With constant advancements in industrial applications, there is no room for traditional equipment. Industrialization across the globe is picking up pace, and equipment manufacturers are trying to keep up with the ever-growing demand.
Piping systems are omnipresent and are used in construction, oil & gas, and residential sectors. They are considered foundation of heavy machinery and projects. Hence, it is imperative to select the type of piping that effectively supports heavy-duty operations for better production output.
In recent years, seamless steel pipes are gaining significant traction with increased applications of the same in a variety of high-potential end-use industries. As per market intelligence provider Fact.MR, sales of seamless steel pipes are poised to grow at a healthy 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2031.
Seamless steel pipes are known for their ability to withstand pressure more effectively as compared to other methods of piping while being faster and more cost-effective. Seamless steel pipes are made from solid steel sheets or bars which are formed into a solid, cylindrical shape called billets. These billets are then heated and cast over a piercing rid to obtain a hollow tube or shell.
These pipes are used in gas lines and pipes to carry liquid. Since seamless steel pipes are able to tolerate high pressures, they are also widely applied in high-pressure applications such as refineries, hydrocarbon industries, hydraulic cylinders, and oil and gas infrastructure.
Why Choose Seamless Steel Pipes?
In comparison to other available types of piping, seamless steel pipes do not require any joints or welding, which add to their strength and other benefits such as corrosion resistance. In addition, seamless steel pipes have higher operating pressure and tolerate mechanical stress better than welded pipes, also known as non-seamless pipes.
Seamless pipes also reflect perfect finishing, which is flawless and desirable, resulting in higher demand for the same. Depending on the applications, these pipes are manufactured in rectangular, circular, tubular, or square shapes which can effectively transport gases, slurries, powders, and other liquids.
Here are some of the key advantages of seamless steel pipes.
1. High-pressure strength
Welded seams of steel pipes are the weakest links, that can be easily affected by external pressure, humidity, and excessive heat. Since seamless pipes do not require welding, the uniform structure of the pipes enhances their ability to withstand pressure, making them equally strong around the circumference of the pipe.
2. Uniform Shape
The welding process in welded seam pipes adds stress, heat, and extraneous variables to the product, which disrupts the uniformity of these pipes. On the other hand, seamless steel pipes have a uniform and round shape, which is obtained by a continuous extrusion of the alloy being used. The uniform shape of seamless pipes also comes in handy while reinstalling pipes and adding fittings.
3. Greater Strength Under Load
While seamless steel pipes can be more expensive than other alternatives, they are more reliable due to their high load-bearing capabilities. The reliability of seamless steel pipes makes them a viable option in the long run.
Load strength is a crucial aspect of piping systems. The pipes must support their own weight and the weight of the material they are transporting as well. Pipeline leaks and pipe failure are usually common in welded pipes. As seamless pipes are not welded, these failures can be avoided.
The benefits of seamless steel pipes make them an excellent choice in commercial applications such as oil rigs, shipbuilding, pressure vessels, offshore drilling, and other pipeline applications.
Types of Seamless Steel Pipes
As per the manufacturing process, seamless pipes can be divided into two categories, hot-rolled seamless steel pipes, and cold-rolled seamless steel pipes.
Hot-rolled seamless steel pipes:
The manufacturing process of hot-rolled and cold-drawn seamless pipes is not entirely different. Cold rolling of seamless pipes is achieved below the recrystallization temperature of rolling, whereas hot rolling is carried out above the recrystallization temperature.
Hot-rolled seamless steel pipes can disrupt the cast microstructure of the steel ingot, refine the crystal grains of steel, and eliminate any defects in the microstructure, thereby improving the mechanical properties of seamless steel pipes.
These pipes are further divided into low, medium, and high-pressure boiler pipes, alloy steel pipes, stainless steel pipes, geological steel pipes, and oil cracking pipes. The diameter of hot-rolled seamless pipe is greater than 32mm and the wall thickness ranges between 2.5 to 75mm.
Cold-rolled seamless steel pipes:
Cold-rolled seamless pipes comprise high accuracy of dimension and better finish of the surface when used for hydraulic and machinery equipment. These pipes not only include boiler steel pipes, alloy pipes, petroleum cracking pipes, and steel pipes, but also carbon thin-walled steel pipes and special-shaped steel pipes.
The outer diameter of cold-rolled pipes is usually less than 6mm and the wall thickness is lower than 0.25mm. In case of thin-walled pipes, the outer diameter is less than 5mm. As a result, cold-rolled pipes have higher dimensional accuracy than hot-rolled pipes.
While manufacturing cold-rolled pipes, the speed of molding and productivity are increased significantly. The pipes can be rolled in different shapes to adapt to various end-uses. In addition, the cold rolling process can enhance plastic deformation in steel, thereby increasing the yield points of steel.
Applications of Seamless Steel Pipes
Because of their unique structure, seamless steel pipes are broadly used as a transmission medium for natural gas, oil, coal gas, water, and other solid materials. Seamless steel pipes are lightweight, making them applicable in the petroleum drilling process, bicycle frames, auto transmission shafts, and more.
Using seamless steel pipes can enhance material utilization, streamline the manufacturing process, and reduce excessive use of material and processing time. According to the cross-sectional area shape, seamless pipes can be divided into circular tubes and special pipes to suit different applications. Prominent application areas include:
· Manufacturing oil & gas lines
· Chemical processing plants
· Nuclear power plants
· Hydraulics
· Water purification plants
· Sensitive measuring units
· High temperature and pressure units
Trends in the Seamless Steel Pipes Industry
Carbon steel seamless pipes are gaining manufactures' and customers' attention, owing to their durability, cost-effectiveness, and recyclability. Carbon steel comprises a higher concentration of carbon content in total composition, around 2%. These pipes are being widely adopted in chemicals, oil & gas, and power generation sectors.
However, manufacturers are facing challenges in some regions due to stringent regulations on carbon emissions during the manufacturing process. As a result, seamless steel suppliers are investing in research and development to create and adopt low-emission manufacturing plants for production.
Further, China, Japan, and Europe are emerging as lucrative pockets in the seamless steel pipes industry. In China, the abundance of raw material and economically viable products, along with the presence of regional manufacturers is actively propelling the production of seamless steel pipes.
Besides this, Chinese manufacturers are well-equipped with automated manufacturing processes and strong material handling systems. As per Fact.MR’s analysis, the seamless steel pipes market in China is projected to grow at a 7% CAGR through 2031.