Seamless steel pipes are produced by piercing a solid billet of steel to form a hollow tube. The billet is heated to a temperature that allows it to be easily pierced by a piercing mill. The mill contains a mandrel, which is a cylindrical tool that supports the inside of the tube during the piercing process.
Once the billet is pierced, it is rolled and stretched to achieve the desired shape and size of the tube. This process is known as the extrusion process. The extrusion process can produce seamless pipes of various sizes and thicknesses, making them suitable for a range of applications.
The main advantage of seamless pipes is that they have a smooth surface finish, which is essential for industries such as water supply, where cleanliness is crucial. Seamless pipes are also stronger and more durable than welded pipes, making them suitable for applications where high pressure and high temperatures are involved, such as in the oil and gas industry.
Welded Steel Pipes:
Welded steel pipes are produced by welding two pieces of steel together to form a continuous tube. The process of manufacturing welded pipes involves several steps. The first step is to coil a flat strip of steel into a cylindrical shape, which is known as a skelp. The skelp is then passed through several forming rolls, which shape it into a tube with a longitudinal seam.
Once the tube is formed, the edges are heated and welded together using one of several methods, such as electric resistance welding (ERW), submerged arc welding (SAW), or high-frequency welding (HFW). The type of welding used depends on the specific application and the desired properties of the final product.
Welded pipes are more cost-effective than seamless pipes, making them suitable for applications where cost is a critical factor. They are also available in larger sizes and thicknesses than seamless pipes, making them suitable for applications where strength and durability are essential.
In conclusion, steel pipes can be manufactured in two ways: seamless and welded. Seamless pipes are produced by piercing a solid billet of steel to form a hollow tube, while welded pipes are produced by welding two pieces of steel together to form a continuous tube. The choice of manufacturing method depends on the intended use of the final product, with seamless pipes being suitable for applications where a smooth surface finish and high strength are required, while welded pipes are more cost-effective and available in larger sizes and thicknesses, making them suitable for applications where cost and durability are essential.