Welded Pipes
Welded pipes are manufactured by passing a flat steel plate through a forming machine that shapes it into a circular form and joins the two edges of the circle. This process involves using heat to melt the edges of the plate and weld them, forming a single piece. The manufacturing of welded pipes involves much more time and cost than that of seamless pipe manufacturing. They are for use in applications where pressure demands are low and price is a consideration. The welded pipes come in different dimensions and lengths.
Seamless Pipes
The seamless pipes are free from welds. They are produced using a process in which a solid steel billet is passed through a mould to produce the pipe. This process produces a smooth pipe with no sign of weld seam. This is why seamless pipes can withstand pressure and stress rather than welded pipes, which are suitable for use where they are required. These pipes are popular in the aerospace, petrochemical, and power industries, where the pipes and tubes need to be strong and safe.
Seamless vs Welded Pipe
Flexibility and Sizes
Welded Pipes: Welded pipes are available in different diameters and lengths depending on the customer’s requirements. They can be easily produced in large quantities, which is why they are in great demand in different fields.
Seamless Pipes: Because of the extrusion process, seamless pipes are available in a limited number of sizes, including different diameters and lengths. Since the pipes are seamless, they are more consistent and reliable than similar pipes with a weld seam.
Strength and Durability
Welded Pipe: Welded pipes offer lesser pressure capabilities, and the weld seam is always a point of failure. In the long run, this deforms the pipe and makes it prone to failure under such conditions. However, today’s technological advancements in welding have made the welded pipes stronger.
Seamless Pipe: Seamless pipes do not possess a welded seam, so they are smoother and generally more resistant to high pressures and temperature differences. This makes them suitable for applications in oil and gas pipelines, chemical industries and high-pressure systems.
Cost
Welded Pipe: Welded pipes are generally less expensive than seamless pipes. The manufacturing process is quicker, and the cost of the material is lower, so welded pipes are ideal for normal use where cost is a key factor.
Seamless Pipe: Seamless pipes are usually more costly than other types because of their manufacturing. This is due to the requirement of special equipment and greater material costs compared to other types of construction.
Application
Welded Pipe: Welded pipes are found in applications where pressure and temperature are relatively low, such as water, sewage and other construction companies.
Seamless Pipe: Sewless pipes are suitable for high-pressure systems and areas that require more safety and reliability. Some examples are aerospace applications, automotive industries, and petrochemical industries.
Pipe Selection: Welded or Seamless?
In most cases, welded and seamless pipes are used interchangeably, but the selection of the two depends on the requirements of the project in question. Seamless pipes are preferred when the application involves high stress, high pressure or exposure to extreme conditions because of better tensile strength and ability to withstand corrosion. However, if cost is a much bigger issue and the application calls for a different level of pipe performance, welded pipes are more economical and practical.
Conclusion
Each type of pipe, welded and seamless, has benefits and is used where it is most effective. Welded pipes are cheaper and can be used in most general usage, while seamless pipes offer high strength, durability and safety in high-pressure uses.
