Q:Why is DIN 30670 a key standard for 3LPE pipe coatings?

While the 3LPE coating system is well-known for its superior pipeline protection, the quality of its application is not a matter of guesswork. It is governed by rigorous international standards, and among the most respected and frequently specified is DIN 30670.

For our clients, understanding this standard is key to appreciating the level of quality, durability, and long-term reliability you receive when you specify a compliant coating. It is the benchmark that separates a standard coating from a high-performance, long-life asset protection system.

What is DIN 30670?

DIN 30670 is a technical standard issued by the DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung), the German Institute for Standardization. It specifically outlines the requirements for factory-applied, three-layer extruded polyethylene (3LPE) coatings on steel pipes and fittings for corrosion protection.

Although German in origin, DIN 30670’s comprehensive and stringent requirements have led to its adoption as a global benchmark for quality by pipeline owners, engineers, and manufacturers worldwide.

Key Quality Parameters Regulated by DIN 30670

A commitment to the DIN 30670 standard means a commitment to verifiable performance. Here are the critical quality parameters that the standard regulates, and why they matter for your project.

1. Coating Thickness

The standard mandates a minimum thickness for the outer polyethylene layer, which varies based on the pipe’s diameter.

• Why it matters: From an asset protection standpoint, sufficient thickness is the first line of defense against physical damage. This ensures the pipe is robust enough to withstand the rigors of transportation, on-site handling, and the stresses of backfilling during installation.

2. Peel Resistance / Adhesion

This crucial test measures the force required to peel the coating from the steel substrate at specific angles and temperatures.

• Why it matters: This is a direct measure of the coating’s bond strength. Excellent adhesion across all three layers is fundamental to the system’s performance. It prevents moisture from creeping under the coating and causing corrosion. A high peel resistance value is a hallmark of a properly applied, high-integrity coating.

3. Impact Resistance

This test assesses the coating’s toughness by dropping a specified weight from a set height onto the coated pipe. Afterwards, the impact area is tested for any “holidays” (pinholes or cracks).

• Why it matters: This simulates the real-world impacts a pipe might endure during its journey from the factory to the trench. A passing result demonstrates that the coating is tough and resilient, not brittle.

4. Cathodic Disbondment

This is one of the most critical long-term performance tests. It measures the coating’s ability to resist “unsticking” from the pipe surface in the presence of an electrical current from a cathodic protection system, especially at a point of minor damage.

• Why it matters: A low cathodic disbondment value is essential for the long-term health of the pipeline. It ensures that if a small holiday does occur, the corrosion will be contained to that tiny area and will not spread underneath the coating.

The Allland Steel Commitment to Quality

Compliance with demanding standards is at the core of our manufacturing philosophy. The 3LPE coatings applied at Allland Steel are engineered and rigorously tested to meet or exceed the stringent requirements set forth in DIN 30670.

When you specify a 3LPE coating from Allland Steel, you are not just ordering a product; you are investing in a protection system that is verified against one of the world’s most trusted benchmarks for quality and long-term performance. This commitment provides our clients with peace of mind and confidence in the longevity of their critical assets.

To discuss the specific coating requirements for your next project, contact our technical specialists at Allland Steel.