explosion bonding: A CRA plate is bonded to carbon steel using controlled detonation energy, then rolled into pipe.

Clad pipe per API 5LD (clad or lined) covers both production methods.

Lined Pipe Manufacturing

The CRA liner tube (typically 2-3 mm wall) is inserted into the carbon steel host pipe and expanded hydraulically or mechanically to achieve an interference fit. The liner ends are seal-welded to the host pipe to prevent process fluid from reaching the carbon steel.

Common Mistake

Relying on lined pipe for services with frequent thermal cycling (>100°C temperature swings) or high-pressure cycling. Repeated expansion and contraction can cause the liner to detach from the host pipe (disbonding), creating a gap that traps corrosive fluid and accelerates localized corrosion of the carbon steel. Clad pipe eliminates this risk.

When to Use Clad Pipe

• High-pressure, high-temperature sour service (subsea flowlines, production risers)
• Applications where the CRA must contribute to wall thickness in pressure calculations
• Cyclic thermal or pressure service
• Critical offshore and subsea pipelines per DNV-OS-F101
• Long design life (25+ years) where disbonding risk must be eliminated

When Lined Pipe Is Acceptable

• Moderate temperature and pressure services with minimal cycling
• Onshore gathering lines with corrosive production fluids
• Applications where cost savings of 30-50% vs. clad justify the disbonding risk
• Short to medium design life or replaceable piping

Cost Context

Configuration	Approximate Cost (relative to CS pipe)
Carbon steel pipe (A106 Gr. B)	1x
CRA-lined pipe (316L liner)	2-3x
CRA-clad pipe (316L overlay)	3-5x
CRA-lined pipe (Alloy 625 liner)	4-6x
CRA-clad pipe (Alloy 625 overlay)	6-10x
Solid Alloy 625 pipe	10-15x

Both clad and lined pipe offer massive cost savings compared to solid CRA pipe while providing equivalent corrosion protection for the design life. The full details of pipe coating, lining, and cladding methods are covered in the main article.

Read the full guide to pipe types