SSAW steel pipes are produced by rolling low-carbon or low-alloy structural steel strips into pipe blanks at a specific spiral angle, known as the forming angle, and then welding the seams. This method allows the creation of large-diameter steel pipes from narrower strips of steel. The specifications of SSAW pipes are expressed as outer diameter * wall thickness. The welded pipe must pass hydraulic pressure tests, tensile strength tests, and cold bending performance tests to ensure compliance with regulations.
American Standards for SSAW Steel Pipes
In the United States, the dimensions and specifications of SSAW steel pipes are typically defined by standards such as ASTM A53, ASTM A252, and ASTM A139. These standards cover different grades and sizes of SSAW pipes for various applications, ensuring quality and performance.
1. ASTM A53 Standard
ASTM A53 is a widely used standard in the steel pipe manufacturing industry. It specifies the manufacturing standards and material requirements for welded and seamless steel pipes, covering a range of pipe types, including heavy-duty, medium-duty, and light-duty pipes. This standard applies to general-use welded and seamless steel pipes.
2. ASTM A252 Standard
ASTM A252, established by the American Iron and Steel Institute, regulates the design, production, and installation of spiral welded steel pipes. This standard includes specifications for steel pipe materials, dimensions, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, welding, and testing. ASTM A252 is specifically for steel pipes used in structural applications under high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure conditions.
3. ASTM A139 Standard
ASTM A139/A139M outlines the production of electrofusion (arc) welded straight and spiral seam steel pipes, particularly those with nominal dimensions of 4 inches and larger. These pipes are primarily used for transporting low-pressure liquids, gases, or steam.
Additional Standards
Beyond these ASTM standards, SSAW steel pipes are also regulated by other standards in the United States and internationally, including:
API SPEC 5L: American Petroleum Institute standard for pipeline transportation systems.
EN10219: European Standards Committee specification for cold-formed welded structural steel pipes.
GB/T9711: Chinese national standard for pipeline transportation systems.
ASME B31.3: American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard for the manufacturing, inspection, and testing of steel pipes used in pressure vessels, including spiral steel pipes.
Conclusion
SSAW steel pipes are widely used for their versatility and ability to transport fluids and gases safely. The quality of these pipes is directly tied to their compliance with established standards. When selecting SSAW steel pipes, it is crucial to understand the relevant standards and choose high-quality products that meet these requirements to ensure safe and reliable use.