What Is Pipeline Wrapping? Tape Systems

Quick Answer

Pipeline wrapping is the application of adhesive tape systems to the external surface of buried steel pipes for corrosion protection. Wrapping tapes—polyethylene (PE), petrolatum, or viscoelastic types—are spirally wound around the pipe with a specified overlap to create a continuous moisture barrier. Pipeline wrapping is used for onshore buried pipelines, field joints, fittings, and irregular shapes that are difficult to coat with plant-applied systems like FBE or 3LPE.

Tape Wrapping Types

Each tape system has a specific structure and application niche. The tape is typically a multi-layer system consisting of a primer, an inner adhesive/anti-corrosion tape, and an outer mechanical protection tape.

Tape Type	Composition	Thickness (total)	Max Temp	Primary Use
Polyethylene (PE) tape	PE backing + butyl rubber adhesive	0.75-1.5 mm (inner + outer)	50-60°C	Buried pipelines, general use
Polypropylene (PP) tape	PP backing + butyl adhesive	0.75-1.5 mm	80-90°C	Higher temperature pipelines
Petrolatum tape	Non-woven fabric saturated with petrolatum compound	1.0-2.0 mm	50°C	Irregular shapes, fittings, valves
Viscoelastic tape	Polymeric compound with permanent tackiness	1.5-3.0 mm	50-60°C	Fittings, field joints, aggressive soils
Bituminous tape	Woven fabric + bitumen compound	1.0-2.5 mm	40-50°C	Legacy systems, declining use

Application Process

The standard PE tape wrapping procedure for a buried pipeline follows these steps:

1. Surface preparation: Abrasive blast or power tool clean to SSPC-SP6 (commercial blast) or better; remove all rust, scale, and contaminants
2. Primer application: Liquid primer compatible with the tape adhesive, applied by brush or spray; allow to tack (typically 5-15 minutes)
3. Inner tape application: Anti-corrosion tape spirally wrapped with 50-55% overlap, using constant tension; no wrinkles or fish-mouths allowed
4. Outer tape application: Mechanical protection tape spirally wrapped over the inner tape with 50-55% overlap, opposite spiral direction
5. Inspection: Visual check for defects, holiday detection at specified voltage

For field joints (the uncoated pipe ends where welds are made), wrapping tape is one of the most practical protection methods since it can be applied by hand without specialized equipment.

PE Tape vs Petrolatum Tape

PE tape systems provide excellent moisture barrier properties for straight pipe runs but struggle with complex geometries. The rigid PE backing cannot conform perfectly to fittings, valves, and irregular weld profiles, leaving voids that trap moisture and promote shielded corrosion.

Petrolatum and viscoelastic tapes solve this problem. Their soft, pliable compound flows into surface irregularities and maintains contact even under soil settlement. They are the preferred choice for:

• Valve bodies and flanged connections
• Branch fittings (tees, weldolets, elbows)
• Pipe supports and clamp locations
• Rehabilitation of deteriorated coatings

Common Mistake

PE tape wrapping is susceptible to “tenting” on longitudinal weld seams and at girth welds. If the tape bridges over the weld cap without conforming to the profile, a void forms between the tape and the steel. Soil moisture penetrates through the tape overlap and becomes trapped in this void, creating a shielded corrosion cell that cathodic protection current cannot reach. Always ensure the tape adhesive fully contacts the weld profile, and use mastic filler or petrolatum paste to fill gaps at weld transitions.

Standards

Key standards for pipeline wrapping include EN 12068 (PE and PP tapes), AWWA C214 (tape coating for steel water pipe), NACE SP0185 (extruded PE coatings), and EN 12069 (petrolatum tape systems).

For a complete overview of external pipeline coating options, see the full coating guide.

Read the full guide to pipe coatings