Today, welded pipes are among the most prevalent and widely used pipes in various industries, including construction, oil and gas transportation, water pipelines, and structural applications.
Did you know that the invention of welded pipes dates back to the 19th century? Major developments in metal technology and welding paved the way for the creation of steel pipes by rolling flat steel surfaces into cylindrical shapes and welding the edges together.
Let’s explore the different types of welded pipes, their characteristics, and applications. We will also compare them with seamless pipes, another popular type of industrial steel pipe.
ERW Pipes (Electric Resistance Welded Pipes)
Manufacturing Process:
ERW pipes are made by rolling metal and welding the edges using high-frequency electric resistance. This process gives them their name.
Characteristics:
- Smooth finish
- Cost-effective
- Used in medium and low-pressure applications
Applications:
- Scaffolding
- Automotive industry
- Structural applications
- Water supply
Popular Types:
- MS ERW Pipes
- GI ERW Pipes
- SS ERW Pipes
HFIW Pipes (High-Frequency Induction Welded Pipes)
HFIW pipes are a type of ERW pipe, where high-frequency currents are used to heat and fuse the edges without any filler material. This results in a strong, clean, and uniform weld, making them ideal for structural applications.
LSAW Pipes (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipes)
Manufacturing Process:
LSAW pipes are produced by bending and welding steel plates using the submerged arc welding (SAW) process along the seam. This method ensures high durability and strength.
Characteristics:
- High strength and durability
- Superior weld quality and precise dimensions
- Suitable for large-diameter production (16″–60″)
- Stronger than ERW and SSAW pipes due to full penetration welding
Applications:
- Offshore pipelines
- Long-distance oil and gas transmission
- Urban water pipelines
- Structural applications
Popular Types:
- MS LSAW Pipes
- Carbon Steel LSAW Pipes
SSAW Pipes (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded Pipes)
Manufacturing Process:
SSAW pipes are manufactured by spirally winding a steel plate into a cylindrical shape and welding the seam using the submerged arc welding process.
Characteristics:
- Flexible diameter and length – Ideal for large-diameter pipes (up to 100 inches)
- Cost-effective – More efficient production compared to LSAW pipes
- Strong & durable – The spiral weld offers excellent pressure resistance
Applications:
- Water pipelines – Used for water transportation in urban and industrial areas
- Oil & gas – Suitable for low to medium-pressure oil and gas pipelines
- Structural uses – Piling, bridges, piers, and offshore platforms
- Construction – Found in highways, stadiums, and civil engineering projects
Popular Types:
- MS SSAW Pipes
- Carbon Steel SSAW Pipes
UOE Welded Pipes
Manufacturing Process:
UOE pipes are produced using the U-ing, O-ing, and Expanding method, where the steel plate is formed into a U and then O shape before being expanded for dimensional accuracy.
Characteristics:
- High mechanical strength
- Excellent dimensional accuracy
Applications:
- Offshore pipelines
- Large-scale energy projects
Leading Manufacturers of Welded Pipes
Major Manufacturers of ERW Pipes:
- M/s. Jindal Industries Limited (Hisar)
- M/s. Jindal (India) Limited
- M/s. Maharashtra Seamless Limited
- M/s. Surya Roshini Limited
- M/s. Utkarsh Tubes & Pipes Limited
Major Manufacturers of Large-Diameter Pipes:
- M/s. Steel Authority of India Limited
- M/s. PSL Limited
- M/s. Lalit Pipes & Pipes Limited
- M/s. JCO Gas Pipe Limited
- M/s. Surya Roshini Limited
- M/s. Mukat Tank & Vessels (P) Limited
- M/s. Surindra Engg. Co. Ltd
- M/s. Bhushan Steel Limited
About Madras Steels
Madras Steels is India’s leading supplier of industrial steel pipes, offering a diverse range of welded pipes, including ERW, HFIW, LSAW, and SSAW pipes. With branches in Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Delhi, we ensure the highest-quality steel products for various industrial applications.
Conclusion
Welded pipes play a crucial role in infrastructure, construction, and energy industries. Understanding the different types – ERW, HFIW, LSAW, SSAW, and UOE – helps in selecting the right pipe for the required application.