Advantages and disadvantages of ERW pipe

Straight Seam Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Pipes play an important role in the fields of oil and gas transportation, construction and water supply. This pipe is designed for high and low pressure transportation needs. Its manufacturing process is unique. ERW pipes are made by electric resistance welding. The weld is formed by melting the steel strip body. Compared with ordinary welded steel pipes, it has better mechanical strength. This process is characterized by high production efficiency, low cost, material saving and easy automation. It is widely used in many industrial fields such as energy, electronics, automobiles and light industry. The difference from argon arc welding, such as TIG welding, is that electric resistance welding does not involve electrode melting, but welding is achieved by resistance heating.

In recent years, the use of ERW steel pipes has increased because it has many advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use and availability. However, like any other product, ERW steel pipes also have their disadvantages. In this article, we will mainly explore the advantages and disadvantages of ERW pipes and their application advantages.

Advantages of ERW pipes:

1. Cost-effectiveness

One of the most significant advantages of ERW pipes is its cost-effectiveness. The production process of ERW pipes results in high material utilization, high production efficiency, and relatively low production costs. ERW pipes are cheaper than seamless pipes (SMLS) produced by more complex processes. ERW pipes are also more cost-effective than welded pipes made using other methods (LSAW/SSAW). The lower production cost of ERW pipes makes them ideal for industries seeking to reduce costs.

2. Availability
ERW pipes are readily available, making them ideal for industries that require a continuous supply of pipes. ERW pipes are welded using high-frequency currents, which heat quickly, have high production efficiency, and produce large quantities, so they can be purchased widely from a wide range of welded pipe manufacturers. The availability of ERW pipes reduces the risk of production delays and ensures a steady supply of pipes for industries that rely on them.

3. Good surface quality and high dimensional accuracy
Since steel coils and strips are used as raw materials, the steel is dimensionally stable. ERW steel pipes have high geometric dimensional accuracy, are easy to automate during the production process, and improve production consistency and stability of quality control. The finished product has a smooth, flat, beautiful surface, and a uniform coating, which saves a lot of coating materials and has a low cost for anti-corrosion of steel pipes. In actual project applications, butt welding is fast and on-site construction is efficient, which reduces labor costs.

4. Easy to use
ERW pipes are easy to use, making them a popular choice for industries that require fast and efficient installation. ERW pipes can be easily cut and welded together, reducing the need for special tools and equipment. ERW pipes are also available in a variety of lengths and diameters, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

5. Strong and durable
ERW pipes are strong and durable, suitable for a wide range of applications. Made of high-quality steel, ERW pipes are designed to withstand rigorous use in harsh environments. ERW pipes are protected by galvanizing and coating, and have excellent corrosion resistance, making them a reliable choice for industries that require corrosion-resistant pipes.

6. Versatility
ERW pipes are widely used and suitable for a wide range of industries. ERW pipes can be used in the construction industry to build buildings and bridges, in the oil and gas industry to transport oil and gas, and in the water supply industry to transport water.

Disadvantages of ERW pipes:

1. Welding defects
One of the disadvantages of ERW pipes is the possibility of welding defects. The welding process used to manufacture ERW pipes can produce defects such as pores, slag inclusions, lack of fusion, lack of penetration, and weld cracks. These defects can reduce the strength and durability of the pipe and may cause leaks and failures.

However, ERW pipe welds only have linear defects, and the welds are straight, which is easy to track during the inspection process. In addition, the defects are at the maximum reflection point. Once the defects appear, the ultrasonic reflection is strong and easy to detect.

2. Limited size range
ERW pipes (ASTM A53) have a limited size range, which can be a disadvantage in some industries. ERW pipes are generally smaller in diameter than seamless steel pipes, which limits their use in industries that require larger pipes.

3. Quality control issues
Another disadvantage of ERW pipes is that there may be quality control issues. ERW pipes are produced in large quantities, and it can be challenging to ensure that each pipe meets the required quality standards. Quality control issues can cause defects in the pipe, reducing its strength and durability and increasing the risk of failure.

4. Susceptibility to corrosion
Although ERW steel pipes are corrosion-resistant, they are still susceptible to corrosion in certain environments. ERW pipes exposed to corrosive materials or environments may corrode over time, reducing their strength and durability and increasing the risk of failure.

5. Reduced Load Capacity
ERW steel pipes have reduced load capacity compared to seamless pipes. The welding process used in ERW pipes creates welds along the length of the pipe, which can be a weak point. Such welds reduce the load-bearing capacity of the pipe compared to seamless pipes, which have a continuous structure without any welds. In applications involving high pressure or heavy loads, seamless pipes may be a more suitable choice.

Conclusion:

ERW pipes offer several advantages, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use, good surface quality, high dimensional accuracy, availability, ruggedness, and versatility. These advantages make ERW pipes a popular choice across industries. At the same time, the disadvantages associated with ERW pipes must also be considered, such as welding defects, limited size range, quality control issues, susceptibility to corrosion, and reduced load capacity.

To mitigate these disadvantages, appropriate quality control measures should be implemented during the manufacturing process of ERW pipes. Regular inspections and testing help identify and resolve welding defects and ensure that the pipes meet the required quality standards. Additionally, proper maintenance and corrosion protection can extend the service life of ERW steel pipe in corrosive environments.

In summary, while ERW pipe has its disadvantages, its advantages and overall effectiveness make it a viable choice for many applications. It is critical to consider the specific requirements and conditions of each project when choosing the type of pipe to use. Proper installation, maintenance, and quality control practices can maximize the advantages of ERW pipe and minimize potential disadvantages, resulting in successful, efficient piping systems for a variety of industries.

Read more: Carbon Steel ERW Pipe Specification or ERW pipe vs Seamless pipe Cost