ISO Structural Steel Suppliers Must Have Broad Knowledge

Much is required of structural steel, whether it is hidden inside the structure of a building or exposed to the weather. Structural steel suppliers have to have a keen understanding of structural steel coatings, the right tools for applying it, and strong quality control procedures. For example, coating systems used in today's bridges are quite sophisticated, incorporating zinc primers to protect from corrosion, plus top coats to add further protection and give the desired color or finish type.

Structural Steel Fireproofing

Although structural steel isn't combustible, in the event of a fire, sustained high temperatures can seriously damage non-protected steel, which loses about half its load-carrying capacity once temperatures approach 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. Fireproofing encases steel and provides insulation in order to keep steel temperature lower than the temperature that would compromise design strength. Fireproofing products for structural steel are tested in accordance with the ASTM E119 (UL 263) testing standard.

Exploration Pipeline and Corrosion

In the petroleum exploration industry, resistance to corrosion is extremely important. Steel pipe used in exploration pipelines may have one of a variety of protective coatings internally and externally in order to withstand harsh chemical environments and prolong the life of the pipe. Your exploration pipeline supplier should be conversant in the products used in corrosive environments so there are no misunderstandings about your order.

Drag-Reducing Internal Coatings              

The compressor stations along gas pipelines are primarily used to overcome friction between the gas and the wall of the pipeline. But today, internal coating is more widely used, and these coatings are specifically designed to reduce drag and cut the costs due to compressor station operation. These coatings also cut down on compressor station maintenance.

Technical and Logistics Expertise Are Paramount

Not only should your exploration pipeline supplier or supplier of steel for other purposes be well-versed in the technical demands of your industry, they must have the expertise necessary to deliver your products when you want them, even if they must cross international boundaries to get there. With more industries shifting to a "just in time" inventory program, the steel supplier with the logistics and technical expertise is the one to choose.

Welded vs. Seamless API Pipe

API pipe and tubing is mostly used for conveying oil, gas, and water. Tubular products may be welded or seamless, and each type has advantages and disadvantages. Welded tubing starts with a hot or cold rolled coil. Cold-rolled steel provides tighter tolerances and good mechanical properties. The steel coil is cut to precise widths and formed into tubing by forming and welding, and also sizing and cutting processes. Different types of welding may be used, with laser welding having the best reputation for meeting purity requirements.

How Seamless Pipe Is Made

Seamless pipe starts with a metal bar. It is pierced, extruded, or gun-drilled to create pipe. Piercing is used with stainless steel alloys with less than 12% chromium. Extrusion, which forces the bar over a mandrel and through a die is the most common method of making seamless pipe. Gun-drilling is more expensive, but many believe it creates a higher quality pipe. With gun-drilling the bar is fed over a stationary flute drill and is rotated throughout, producing superior straightness and concentricity.

Availability and Cost

API 5L pipe is widely used, and may be either seamless or welded. Seamless API 5L pipe is more expensive. With seamless hot-rolled pipe, the number of available alloys is limited, whereas with welded pipe, a wider variety of materials may be used. There is generally a wider variety of welded pipe readily available, whereas seamless pipe may have to be ordered.

Surface Options

With seamless pipe, surface condition is determined by hot forming. An "orange skin" surface is produced with hot forming, and this texture must be grinded away, raising the cost. Welded pipes may be made from raw materials with many different surface types. Further refinement of the surface of welded pipes may be done with processes like grinding as well.

Tolerances

For hot rolled seamless pipe, wall thickness tolerance is 12.5%, as specified by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). However, with hot rolled seamless pipe, the cross-section may not be perfectly symmetrical. Generally, with steel plate or coil that is even, the seamless or welded pipe created will have consistent tolerance throughout the entire pipe.

The Steel Tubing Distributor and Your Supply Chain

Steel tubing is specified by its outside diameter, unlike steel piping, which is specified by its inside diameter. Steel tubing is used in a huge range of industries, from processing industries, to structural industries and even consumer products. Round and square tubing are used in structural applications, for structures like catwalks and platforms, for transport of liquids or gas, and for products like vehicle exhaust systems.

Process Industries and Steel Tubing Demand

Process industries include pharmaceuticals, biotech, dairy, chemical, food, and beverages. Water treatment facilities are also process facilities that depend on access to a steel tubing distributor for construction, expansion, and repair needs. Stainless steel alloys offer the process industries resistance to corrosion, chemical and thermal stability, and cost effectiveness. The steel distributor plays a critical role in building these industries and keeping them productive.

The Steel Distributor over the Next Five Years

Despite experiencing fluctuations in demand up through 2010 or 2011, steel distribution is expected to see increased demand over the next few years. Sustained construction growth and increased exploration for petroleum products are main contributors to this growth. Revenues in the steel distribution sector are expected to experience annual growth of around 1.8% per year through 2017.

Upstream and Downstream Steel Tubing Demands

Steel tubing demand comes from a variety of upstream and downstream industries, and is affected by rig counts in the oil and gas industries, construction of gas and water transmission lines, and general economic conditions. Suppliers are learning the best ways to replenish inventories, as well as how to make better forecasts of demand so as to meet it without creating huge inventory backlogs.

Factors Affecting Steel Tubing Costs

The costs associated with steel tubing distribution are affected by numerous factors. The cost of the steel itself is influential, as are labor costs and the costs associated with electricity and natural gas used by the steel tubing manufacturing industry. The steel distribution industry is seeing a trend toward just-in-time inventory systems as steel tubing consumers demand this type of inventory method. International markets and import and export competition is also a factor expected to affect steel suppliers over the next decade.