Hello Pipe Enthusiasts!
In clean water distribution systems, steel pipes require protection to prevent premature corrosion. One internationally recognized method is internal protection using cement-mortar lining, a layer of cement and sand applied to the inner surface of steel pipes in accordance with AWWA C205 standards. This standard defines the technical specifications for the lining, ensuring smooth water flow and extended service life of the pipe.
What Is AWWA C205?
AWWA refers to the American Water Works Association standard for cement-mortar lining inside steel pipes. It applies to pipes with diameters ≥100 mm and is typically shop-applied. The purpose is to protect the pipe from internal corrosion and maintain hydraulic efficiency.
Advantages of Cement Mortar Lining
Applying cement-mortar lining to the inner surface of steel pipes offers practical benefits that enhance durability and system performance:
- Internal corrosion protection: prevents direct contact between water and steel.
- Improved flow efficiency: smooth surface reduces friction.
- Longer service life: cement-lined steel pipes can last for decades.
- Maintained water quality: safe for potable water distribution.
- Minimal maintenance: lower upkeep costs compared to unlined pipes.
With these advantages, cement mortar lining has become a standard choice to ensure steel pipes function optimally over the long term.
Standard Thickness
To ensure optimal internal protection, AWWA C205 specifies nominal lining thickness based on pipe size. The table below shows the recommended lining thickness range along with application tolerances:
|
Nominal Pipe Size
|
Nominal Lining Thickness
|
|
inch
|
mm
|
inch
|
mm
|
|
4-10
|
100-250
|
¼
|
6
|
|
11-23
|
275-575
|
5/16
|
8
|
|
24-36
|
600-900
|
⅜
|
10
|
|
Over 36
|
Over 900
|
½
|
13
|
note: For pipe diameters from 4 inch (100 mm) to 36 inch (900 mm), the tolerance is -1/16 inch (-1.6 mm), +⅛ inch (+3.2 mm). For diameters over 36 inch (over 900 mm), the tolerance is -1/16 inch (-1.6 mm), +3/16 inch (+4.8 mm).
Proper lining thickness according to standards helps maintain hydraulic performance and pipe durability over time. Selecting the right size should be based on project requirements and operational conditions.
Key Applications
AWWA C205 is widely applied in infrastructure projects that require cement-lined steel pipes to ensure water quality and system reliability. Key applications include:
- Urban potable water distribution networks
- Fire protection systems (hydrant networks)
- Major infrastructure projects: dams, municipal water systems, industrial installations
These applications demonstrate that cement mortar lining is not just a technical solution, but also a long-term investment in the sustainability of clean water systems.
Conclusion
Steel pipe products from BPI can be positioned as solutions that meet AWWA C205 standards, ready to support large-scale clean water projects. By adopting the AWWA C205 Cement Mortar Lining standard, steel pipes gain enhanced corrosion resistance and contribute to the long-term reliability of water infrastructure systems.
If you need steel pipes with additional cement mortar lining protection, contact our Marketing & Sales team. Our experts at Bakrie Pipe Industries are ready to assist with needs analysis, product recommendations, and direct technical consultation.See you again in the next edition of #BPIPipeInsights!
