As you can guess from its name, API stainless steel pipe is a seam-shaped steel pipe produced according to the standards of the American Petroleum Institute. An abbreviated API for the institution name is used as the name for this type of pipeline. The institute is one of the oldest institutes that sets standards for steel sections widely used in the oil and gas industry. Many countries, including Iran, use API standards to produce gas, oil, and water pipes. API pipe is made of special alloy steel, which has a lower carbon content than ordinary steel and contains manganese and small amounts of other elements. The presence of these elements in the structure of API pipe increases its strength and resistance and improves its mechanical properties. What is the production method of API pipe? Since API pipe is a kind of slit pipe, the method of making it is the same as for another slit pipe, that is, the board is first to cut into strips of a certain width, and then using a roll forming machine, their edges are close to each other, finally soldered these edges. The main difference between the API gas pipe production method and other seam pipes is the plate alloy and high thickness used in its construction, making it very similar to Mannesmann Grade 40 pipe. Of course, API pipe applications are different from Mannesmann pipe and other types of gas pipe. In the following we describe the use of this tube.
What are the main uses of API pipelines? API pipe's high strength makes it a suitable replacement for low quality Mannheim pipe in long oil and gas pipelines and reduces project costs. You can read about other uses of this pipeline below:
- Low temperatures and working pressures in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries
- Water supply in industry and homes
- Shipbuilding
- Industrial waste water pipes
- Transfer of high pressure chemicals
- Insulation of high voltage cables
- Sour gas plant
What are the technical specifications of the api pipeline? Since API pipe can be made of different alloys, different types can have different mechanical and chemical properties. To understand these characteristics, it is best to first understand the various criteria for such a pipeline: API Pipeline Standard API pipe is produced in both seamless and seamless forms. Sometimes the meaning of API pipe is actually API 5L pipe, which is specially produced for gas pipelines. For this reason, the API pipe or API 5L is also known as the gas pipe. The API 5L pipe standard also conforms to the ISO 3183 international standard, of which API 5L pipe is divided into 2 categories, PSL1 and PSL2. The difference between PSL1 and PSL2 pipelines According to the API 5L pipe standard, PSL1 grade and PSL2 grade pipes are different in chemical and mechanical properties, this problem leads to their application differences. The ISO 3183 standard attached to this article shows the difference in chemical composition and mechanical properties of API pipe grades, from which you can understand the difference between PSL1 and PSL2 pipes.
Learn about the different sizes and dimensions of the api pipeline API class SPL1 pipe is completely different in size and dimensions from API class SPL2 pipe. According to the ASME B36.10 standard, the size of SPL1 grade gas pipe ranges from 0.5 to 80 inches, and the size of various grades of SPL2 grade pipe also varies from 4.5 to 80 inches. Additionally, the end types of SPL1 and SPL2 tubes are effective in distinguishing their uses. SPL1 pipes are manufactured with flat ends, chamfers, and chamfers, and SPL2 pipes are also manufactured only with flat ends. How is API pipe welding done?For welding pipeline steel, two methods are commonly used, resistance welding or ERW and submerged arc welding or SRW. You can weld SPL1 quality pipes with all standard welding methods, but continuous welding and laser welding method are prohibited for SPL2 quality pipes, and the welder's minimum frequency must be 100 kHz. The most important points of API pipe welding are the principles of preheating and adherence to the steel pipe joining method, as some types of API steel may crack after welding. API pipe is one of the most widely used pipes. Since it carries sensitive materials, it is necessary to understand the application of API pipe in the industry, API steel grades, API pipe, and other related technical points. Welding principle of pipeline steel. Application of API pipes in various industries As the most industrialized metal in the world, steel has left a footprint in all parent and non-parent industries. Various alloy grades are used in the oil and gas industry.
Steel structures, drilling equipment, maintenance equipment including various storage tanks, transmission line equipment including various steel pipes, operating equipment such as boilers, distillation towers, etc. are all widely used steel fields. As they have been very important in this industry. The use of API pipe or gas pipe as the most prominent type of pipe in the oil and gas industry is not hidden from anyone. Application types of API pipelines are:
- Oil and gas transmission lines
- Domestic and industrial water supply
- Shipbuilding
- Industrial wastewater delivery
- Transport chemicals under high pressure
API 5L pipe standardAPI gas pipes are produced in both slotted and seamless (Manisman). Chapter 5L of this standard is specially formulated for the standardization of different types of gas pipelines. For this reason, API pipes are also called gas pipes or gas pipes. In general, API pipe can be said to represent the API 5L pipe standard. These products are produced in different alloy grades, but they all belong to two general families called PSL1 and PSL2. Therefore, the two products known as API pipes or trachea are the following two:
- API 5L PSL1
- API 5L PSL2
What is the API 5L PSL pipe standard? The application of API pipe in gas transmission is the most used place for this product, which is produced by two standards API 5L PSL1 and API 5L PSL2. PSL stands for Product Speciation Levels, meaning the levels of product attributes that actually represent the API pipeline specification. These pipes are used in a variety of working environments, both corrosive and non-corrosive.
If the pipe is used in a corrosive environment, it must use materials that provide a reasonable life for the project. If pipes are used in high pressure conditions, their joints must be able to withstand these conditions. On the other hand, a more normal pipe will be a perfect choice for normal operating conditions without special challenges. For these reasons, two levels of products are used. With this leveling method, the desired performance is always achieved in the most economical way. API Pipe Specifications API pipe specifications include chemical composition, mechanical properties, welding specifications, heat treatment, etc. by production method and standard type.When the gas pipe standard changed from PSL1 to PSL2, the values of three elements changed significantly: carbon:At PSL1 level, all products are welded with a maximum carbon content of 0.26%. For all PSL2 alloy grades, this value does not exceed 0.22. phosphorus:For PSL1 grades, the maximum phosphorus content is 0.03%. For all grades at the PSL2 level, this value is a maximum of 0.025%. sulfur:The maximum content of this element in PSL1 products is 0.03%, while the maximum content of PSL2 is 0.015%. API pipe mechanical propertiesFor product quality PSL2, there is a maximum limit for the material's yield stress and ultimate stress. For product level PSL1, it is sufficient to meet the minimum value. Furthermore, the fracture toughness of the material is an important factor for the surface conditions in PSL2, while PSL1 does not take this issue into account. These characteristics result in a difference in the use and cost of API gas pipelines between Class 1 and Class 2.
stainless steel pipe
Stainless steel is a multifunctional material consisting of a steel alloy with a small amount of chromium that is mostly used in pipes and the addition of which increases the corrosion resistance of the material, which is why it is called stainless steel. Because stainless steel is low maintenance, resistant to oxidation and does not affect other metals it comes into contact with, it is commonly used in a wide variety of applications, particularly in plumbing and pipe construction. Depending on the end use of the pipe, stainless steel pipes are divided into different categories. Stainless steel is shiny and comes in a variety of grades that increase the chromium in the alloy until the steel reflects like a mirror. The observer can easily distinguish between carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is dull and has a matte finish comparable to cast iron pans or wrought iron fences. The main difference between carbon steel pipe and stainless steel pipe:There is a layer of chromium oxide in stainless steel that is not found in carbon steel.Carbon steel will corrode, but stainless steel will not. Stainless steel is the first choice for many consumer products for decorative use in product construction, while carbon steel is often used in construction, manufacturing and projects where steel is more hidden than visible. The thermal conductivity of stainless steel is lower than that of carbon steel. Application of black steel pipe:Black pipes of various sizes and thicknesses are widely used in industries such as automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, furniture and construction, and are used in various forms, such as cooling shafts, burners, shock absorbers, exhaust pipes, steering wheels, fences, protection, scaffolding, manhole lining, heating pipes, gas pipes, boiler pipes, etc.
Due to the aesthetic and impressive appearance of the circular section compared to other sections, the spatial structure, especially in high-traffic areas such as bus and train stations, airport waiting rooms, pedestrian bridges, and light poles, is constructed using steel tubes. Stainless steel pipes can come in different types, so you can choose from different options. These types are: pressure pipe. These pipes are made of solid chrome or a combination of chrome and nickel. They also come in different types such as electrofusion tubes, seamless tubes, and welded tubes. And these different types are actually ideal for different applications. Sanitary pipes. These pipes are ideal for sensitive applications that require a high level of hygiene, such as food. These pipes are highly regarded because they are corrosion resistant, easy to keep clean, and less prone to staining. Mechanical Tubes These tubes are used for cylinders, bearings, and some other hollow parts. These tubes can be easily manipulated to fit your desired shape. You can also manipulate them into rectangles, squares, and other shapes of your choice. Aircraft Tubes These are the steel tubes you should use in aircraft applications. They have high corrosion and heat resistance. If you're going to use them, you better use a lot of effort. When you have to use hard materials, you can also harden them and make them harder. But one of the interesting things about this device is that you can easily connect them together or connect several pieces together.
These are the types of stainless steel pipes you can choose from according to your needs. In fact, steel pipes have a wide range of uses. This substance is very effective and useful in many industries. These materials are becoming an integral part of everyday life because they are so effective and are available in different diameters and sizes. Advantages of using steel pipesSteel pipes are often used to transport liquids and gases from one place to another. These pipes are hollow in structure and also have high elasticity, strength and durability. They can also be used in high residential areas to withstand the internal and external pressures required by the system. They are also used where complex longitudinal stresses and bending are involved. Steel pipes are also very strong in nature and perform well in the roughest and harshest conditions. They also have the potential to withstand stress, temperature changes, warping and uneven bending. As a material, stainless steel is generally preferred over other metals or materials due to their good elasticity, ductility and brittleness.
Steel is also popular because of its high resistance to direct heat, so it can be used to make pipes and fittings. Stainless steel pipes and fittings are commonly used in residential and industrial sectors for various purposesSteel pipe and its advantages:
- These pipes are very simple to install, maintain and operate
- They are also easy to clean
- They can be formed into different shapes and sizes depending on the application and its needs.
- They are also very resistant to extreme pressure
- They are also able to withstand traffic shock and vibration
- They are suitable for development work in areas such as pumping stations, riverbanks, domestic sewage and reservoirs.
- Due to the presence of chromium, it is not inherently corrosive
- Easy to recycle and increase the use of stainless steel in various industries
- Considering the advantages of steel pipe, its quality, popularity and reputation in various industries are without doubt.
How to maintain the pipes?To keep the pipes working and last longer, you need to take good care of them. One of the things that needs to be taped is cleaning the pipes. The layer of chromium combined with oxygen forms a layer of chromium oxide that protects the pipe from corrosion. Dirt and other materials can stop the oxidation process and cause the pipes to corrode. You should clean your pipes regularly to remove dirt. Cleaning the pipes also keeps them looking good. And when you want to check the inside of the pipe, handle it with clean clothes or gloves. This is done to protect the tubes from smudges and fingerprints.