10 Things to Consider When Buying Seamless Galvanized Pipe

Galvanized steel pipe is a welded steel pipe with hot-dip or electroplated zinc layer on the surface. Galvanizing can increase the corrosion resistance of steel pipes and extend their service life. Galvanized pipes are widely used. In addition to being used as pipeline pipes for general low-pressure fluids such as water, gas, and oil, they are also used as oil well pipes and oil pipelines in the petroleum industry, especially offshore oil fields, oil heaters, condenser coolers, coal distillation and washing oil exchangers for chemical coking equipment, as well as pier piles and support frames for mine tunnels.

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What are the characteristics and advantages of galvanized steel pipes?

1.  Good anti-corrosion performance: The surface of the galvanized steel pipe is coated with a layer of zinc, which can effectively prevent the pipe from corrosion in a humid and rainy environment and extend its service life.

2.  Good decorative effect: Galvanized steel pipes have metallic luster, uniform and bright color, beautiful appearance, and can improve the overall aesthetics of the building.

3.  Good high temperature resistance: Galvanized steel pipes have good high temperature resistance and are suitable for use in high temperature environments.

4.  Excellent compressive resistance: After high-temperature hot-dip galvanizing, a uniform and dense metal zinc layer is formed on the surface of the galvanized pipe, which improves the compressive resistance of the pipe and ensures the safe operation of the pipe.

5.  Convenient and quick construction: Galvanized steel pipes are light, easy to cut and connect, and are easy to construct, reducing labor intensity and improving construction efficiency.

6.  Recyclable and reusable: Galvanized steel pipes have good recyclability and can be recycled and reused, reducing resource consumption and environmental pollution.

What indicators should be considered when purchasing galvanized steel pipes?

1.  Galvanized layer thickness: The corrosion resistance of galvanized steel pipes is mainly related to the thickness of the galvanized layer. Generally speaking, the thicker the galvanized layer, the better the corrosion resistance. Therefore, when purchasing galvanized steel pipes, it is necessary to check whether the thickness of the galvanized layer meets the national standard requirements.

2.  Galvanizing quality: The quality of galvanized steel pipes directly affects their service life and performance stability. Good steel pipes have a smooth and uniform surface, without oxidation spots and rust, and have bright colors.

3.  Specifications and sizes: When purchasing, you need to choose appropriate specifications and sizes based on specific project requirements to ensure smooth installation and use.

4.  Material of steel pipe: Galvanized steel pipe is generally made of carbon steel, but in some special cases, stainless steel or alloy steel will also be selected. Choose the appropriate material type according to the specific use environment and requirements.

5.  Surface treatment: In addition to galvanizing, some galvanized steel pipes may also undergo surface treatment, such as anti-corrosion paint coating or spray protective layer. These treatments help enhance the corrosion resistance of the steel pipe and extend its service life.

6.  Manufacturing process: The manufacturing process of the steel pipe is also directly related to its quality and performance stability. A good manufacturing process can ensure the stable quality and accurate size of the steel pipe.

7.  Brand reputation: When purchasing, you also need to consider the supplier’s brand reputation and after-sales service. Choosing a brand with a certain degree of popularity and good reputation can better guarantee the product quality and after-sales service.

How to choose cost-effective galvanized steel pipe products?

1. Specifications and sizes: First of all, we should choose the appropriate specifications and sizes of galvanized steel pipes according to the needs, and avoid choosing too large or too small, so as not to waste materials or affect the use effect.

2. Material quality: Excellent galvanized steel pipes should use high-purity galvanized materials, which have high corrosion resistance and pressure resistance, and can effectively extend the service life.

3. Price comparison: When choosing galvanized steel pipe products, you can compare through multiple manufacturers and select products with high cost performance. You don’t have to choose cheap ones, but you have to consider quality and price comprehensively.

4. Product guarantee: Make sure that the product has legal certification and guarantee, such as quality inspection report, product quality guarantee, etc., to ensure that the purchased products meet national standards and can enjoy after-sales service.

Steel pipes come in many types according to different classifications. We have carbon steel, black steel, alloys, and stainless steel as per chemical composition. According to the manufacturing process, steel pipes can be seamless and welded.

Welded steel pipes are manufactured using electric resistance welding (ERW), high-frequency induction welding (HFI), or longitudinal submerged arc welding (LSAW). Steel pipes are also categorized with respect to their properties against corrosion. Stainless steel and black steel are types with inherent corrosion-resistant surfaces, galvanized or painted steel depending on their coatings, such as molten zinc or paint.

Basically, knowing the application or use of the material should be enough to decide what kind of steel pipes to choose or buy. It should be straightforward: purchasing a thick-walled pipe when dealing with high pressures, choosing galvanized or stainless when a steel pipe will be used in a highly corrosive environment, or going seamless for liquid line projects.

However, choosing steel pipe is never simple, especially for significant investments, critical infrastructures, and wherever we wish for the best return value out of our hard-earned money. Project or investment value is not just the totality of the construction cost but the summary of all expenditures throughout its service life, including maintenance costs.

Whether intended for piping, automotive, general construction, or other industries, narrowing the list of appropriate steel pipes requires a closer look and comprehension of their qualities. Below tabulation of crucial information may be of help.

Background

Carbon Steel - Accounts for 90% of total steel production. It is considered the most cost-effective steel pipe due to its relatively affordable iron and carbon elements.

Galvanized Steel - Known as the most durable steel pipe in the market

Black Steel - Considered the most highly stable structured steel pipe

Alloy - It has alloying elements that make steel lighter, sturdier, and more resistant to stress and pressure and also has enhanced weldability and ductility

Stainless Steel - Stainless steel pipes are widely known for their considerable corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance

Chemical Components

Carbon Steel – Alloys of carbon and iron, containing up to about 2% carbon and up to 1.65% manganese by weight

Galvanized Steel – Same components of ferrous steels. They can be iron or steel.

Black Steel – Has low-grade carbon content.

Alloy – Alloying elements like nickel, chromium, manganese, copper, vanadium, molybdenum, silicon, tungsten, and many more, amounting to 1 to 50% by weight

Stainless Steel - Contains between 10 to 20% chromium – the element that prevents corrosion; and a maximum of 0.1 to 1% of carbon. It also contains manganese, silicon, nickel, and molybdenum.

Production Process

Carbon Steel - Seamless or Welded

Galvanized Steel - Seamless or Welded

Black Steel - Seamless or Welded

Alloy - Seamless or Welded

Stainless Steel - Seamless or Welded

Weight

Carbon Steel - 7.85 tons per cubic meter

Galvanized Steel - Weight of base material (iron or steel) + 15% due to zinc coating

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Black Steel - 7.80 tons per cubic meter

Alloy - Reduces the weight of pure metals depending on what alloying elements are used.

Stainless Steel - 8.0 tons per cubic meter

Ideal Applications

Carbon Steel - Ideal for construction applications and other uses like liquid and gas lines under high temperatures, tools, ships, automobiles, and more

Galvanized Steel - Mainly used in the transportation of coal gas, steam, and water

2Equally excellent for a wide range of construction applications, including marine and weather-exposed environments

Black Steel – 1) Preferred in areas that demand high stability like liquid and gas transportation due to high strength and corrosion resistance.

- 2) They are also used in many construction applications

Alloy - *Generally utilized in the piping industry for extreme conditions, as well as in Oil and Gas and power generation, due to its toughness.*Alloy steel pipes also has numerous applications in the building and construction industry

Stainless Steel - Used in industries where corrosion and oxidation resistance are significant and require high strength, including ships energy, poles, water treatment, pharmaceutical, and Oil and Gas applications

Areas of Limitation

Carbon Steel - Not suitable for extreme conditions or high pressure

Galvanized Steel - 1) Not advisable to be used in gas lines because the zinc coating can clog the pipe when it begins to flake;

- 2) Later found to be unrecommended for water transportation due to the contamination developed after years of service.

Black Steel - Less suitable for applications requiring aesthetic appearance

Alloy - Occasions may be rare, but alloys are less recommended when excellent electrical or heat conductivity is required

Stainless Steel - Applications involving contact, friction, or abrasion should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the chromium layer that keeps the material rust and corrosion resistant

Strengths

Carbon Steel - It is a robust, high-strength, and shock-resistant metal. Unlike many other metals, it does not decay. Carbon steel pipe comes in various sizes, can be bent to curves, and may be utilized almost everywhere. This metal is frequently the most practical choice due to its strength, affordability, and safety.

Galvanized Steel - Galvanized steel pipes are designed to prevent rust and corrosion. Galvanization or zinc coating is less costly than other protective coating methods. It is highly durable; hence it can reach a service life beyond 50 years under normal conditions and at least 25 years under severe and extreme environments.

Black Steel - 1) These steel pipes are manufactured with increased tensile strength and productivity. Fluctuating pressures or shock pressures cannot bend or break them down. In other words, these pipes are shatterproof in transport and in-service; 2) Because of high strength, these pipes can come with thinner walls, maximizing inside diameter or carrying capacity; 3) Alloy steel pipes can prevent fires better than galvanized steel pipes.

Alloy - 1) Alloy steel pipes are corrosion-resistant;

2) have a higher percentage of ductility and weldability.

3) They can be lighter and have a higher melting point than other steel, which is a positive factor in the safety of buildings and structures against fire and seismic activities.

Stainless Steel - 1) Stainless steel pipes are corrosion-heat-impact resistant;

2) They are also favorable for the food industry since they have antimicrobial properties that are genuinely great for transporting food products in processing systems. *They are also easy to manufacture, install, and maintain. The flexibility of stainless steel makes it possible for manufacturers to generate custom-shaped pipes and pipe fittings. Stainless steel pipes are likewise easy to install, saving industries from lengthy preparation time.

Weak Points

Carbon Steel - It is more prone to rust compared to other steel. Because of its strength, it is more challenging to work with

Galvanized Steel - Galvanized steel pipes corrodes from inside out after some time, resulting in clogged lines and contamination of carried liquids, especially water.

Black Steel - Black steel pipes are not corrosion-resistant and are less attractive.

Alloy - Alloy steel pipes have lower strength compared to carbon steel

Stainless Steel - Stainless steel pipes are more expensive due to the integration of superior alloying materials and the complexity of manufacturing processes and types of machinery

Initial Cost

Carbon Steel - With anti-corrosion measures, the cost is higher compared to black steel pipe

Galvanized Steel - More expensive than iron and steel pipes due to the zinc coating provided

Black Steel - Considered the cheapest steel pipe.

Alloy - More costly compared to iron and steel pipes depending on the nature and quantities of alloying substances

Maintenance/Anti-Corrosion

Alloy - Maintenance is convenient and cheap

Stainless Steel - Maintenance is convenient and cheap.

Each classification and type of steel pipe has suitable areas of application, dominant features, and inferiorities.

Ultimately, choosing a suitable steel pipe is a matter of design priorities - what characteristics of steel pipe have the utmost importance, and what features are given with the slightest consideration? The building blocks of steel might be simply iron and carbon; however, alloying processes have allowed us to customize steel into desired properties that suit almost all extent and complexity of applications in metallurgy.

Be an intelligent buyer by learning more about the types of steel suitable for your specific piping requirements. Choose a supplier that offers stellar inventory, value-added services, and experience in the global market. Choose ESC!

ESC steel piping products have it all – steel piling pipes, combination walls, structural steel pipes, loading steel pipes, including corrosion protection solutions. ESC produces a wide range of steel pipes up to 4,267mm diameter and 100mm thickness by LSAW, SSAW, and ERW manufacturing processes.

Know more about our products, please download our catalog and feel free to contact us at: www.escglobalgroup.com

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