Factors Differentiating the Seamless Steel Pipe or Welded Pipe |
Posted: August 20, 2021 |
The application of pipelines spans across commercial, domestic and industrial purposes. They can be used to carry crude oil to industrial refineries, natural gas to domestic homes or for commercial use such as jet fuel to airports. In such a scenario, it becomes critical for end-industries to identify which pipe to use. Usually carbon steel pipes or stainless-steel pipes are the most common type of standard pipes in present times with the variety of seamless and welded pipes. These are typically part of tubular goods, manufactured as per the various specifications and requested standards- such as nominal pipe sizes from 1/8" to 72". Briefly, some of the key difference between the two are: 1) Length: The welded pipes are manufactured in long continuous lengths while seamless pipes are relatively shorter, given the manufacturing difficulties. 2) Size: Welded pipes have no size restrictions during production, however the seamless pipes have to be manufactured in nominal sizes od 24” or less 3) Strength: Seamless pipes usually can withstand large load and pressure, while a welded pipe can withstand 20% less load and pressure in comparison with seamless pipe 4) Corrosion resistance: seamless pipes are less prone to corrosion whereas as welded pipes are less corrosion resistance 5) Cost: While welded pipes are more economic, the seamless pipes are costlier 6) Application: Seamless pipes are suitable for high pressure and temperature versus welded pipes are used for less pressure and temperature environment 7) Internal Surface: The inner surface cannot be checked in the seamless pipes whereas this is possible in welded pipes 8) Quality Test: Seamless pipes do not require quality testing and welding integrity, while welded pipes must be checked before use 9) Production process: Welded pipes have a simpler short procurement lead time while seamless pipes have a more complex and longer procurement lead time. Although over the years the manufacturing process for welded pipes has improved and we have stronger welded pipes which are comparable to seamless pipes. Nevertheless, for industrial and commercial purposes seamless pipes are the preferred and more popular choice. Usually, welded pipes (especially in case of large size piping applications) are preferred as they are more cost effective. However, when selecting pipes other facts such as availability, corrosion resistance, thickness etc. also need to be considered among other parameters.
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