The Differences Between Galvanised and Powder-Coated Steel Pipes

The food processing industry is a dynamic, growing sector that requires innovations in the way that it processes, packages, and distributes its products. One of the most essential parts of this process is choosing the right pipe for your facility and the kind of product it produces or handles.

Pipes are used for many different purposes within the food processing industry. They transport waste from machines to disposal areas and can be used to transport materials from one area of your facility to another.

When choosing which pipes to use in your business, it is important to consider their durability, longevity, and price point. There are many different types of pipes available on the market today; however, when looking at steel pipes, there are two options available at Jacob UK; galvanised steel pipes and powder-coated pipes. Both pipes are made from steel and are used for many different applications. 

In this blog, we'll be comparing the differences between these two types of pipes so that you can decide which is best for your project.

Powder Coating: What Is It?

Powder coating is a process in which a dry powder is electrostatically applied to the surface of a metal workpiece and then cured to produce a protective layer through the dry powder coating process at high temperatures. The finished pipe has excellent physical properties such as high strength and toughness as well as a low coefficient of friction, making them suitable for use in most industrial applications such as fluid power equipment, food processing equipment, medical equipment, and others. Powder coating is a sustainable technique since it uses coatings that don't emit volatile compounds into the air and don't contain any solvents.

What is Galvanisation?

The process of hot-dip galvanising entails submerging steel workpieces in a bath of molten zinc that has been heated to a temperature of roughly 840 degrees Fahrenheit. The zinc forms an alloy with the surface of the base metal, which serves as a barrier. Zinc oxide is produced when the metal interacts with atmospheric oxygen. When it comes to the benefits of hot-dip galvanisation, the greatest one is the increased resistance to corrosion it provides.

Galvanised Steel Pipes Vs. Powder-Coated Pipes

So, what are the key differences between powder coating and hot-dip galvanising? Let’s take a look below:

Cost

Hot-dip galvanising often has a larger upfront cost than powder coating. Coating thickness, utilised materials, the implementation of pretreatment methods, and the current price of zinc are all variables that might affect final costs. Long-term maintenance costs are reduced by galvanising, but properly treated powder coats can often be just as long-lasting.

Finishing

Powder coating has several benefits over galvanising, and it may be used for any purpose. Powder coatings of today are a good match for galvanising's famed resistance to the elements.

Both methods require a series of actions designed to get surfaces ready for coatings, but the final products are very different. While galvanising baths are effective at removing grease and oxides, items coated in slag, thick residues, wax, or other contaminants may need further surface treatment before being galvanised. Powder coating requires a combination of blasting and preparation to eliminate any residues before application. Jacob UK also offers the application of high-tech primer coatings, which provide even more defence against the elements.

Powder coatings are available in various colours, but galvanising only comes in a silver metallic. A professional coatings company like Jacob UK can also offer colour-matching services to ensure that their products look great in any setting.

Sustainability

Powder coating has several advantages, one of which is the eco-friendliness of the whole process, from the preparation to the finishing touches. Powder coating optimises the collection and reuse of materials, resulting in nearly no waste or emissions being produced.

Durability

The strength of galvanised pipes depends on the thickness of the coating. The thicker the coating, the better it will be able to withstand corrosion from chemicals in the water or other substances that may come in contact with it. That is why galvanised steel pipes are more robust because any dents or scratches will not cause its protective coating to be compromised. Powder coatings are permeable and can be scratched by strong pressure. Powder coatings are susceptible to chipping and cracking if subjected to extreme conditions or sustained abrasion. It opens the underlying steel to the elements, where it can rust and corrode.

Corrosion resistance

Because galvanised pipes have a protective coating that prevents rusting, they are much more resistant to corrosion than non-galvanised ones. This makes them ideal for use in areas with high humidity or exposure to saltwater or other corrosive substances like acids or alkalis.

Temperature Resistance

To avoid the production of toxic zinc fumes when heated, galvanised steel is not suitable for use in high-temperature applications. Galvanised metal should not be used with utensils or equipment related to food contact surfaces. This is because the zinc coating, which turns into zinc salt when exposed to acids, corrodes far more quickly when consumed alongside acidic foods and beverages.

When it comes to applications that require food safety or can be subjected to high temperatures, it is always better to choose powder-coated steel rather than galvanised steel. 

Contact Jacob UK to Get Your Quotes Today

Now that you know the difference between galvanised and powder-coated pipes, you can decide which product is right for your project.

Jacob UK is your go-to source if you are looking for the best quality food-grade steel pipes. Jacob offers a modular selection of stainless steel and galvanised steel pipes and pipe components, allowing easy removal and replacement of the damaged section without dismantling the complete system. 

Our team of experts is here to help you with any questions about our products, so don't hesitate to reach out!