Mild Steel Rubber Lining Pipeline Fabrication (MSRL Pipeline Fabrication)

When it comes to transporting chemicals in processing plants, mild steel rubber lined (MSRL) pipes is an obvious choice. Rubber lining protects against abrasion and corrosion and the mechanical strength of steel makes it indispensable.

Rubber pipes alone would not be able to withstand the high temperature and high pressure it would be subjected to in a chemical process plant and a mild steel pipe would be easily corroded. The bond between mild steel and rubber is perfect in this situation to ensure smooth functioning.

Different chemical compositions meet different lining materials. All four types of rubber – Natural rubber, Butyl rubber, Nitrile rubber and EPDM easily bonds with mild steel and make it a composite piping material. Mild steel has a low carbon content so it is easier to machine and weld. The affordability and cost effectiveness of mild steel makes mild steel rubber lined pipes the top choice.

The MSRL pipes are fabricated using flanges with spools and fittings like bends and reducers of specified dimensions to cater to the specific need of the plant. While fabricating MSRL pipes certain measures have to be taken to ensure the longevity of the pipes. The surface preparation has to be done to smoothen the pipe surface by grinding so that there are no air gaps while rubber lining and no sharp edges and points are present which might damage the rubber. At the same time we have to ensure the strength of the piping system by making the welded joints strong enough. For this proper ‘V’ cuts are made on the joints before welding is done. In this way, not only is the strength of the joint maintained, the outer surface also remains smooth. The inside of the flange joints are grinded so that the surface is smooth and round so that rubber lining becomes easier and uninterrupted.

Once fitting, welding and grinding is done, the pipes are then inspected according to the dimensions given in the drawing. Hydro and DP tests are performed on the piping system to ensure there is no leakage. After that it is sent for sand blasting to remove minute particles on the surface and then finally the rubber lining process is carried out.