METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COATING PIPES AND PIPE SECTIONS

摘要

Method and apparatus for coating a pipe (2) or a pipe section with a layer of at least one polymer. The method comprises providing a pipe (2) or a pipe section having an outer surface defining the periphery of the pipe or pipe section; applying on the outer surface of the pipe or pipe section a layer of at least one polymer material in melt stage using a nozzle (3), which is mounted on a carriage capable of travelling along the periphery of the pipe (2) or pipe section; and moving the carriage along at least a part of the periphery during the application of the polymer material to form a layer on the surface of the pipe (2) or pipe section. The outer surface of the pipe or pipe section is being locally heated by induction heating before the application of the polymer material onto said surface. The present invention is particularly useful for coating field joints in pipelines.