ASTM Standards for Steel Tubing Assure Quality around the Globe

ASTM standards are known and used worldwide, and products that meet ASTM tubing and structural steel standards are used every day in projects everywhere. Buildings, infrastructure, and drill rigs made with ASTM structural steel use materials designed for effectiveness and worker safety. At Corpac Steel Products, we provide ASTM tubing, pipe, and structural steel worldwide for projects of every type.

Reasons for ASTM Standards

ASTM standards provide a common basis for the buyer-seller relationship. With ASTM standards, customers can specify exactly the product they want, and producers can give accurate quotes to customers. Knowing applicable ASTM standards saves time for both parties and ensures that customers know exactly the product they'll receive. Project managers know when they specify ASTM structural steel or tubing, the product will meet project requirements.

ASTM and the North American Free Trade Agreement

The Canadian Standards Association, or CSA, has in many cases adopted ASTM standards when it has existed prior to a CSA standard. In recent years, the United States' other North American trading partner, Mexico, has worked closely to extend ASTM standards for steel tubular products and other steel products in Mexico. Widespread adoption of ASTM standards in North America helps simplify trade among North American nations.

Industries that Rely on ASTM Steel Products

Most people naturally think of the petroleum drilling and distribution industry when they think of structural steel and steel tubing, but many industries rely on ASTM structural steel. Water supply and sewage industries use structural steel, steel pipe, and tubing, as do the following industries:

·         Nonferrous metal refineries
·         Pulp and paper production
·         Pharmaceuticals
·         Chemical manufacturing
·         Food processing
·         Mining

The Product Isn't the Whole Story

As important as ASTM and other standard products are to successful projects, the products don't tell the whole story. Some projects require products immediately, while others require them to be delivered over a set timetable. Steel suppliers should have the expertise in the logistics of delivery that allow them to meet customer requirements consistently. At Corpac Steel Products, we not only have the products customers require, we have the knowledge and experience needed to deliver on time whatever the project timetable.

What Should You Expect from the Steel Supplier You Choose?

The steel industry has undergone many changes in the past five years as changing supply and demand conditions have been felt worldwide. Demand for steel used in automobile production dropped in the US, but increased energy drilling products in the US and worldwide have increased need for drilling and pipeline products. Corpac Steel Products is a steel manufacturer with a wide range of steel products to serve the energy, infrastructure, and construction trades worldwide.

Tubular Products for the Energy Industry

The energy industry requires carbon and alloy products for upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. Steel manufacturers must meet international specifications and standards developed for petroleum exploration and production, natural gas recovery and transport, well operation, petroleum processing, storage, transport and distribution. Suppliers must have the products and the logistics expertise to meet diverse needs in far flung locations.

Standard Pipe and Tubing Production and Distribution

Standard pipe and tubing includes carbon and alloy products used in a wide range of applications. These products may be used for conveyance of liquids, gases, and slurries, or they may be used in structural applications. As with energy industry steel products, steel distributors for pipe and tubing must meet rigorous international specifications and standards to meet the requirements of their specific applications.

Structural Steel Products

Structural steel is used in infrastructure projects and building projects and comes in many cross-sectional shapes. Structural products include seamless and welded steel pipe as well as steel plate, and various types of beams, like I-beams and wide flange beams. The steel distributor you choose should be able to advise you knowledgeably about these products and have the necessary experience to meet your delivery requirements.

Logistics Expertise to Meet Project Demands Worldwide

Having the right products is only the beginning. Many projects today take place in remote areas and delivery can involve crossing numerous international borders. Your steel supplier should have the experience necessary to deal with customs and with last mile delivery so you can stay on schedule. At Corpac Steel Products, our reputation is built on having the right products and working with customers to make them arrive at the right place at the right time.

Drill Pipe Considerations for HDD Projects

Horizontal directional drilling, or HDD, is a trenchless technique for installing underground pipes. The pipes are installed along a bore path with a surface drilling rig, and done correctly minimizes impact on the surroundings. HDD is often used when trenching is not practical, and works with many soil conditions. At Corpac Steel Products, we are drill pipe manufacturers who understand the special needs of HDD projects.

Physical Properties That Must Be Considered

Drill pipe for HDD projects must be of the correct diameter, with an appropriate wall thickness, and the proper grade of steel for the conditions. Torsional stiffness is important for extended reach projects. With wall thickness, generally thicker means stronger, but there are exceptions. Modern steel alloys address the HDD project's need for pipe that's tougher. Drill pipe manufacturers should have the knowledge to understand the needs of HDD projects so that there are no misunderstandings.

Choosing a Supplier

If you're purchasing new pipe for your HDD project, thoroughly examine the quality control standards of the drill pipe suppliers you are considering. You should also choose a drill pipe supplier with the necessary engineering expertise to understand why you need what you need. Drill pipe suppliers should be about more than looking up inventory and quoting prices.

Planning for Delivery

You're better off planning your drill pipe purchases far enough in advance to find the selection and availability you need. What you don't want is to have to make a choice of "good enough" pipe that's in stock. Evaluate suppliers early so that you can order far enough in advance to get the exact pipe you want rather than running short on time and having to choose only from in stock pipe.

What to Expect from Your Supplier

Choose a drill pipe supplier who can provide reference material about their products to help you make the best decision on drill pipe. They should also offer inspection reports and calculations that can help you choose wisely. Furthermore, your supplier should have extensive logistics expertise to help you keep your project on schedule and on budget. At Corpac Steel Products, we deliver more than just steel pipe: we deliver peace of mind.

Infrastructure Projects Worldwide Depend on Steel Manufacture and Delivery

Enormous projects worldwide, including those in emerging economies like those of Brazil, India, and China, are undertaking infrastructure projects that require materials including ASME structural steel. Suppliers must speak the language of infrastructure engineers in order to meet project needs efficiently. At Corpac Steel Products, our ASME structural steelcan be delivered to your project wherever you're located on the globe.

Commercial and Industrial Buildings

Growth in urban areas is resource intensive and concrete and steel are the two main building materials in demand for commercial and industrial structures. Engineers and contractors have to be confident that the I-beams, hollow structural sections, C-cross sections, and open web steel joints they require will be ready to go as soon as the project demands. This requires the structural steel supplier to have a strong network of mills and freight forwarders to meet demand.

Land Infrastructure Projects

Rail and highway infrastructure projects require massive quantities of steel, and often these products must be "last mile" delivered in challenging conditions. After all, these projects may bring transportation networks to places they've never been before. Choosing a steel supplier with extensive logistics experience is critical to ensuring that projects proceed on schedule and within budgets. Not only must the product be right, the delivery has to be right as well.

Water Infrastructure Projects

Harbor berths and seawalls require structural pipe, and these products must withstand environmental conditions that are harsh. Specific steel formulations are available to work in demanding water environments, including salt water environments. When your steel supplier has experience supplying water infrastructure projects, they can tap their worldwide network of manufacturers to ensure timely delivery while helping you keep costs under control.

Petroleum Exploration

Many new potential oil and gas fields have been found in recent years, and they're located everywhere from the Russian Arctic to the tropical waters off the coast of South America. Petroleum exploration and drilling are structural steel-intensive industries, due to the demands of the rigs, the drill pipes, and transport pipelines associated with them. At Corpac Steel Products, we have the experience that those in the petroleum, land, or water infrastructure sectors require to carry out their projects successfully.

Offshore Pipeline Projects Continue to Address Global Energy Demand

Offshore pipeline projects are thriving in a world where developing economies account for ever-increasing demand for petroleum products. Offshore pipeline suppliers have to be ready to deliver products the international petroleum industry requires. In addition to transport pipe, offshore pipeline suppliers may deliver drill pipe and structural steel. At Corpac Steel Products, our reputation for quality products and superior logistics makes us the go-to choice for offshore projects.

Projects in the North Sea

The UK is busy with its Greater Stella Area project in the central North Sea, which includes four wells, and all the sub-sea structures and related infrastructure, such as a drill center manifold, and oil and gas export assemblies. Without steel, exploration and export of petroleum from these valuable offshore pipeline projects simply could not be attempted.

Russia's Arctic Pipeline Network

Russia's vast oil pipeline network is extending offshore in the Arctic, as exploration gets underway for crude oil in the icy Kara Sea. A pipeline in northern Siberia could be extended to Taz Bay if oil resources are found. More than 60% of Russia's oil is produced in Siberia, and engineers and geologists hope that offshore drilling will discover an extension of Siberia's oil-rich geology. With temperatures below minus 60 Centigrade and thick ice, drilling and pipeline infrastructure will have to withstand harsh conditions.

South American Pipeline Projects

Drilling and transport in the Gulf of Venezuela is underway, with multiple drilling platforms and an offshore pipeline of 67 km being constructed. Platforms some 300 km off the coasts of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are being constructed, as are two offshore pipelines in waters that reach depths of 2,200 meters.

The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline

Albania, Italy, and Greece are coordinating support for the natural gas Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, a network of pipelines designed to add competition to Europe's energy sector. If constructed, the pipeline would carry up to 700 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year across part of the Adriatic, depending on supply and demand. Massive international drilling and transport are the future of petroleum, and steel pipeline suppliers like Corpac Steel Products are there to meet demand for drill pipe, transport pipe, and structural steel.

Worldwide Infrastructure Depends on Steel Pipes and Structural Steel

Roads, bridges, buildings, and pipelines all depend on steel in order to serve their purposes. It's not difficult to find a steel tubing supplier, even in developing economies. But just because a company calls itself a steel tubing supplier doesn't mean it can meet your steel tubing, steel pipe, and structural steel needs. At Corpac Steel Products we are logistics experts and know exactly how to get your products to you so as to maximize project efficiency.

Water Infrastructure

Water infrastructure around the world is being built up continually, particularly in societies that are pursuing major urban initiatives like China. Water infrastructure in other places requires extension and sometimes repair. Steel continues to be a material of choice in water infrastructure, on large and small scales. The best suppliers have the engineering expertise to ensure products meet specs and projects meet schedules.

Structural Steel and Building Infrastructure

Structural steel comes in a variety of cross-sectional shapes and sizes and makes up significant portions of commercial and industrial buildings. When your structural steel supplier understands the "whys" behind a particular design, they can advise you properly when it's time to order structural steel. And if your project is in a remote area or in another country, they should be able to tap a worldwide network to deliver products safely and on time.

Oil and Gas Infrastructure

Oil and gas pipelines will only become more extensive as worldwide energy demand continues to increase. Steel tubing distributors with experience in drill string production, OCTG products, and the various international standards that apply to the oil and gas industry are the ones you should call on when your project is a drill rig or a transmission pipeline.

Your Distributor Should Do More than Sell You Tubing

Anyone can sell you steel tubing. But steel tubingdistributors with an extensive background in the projects their products are used in and the logistics expertise necessary to bring products to their "last mile" are the only ones you should consider. At Corpac Steel Products, we not only understand our products thoroughly, we also have extensive knowledge of shipping, customs, the most appropriate steel transport methods for your needs.

The Many Challenges of Today's Steel Pipe and Tubing Supplier

Pipe manufacturers face big challenges in developing and processing materials used in line pipe, drill pipe, and API tubing. The steeltubing supplier has to be prepared with large-diameter, longitudinally welded line pipe for oil and gas transport, and other products that accommodate high operating pressures and severe environmental conditions. Steel must possess high strength, good weldability, and optimized geometry. Does your steel tubing supplier deliver all this? At Corpac Steel Products, we have the technical and logistics expertise to meet demand impeccably.

High Strength Steels: A Brief Overview

High strength steels for use in API tubing, line pipe, and drill pipe benefited from thermomechanical rolling that replaced some hot rolling and normalizing in the 1970s. Alloying steels with niobium and vanadium has reduced carbon content in some steel pipes. Thermomechanical rolling was supplemented with accelerated cooling in the 1980s, making even higher strength materials possible while retaining excellent weldability.

Development and Production of High Strength Steels

The use of molybdenum, nickel, and copper now allow even higher strength steels when the steel is processed into plate form by thermomechanical rolling and accelerated cooling. In general, longitudinally welded line pipe of large diameter is used for petroleum transport because it offers improved safety and better cost effectiveness while permitting high operating pressures for pipeline.

Microstructure in Line Pipe Steel

Conventionally rolled and normalized steels show coarse ferrite grain size with banded ferrite and pearlite. Higher grade rolled steels show more uniform microstructure along with finer ferrite grains. When thermomechanical rolling is followed by accelerated cooling, the result is an even more uniform and very fine microstructure, giving the steel and the pipe and tubing it is made into improved properties including superior strength and safety.

Growth in Global Energy Consumption Necessitates Expert Pipe Logistics

The steel tubing supplier today must keep pipe prices down while providing the highest quality for natural gas and oil transport. Predicted growth in worldwide energy consumption will necessitate steel tubing and line pipe that works in severe environmental conditions, transporting oil and gas to end users. At Corpac Steel Products, we are at the forefront of technology and logistics and ready to meet worldwide challenges today.