Difference Between Seamless & Welded Stainless Steel Pipes You Don't Know About

What are Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes?

Drawing a solid billet over a piercing rod without welding or seams creates the hollow shell of a seamless steel pipe (SMLS). It's simple to bend and flange. The ability to withstand higher pressure is the most significant benefit. Seamless steel pipe that has been cut, threaded, or grooved is an alternative.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes

Fabricators can readily weld stainless steel seamless pipes together into any size or shape, one size pipe can fit into another size's end without any strange shapes appearing in the seam between them, and they are corrosion resistant.

Stainless steel provides several benefits, including the ability to resist rust and the capacity to withstand high temperatures.

Stainless steel seamless pipes, on the other hand, can have drawbacks.

The fact that stainless steel seamless pipes do not conduct heat well is one of their drawbacks.

This means that if you heat something on a stainless steel seamless pipe, the object will take longer to reach the correct temperature.

Longer cooking times and greater energy expenditures may result as a result of this.

Another downside of stainless steel seamless pipes is that, in some circumstances, they are not cost-effective.

Other materials, such as copper or plastic, might be more economical and efficient when utilized for water transportation while yet providing the same level of corrosion and high-temperature protection as a stainless steel pipe.

What is Stainless Steel Welded Pipes?

A stainless welded steel pipe is made up of welded steel strips or plates that have been bent into round, square, or other shapes and then welded to the steel pipe seam's surface.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Welded Pipes

Stainless steel welded pipes are corrosion-resistant since they are made of stainless steel.

They have a longer life expectancy and are more adaptable in terms of size.

When compared to other types of pipelines, SS welded pipes have numerous advantages.

Because stainless steel is a thermoplastic material that does not corrode in water or groundwater, it does not need to be encased in concrete or placed in a protective sleeve when installed.

Because they can endure natural phenomena such as earthquakes and hurricanes, these pipes are also more versatile in terms of size and have a far longer lifespan than other types of pipelines.

One of the most significant disadvantages of stainless steel welded pipes is welding distortion. It causes a lack of precision, which might cause problems with later welding or cutting. Over-deformation during welding or incorrect preheating during welding might result in welding distortion. Some welding flaws can result in cracks on the pipe's surface. This will cause corrosion within the pipe, reducing its durability.

Another issue is the difference in expansion coefficients of pipe and tube materials, which causes leaking at weld joints.

Difference Between Seamless & Welded Stainless Steel Pipes

The stainless welded pipe was assumed to be innately weaker because it had a weld seam.

Seamless pipe, on the other hand, was considered safer because it lacked the alleged structural flaw.

While welded pipe does contain a seam that can make it weaker, production techniques and quality assurance systems have advanced to the point that welded pipe will perform as intended when tolerances are not exceeded.

While the benefits of Stainless Steel 316H Seamless Pipes are evident, one critique is that the rolling and stretching process results in variable wall thickness when compared to the more precise thickness of steel sheets going for welding.

Many high-pressure, high-temperature applications in the oil and gas, power generation, and pharmaceutical industries demand seamless pipe. Welded piping is employed in all industries as long as the temperature, pressure, and other service variables do not exceed the applicable standard's parameters.

Seamless piping can handle larger pressures because it lacks the massive stress concentration point present in welded pipes. Seamless pipes also have a better surface finish, making them less susceptible to corrosion and pitting. However, many additional steps are required to create seamless piping. As a result, seamless materials take much longer to produce and may cost more than welded materials.