Types of Welded Pipes Used in Industry | High-Performance Industrial Pipe Solutions

        In the industrial sector, welded pipes are widely used due to their high production efficiency, wide range of specifications, and significant cost advantages. Different welding processes result in significant differences in pipe performance, applicable scenarios, and inspection requirements. This article will systematically introduce common welded pipe types,their characteristics,and typical applications,and provide selection recommendations to help engineering and procurement personnel make more appropriate decisions.

        Ⅰ. Main types classified by welding method

        1. ERW (Electric Resistance Welded):ERW pipes are formed by flattening steel coils and then forming them using high-frequency resistance or high-frequency welding. They are suitable for small to medium diameter and thin pipes and are commonly used for fluid transportation, structural support, furniture, and piping engineering.

        2. LSAW/DSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welding):Longitudinal seam submerged arc welded pipes are typically used in medium to large diameter applications requiring high pressure resistance. DSAW (double-sided longitudinal seam) improves joint strength through welding on both the inner and outer sides and is commonly found in oil and gas pipelines and offshore platform structures.

        3. SSAW/HSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welding):Spiral welded pipes are made by spirally forming a pipe blank from coiled steel strips and then welding it along the spiral direction. The diameter can be flexibly adjusted, making them suitable for large-diameter, low to medium pressure water supply, sewage discharge and pipe pile projects. The manufacturing cost is relatively low.

        4. EFW/SAW (Electric Fusion Weld, etc./Submerged Arc Welding) and other special welding:Processes such as arc welding and large flat welding are commonly used for connecting and manufacturing thick-walled pipes or pipes made of special materials, and can meet higher strength and pressure resistance requirements.

        Ⅱ. Common categories categorized by purpose or standard

        • API pipes (such as API5L and API5CT): Primarily used for oil and gas well casing and pipelines. Material and inspection requirements are categorized according to PSL1/PSL2 grades, with high requirements for pressure resistance and corrosion resistance.

        • Boiler tubes and heat exchange tubes: Require strict requirements for high temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, and metallographic structure. Commonly manufactured using special alloys or carbon steel specifications.

        • Galvanized or coated welded pipes: Used in open-air structures or applications with high corrosion resistance requirements, such as municipal and building columns and railings.

        Ⅲ. Future Trends and Procurement Recommendations

        As energy efficiency and life cost become increasingly important in engineering projects, composite materials, internal and external corrosion protection layers, and more stringent quality traceability systems will become key to competitive procurement. Metal has extensive project experience and can provide professional pipe selection advice and inspection support based on your project conditions. Contact us for customized solutions.