Sunday, February 5, 2012

ISO Steel and Other Manufacturing Standards



Today more than two-thirds of new pipeline demand comes from the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Additionally, some 85,000 km of steel pipe is expected to be needed in the United States alone, to replace pipes that were installed in the 1960s that are nearing the end of their functional lifespan. With the economies of India and China growing rapidly, steel pipe manufacturers must keep up with demands while meeting the standards set for ISO steel pipe and ASTM steel pipe, along with other standards.

Types of Welding and Quality

Steel pipe that is longitudinally welded and made from plates is of higher quality than steel pipe that is welded horizontally and made from coils. Longitudinally welded pipe is preferred for offshore gas and oil transportation because this type of transport typically takes place at higher pressures in a setting where leakage can be extremely costly. Horizontally welded steel pipe is more often used for water transport. Clearly, pipe that doesn't meet standards is problematic in these applications.

Processing of Steel Pipes

After steel pipes are made, they are straightened by machine, and may have threading added for connection purposes. Pipes are sent through measuring machines, and quality control data are printed onto pipes before they are sprayed with protective oil. Pipes are usually galvanized or coated with zinc to prevent rusting, and some applications require other paints of coatings. Steel pipe is manufactured according to many international industry standards. For example API 5L line pipe is designated by grade (A or B), or designated according to minimum pipe steel yield strength. For example, API 5L line pipe of X60 grade has steel with a minimum yield strength of 60,000 pounds per square inch.

Quality Control

Whether your project requires ASTM steel pipe, or pipe meeting some other international standard, it undergoes quality control procedures to ensure the finished product complies. For example, x-ray gauges regulate steel thickness on the production line. After being made, pipes are inspected and tested in various ways. Projects involving steel pipe are generally capital intensive, so choosing suppliers with expertise in international standards and strong grounding in engineering ensures the finished product is up to the task for which it is assigned.

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