Is it better to use seamless pipes or welded pipes for fluid pipes in food factories?

In the fluid pipe system of a food factory, the choice of stainless steel seamless pipes or welded pipes requires comprehensive consideration of hygiene standards, medium characteristics, cost, specifications and dimensions, and process requirements. The following are key analysis points:

1. Hygiene and cleanability

Seamless pipes:
Advantages: The inner wall is smooth and has no welds, which is not easy to accumulate residues, reduces the risk of microbial growth, and is easier to clean (especially suitable for CIP cleaning).

Applicable scenarios: Food-grade seamless stainless steel pipes with high hygiene requirements can directly contact product pipes (such as milk, juice, sauces, etc.).

Welded pipes:
Welds that need to be processed: If cold rolling or polishing processes are used to smooth the inner wall (such as electrolytic polishing), the hygiene level of seamless pipes can be close, but additional costs are required.
Risks: Low-quality welded pipes may have uneven welds, which become sanitary dead corners.

2. Medium characteristics and pressure requirements

Corrosive media (such as acidic beverages, cleaning agents):
316L stainless steel is preferred (whether welded or seamless). Seamless pipes are slightly more corrosion-resistant than welded pipes, and seamless pipes have no weld weak areas.

High temperature/high pressure processes (such as high temperature sterilization pipes):
Seamless pipes have stronger pressure bearing capacity and no weld weak points, suitable for high-pressure steam or high-temperature fluids.

Ordinary low-pressure systems, general needs (such as normal temperature water flow):
Welded pipes can meet the needs and are cheaper.

3. Cost and maintenance

Seamless pipes:
The production process is complex and the price is higher (20%-50% more expensive than welded pipes), but the service life is long and maintenance is low.

Welded pipes:
The production process is simple and the cost is low, suitable for limited budgets or non-critical pipelines (such as cooling water pipelines).
Total cost considerations: If welded pipes require additional polishing or frequent replacement, they may exceed the cost of seamless pipes.

4. Specifications and sizes

Seamless pipes:
Size restrictions: Large diameter and thick-walled steel pipes are difficult to produce.
High cost: complex production process, high price.

Welded pipe:
Various sizes: large diameter and thick wall steel pipes can be produced.
High production efficiency: suitable for large-scale production.

5. Regulations and certifications:

Food grade standards:
Must comply with FDA, EHEDG, 3-A and other certifications to ensure that the material is non-toxic and corrosion-resistant.
Welded pipes need to provide proof of weld treatment (such as inner wall Ra≤0.8μm roughness).

Special industry requirements:
For example, the dairy industry may require seamless pipes (such as some EU standards).

6. Other factors

Ease of installation: Welded pipes can be customized in length to reduce joints (reduce leakage points).
Supply chain: Large diameter pipes (>6 inches) seamless pipes have a long supply cycle, and welded pipes are easier to obtain.

Selection recommendations:

Prefer stainless steel seamless pipes:
Highly hygienic/high-pressure pipes that are in direct contact with food (such as product transportation, sterilization sections).
Media that are highly corrosive or require frequent cleaning.

Optional stainless steel welded pipes:
Non-product contact pipes (such as cooling water, compressed air).
Budget-limited and polished/certified welded pipes (weld quality must be ensured).

Conclusion:

Seamless pipes are more ideal in food plants, especially in places with high hygiene and pressure requirements. If the budget is limited and the requirements are not high, welded pipes are also a viable option.

Read more: Carbon steel tube vs Stainless steel tube or Food grade stainless steel 304 vs 316