What are Seamless Pipes?
There are no seams on the pipe body when a seamless steel pipe is made from round steel billets using hot rolling, cold rolling, or cold drawing techniques.
What are Welded Pipes?
Flat steel plates are used to make welded steel pipe, and the pipe body has a welding seam such as ERW, LSAW, and SSAW pipes.
Difference between Seamless and Welded Pipes
One main distinction is in the method of production. The name “seamless pipe” refers to the manufacturing process, which leaves no visible production markings on the pipe. Extrusion, in which a cast steel billet is heated to high temperatures in the heat chambers, enables this. Another technique entails pouring molten raw steel into a mold to form a billet.
On the other hand, Welded pipes are created using the electronic resistance welding technique. A sheet or strip of steel or metal is continuously rolled throughout this operation until it takes on a cylindrical shape. Electric current is applied to the two ends to bring them together. This heat-producing action causes the material’s edges to melt and unite.
Another point of differentiation is strength rating, Stainless Steel 304 Seamless Pipes are better equipped to handle fluid transfer at various pressures and temperatures. Because the pressure is equally distributed throughout their walls without welds, seamless pipes are less likely to rupture and leak. In contrast, abrupt pressure changes may harm Welded pipes and cause the welded seams to separate from one another. Whenever durability is a factor, using seamless pipes is a superior choice.
Corrosion Resistance is to be taken into consideration.
Through the process of galvanization, both pipes can be corrosion-resistant. Due to its homogeneous surface, galvanizing a seamless pipe is far more practicable. Due to the absence of weld scars that could impair how effectively the zinc coating clings to the metal, hot-dip galvanizing is appropriate for these pipes.
Even with galvanizing, there is no assurance that corrosion won’t develop over time in Welded pipes. The welded joints may eventually react due to a combination of chemical and environmental variables, which may result in deposits that compromise the quality of both the weld and the galvanization.
SS Seamless Pipes will perform better than Welded Pipes
Another factor is cost-effectiveness. Up to 24 inches to an eighth of an inch in diameter can be used to produce seamless pipes. They are therefore appropriate for low-scale uses, including handrails, electrical conduits, tubing, HVAC parts, and many more. Due to its ease of manufacture, Welded pipes, typically do not have size limitations. As a result, there are several pipe sizes available for use in the petrochemical, consumer, and industrial sectors.
Purchasing seamless pipes is a sensible solution if one doesn’t want massive pipe apertures. Although the initial cost of purchasing seamless pipes is significantly more than that of Welded, longer service life, non-corrosiveness, and superior strength of seamless pipes make them more valuable.
Conclusion
Choosing between a seamless and welded pipe can be challenging if there is little knowledge about their main distinctions. However, a seamless pipe is preferred because it can be cut to smaller diameters, is strong, non-corrosive, and able to sustain pressure loads. Both can be perfect for various piping applications. Welded pipes can be chosen as a less expensive choice that doesn’t need to satisfy all of these requirements.