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In industrial applications, pipe material selection is essential for the integrity, safety, and efficiency of several systems. The most commonly used pipes are seamless and welded pipes, with both having different applications across industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, construction, and manufacturing.
The following article highlights some of the differences between seamless pipes and welded pipes with regard to the manufacturing process, mechanical properties, best application, and cost implications.
Seamless tubes are made from a piece of metal without welds and junctions. Manufacturing starts with the receipt of a solid cylindrical billet of steel, which is heated to a very high temperature and then pierced consequently to provide a tube. Longitudinally, the tube needs to be further processed by something similar to hot extrusion or cold drawing, so that it reaches a point of reduction in size to a smooth, round seamless pipe having a consistent wall thickness with high strength.
Seamless pipes are crucial for high-pressure and high-stress uses due to their strong resistance to corrosion, fatigue, and heat. They're often used in critical areas like boiler tubes, gas lines, power plants, and aerospace parts.
Welded pipes are produced by rolling a metal plate into a cylindrical shape and further welding the edges by means of resistance. The main manufacturing methods for welded pipes are based on two important techniques of welding: Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) and Submerged Arc Welding (SAW). The size and wall thickness determine the selection of the type of welding method.
The heat treatment, for improving its mechanical properties, includes various finishing operations the edges of which are welded. The constant development related to welding methods has considerably upgraded the strength of welded pipes, ensuring reliability for use under more critical working conditions.
Seamless steel pipes have usually the advantage of strength over the welded ones since the latter may often contain a seam, which actually makes the pipe more vulnerable to weaknesses. Without a seam, seamless pipes tend to perform in standard strength throughout their material, and hence less liable to weakness or failure when subjected to tension, especially under extraordinary pressure, variation in temperature, and resistance to fatigue.
The welded pipes, however, may be little more prone to failure if in a high-stress environment due to the existence of a weld seam. With improvements in the technologies of welding, however, it finds wide applications even in the so-called medium- to low-pressure systems, like water distribution, heating, and HVAC systems.
Seamless pipes are more complex to make, requiring precise machinery and machinery, which makes them more expensive than welded pipes. Welded pipes, made by joining metal plates, are cheaper and can be produced in longer lengths and larger diameters. Their simpler production process reduces costs.
Seamless pipes are widely used where the inherent strength of the metallurgical grain flow commonly used in oil and gas pipelines, refineries, power generation, and especially in the manufacture of boiler tubes, aerospace, and very important high-performance hydraulic systems.
Welded pipes find more applications in building, water and gas distribution, HVAC systems, and drainage systems. They are also applied to low-pressure pipelines, to ventilation ducts, and in the building sector.
Seamless pipes can only be produced in smaller diameters and shorter lengths, as it is restricted by the process of extrusion.
In the case of welded pipes, diameters and lengths could be much bigger, without much restriction.
Seamless pipes generally resist corrosion and scaling due to their homogeneous structure. In industries such as petrochemical and chemical processing, seamless pipes are able to retain their structural integrity throughout their lifetime and reduce failure incidents.
welded pipes are more vulnerable at the weld seam. The local weaknesses around the area of a weld may be a site for corrosion. Advanced coating and corrosion-resistant materials, however, are applied to overcome most of the problems associated with this.
Seamless pipes are preferred for high pressure and high temperature due to their uniformity and strength. They are least expected to fail due to stress, fatigue, or even corrosion. Therefore, their use in oil and gas exploration, chemical manufacturing, and nuclear power generation is quite common in critical industries.
Welded pipes prove to be more competent in everyday usage and low-pressure applications. Inexpensive and versatile, these make them ideal for huge infrastructure projects, water and sewage systems, and heating systems where the benefit of cost savings and scalability overrides the requirement of extreme durability.
If you are in need of high-quality pipes, fittings, and valves, then FLUIDO is the company for you. With more than 20 years of experience, FLUIDO is an international leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality steel valves, fittings. Up to now, the company serves more than 35 countries and regions, and FLUIDO has earned a good reputation for quality, competitive prices, and customer satisfaction.
FLUIDO came into existence in the year 1994 and has focused its attention on the manufacturing and supplying of products that were ISO 9001 certified, keeping in view international quality standards. FLUIDO deals in all types of pipe fittings, valves, and flanges whether in the form of seamless or welded pipes, in several industrial applications. This company contains huge product portfolios consisting of:
· High-pressure forged pipe fittings
· Forged flanges and ductile iron pipe fittings
· Stainless steel threaded pipe fittings
· Cast iron valves and ball valves
· Custom-made solutions for pipes and fittings
Products undergo the most rigorous test processes, and FLUIDO has been considered one of the most reliable suppliers.
