In today's world, pipelines move more cargo, measured in ton-kilometers, than all other modes of transport combined. To increase their throughput, it is necessary not only to increase the diameter, which, by the way, is not always possible, but also the pressure created by the pumps in the internal space. In turn, this approach requires the use of very reliable and not too expensive raw materials for laying main and distribution routes. At this stage of development of technological progress, the best in these respects is round hot rolled steel pipe, produced in large quantities by metallurgical plants. Low prices for domestic rolled metal with its excellent quality, as well as the extensive range provided by suppliers, allow construction contractors and repair organizations to successfully solve their problems.
The main differences between round hot-rolled steel pipes and analogues
The closest in purpose is round cold rolled steel pipe, due to the difference between technological production methods, it has some significant differences. Since the iron alloy, when heated to high temperatures, is more easily deformed even under its own weight, the hot rolled metal product is not quite ideal in geometric shape. In addition, scale appears on the surface, leaving a dent after removal. The first and second factors have little effect on the strength characteristics, but may somewhat complicate installation operations using electric arc welding or turning of threaded connecting parts made from pieces. Changing the chemical composition of the raw materials used for production introduces much more significant changes in the technical parameters and scope, so it is worth considering them separately from each other in more detail.
Galvanized pipe
The only thing different galvanized pipe from those described above, this is by applying a thin layer of zinc to their outer surface. This step prevents the appearance of rust that spoils the appearance and slowly destroys the wall for many decades. Naturally, the galvanizing procedure slightly increases the cost of the finished product, so the use of this type of ferrous metal is justified only when the damage caused by corrosion exceeds the cost of purchasing the raw materials or it is simply unacceptable for sanitary, aesthetic or other reasons.
Stainless steel pipe
Round polished seamless stainless steel pipe fundamentally different from analogues made of conventional steel in many respects. The most basic ones include:
- Chemical inertness to components of the earth's atmosphere and all kinds of active organic substances, including acids, alkalis, and alcohols. This property allows the metal to come into direct contact with the ingredients that make up food products, which turns out to be indispensable when creating equipment for the food industry.
- Nickel, which is included as an alloying element, greatly increases heat resistance, which is very important when designing heat exchangers for boiler plants.
- Stainless steel is able to retain its original beautiful appearance in the open air for centuries. This satisfies two of the main requests of designers who are constantly searching for suitable materials to realize their creative ideas. Nowadays, you can often find products made from lightweight, thin-walled, pleasantly shiny stainless steel right on the streets, successfully combining functions that are useful for practical needs and for decorating the territory.
The only drawback of this type of rental is the high price, so it should be used only if necessary or if economic feasibility has been proven by preliminary calculations.
Aluminum pipe
Aircraft of the aviation industry and the rocket and space industry constantly need lightweight, but at the same time quite durable materials. Round aluminum pipe cannot, of course, replace steel in the construction of pressure pipelines, but under low pressures and temperatures it performs its functions quite satisfactorily. There are plenty of them in airplanes, helicopters and rockets, but the main share in the modern market is still represented by profile products made of aluminum with a square or rectangular cross-section. They are also classified as pipes, although they are not at all similar to them, and are very widely used as a structural material in the production of window and balcony frames, doors, showcases, and furniture.