Do you want to know the strength of SMLS pipes and why these are considered to be stronger than welded pipes? In situations where high-pressure pipelines are required, you need pipes that do not have any joints and welded seams to provide durability and strength. SMLS pipes perform best in these applications. But why SMLS pipes?
This article will discuss all related information and share the most advanced SMLS pipe manufacturing process, advantage and application.
Manufacturing Process of SMLS Pipe
The primary steps involved in the production of SMLS pipes are:
- Raw material
- Preparation
- Piercing
- Rolling
- Elongation
- Sizing
- Finishing
- Inspection
- Testing
1. Billet Selection & Heating
High-quality steel billets or solid round bars are chosen in the initial step. These billets are then heated in a rotary hearth furnace at temperatures reaching 1,200°C (2,192°F), making them malleable and ready for piercing.
2. Piercing & Hollow Formation
After heating a billet (a semi-finished steel product) it is pierced using a rotatory piercing mill (commonly the Mannesmann Process). This step serves as the foundation of the pipe by creating a rough hollow structure.
3. Elongation & Sizing
In this stage, the hollow is then elongated by using a mandrel mill or a plug mill to refine its shape and confirm uniform wall thickness. Reduction mills are further used to adjust the diameter and thickness of pipes.
4. Heat Treatment
To enhance the mechanical properties of pipes, heat treatment is used. This treatment or process will increase the hardness, ductility, and resistance. This includes steps like: normalizing, quenching, and tempering.
5. Surface Finishing & Quality Inspection
This is the final step of pipe manufacturing, where the process of cleaning, coating, and testing through rigorous nondestructive methods like;
- Eddy Current testing
- Ultrasonic testing
- Hydrostatic pressure testing
ASTM, ASME, and API are the only international standards that are approved.
Advantages of SMLS Pipes over Welded Pipes
SMLS pipes become dominant over welded pipes in the construction industry due to the following advantages.
Strength & Durability
As SMLS pipes have no joints of welding, thus they have more strength and durability which makes them perfect for applications with high pressures.
Superior Corrosion & Crack Resistance
These pipes are resistant to any type of crack or damage. As their name suggests, they have no seams so these pipes are corrosion-free.
Enhanced Fluid Flow Efficiency
Seamless pipes reduce the risk of friction due to their smooth inner surface. This enables the flow of fluid smooth and efficient which plays an important role in gas and transportation and in hydraulic projects. This enables the flow of fluid smooth and efficient which plays an important role in gas and transportation and in hydraulic projects.
High-Temperature & Pressure Handling
Seamless pipes can bear the high pressure and heat making it perfect for applications where extreme heat is required such as refineries, steam boilers, and power plants.
Leak-Proof & Reliable
As there are no joints in seamless pipes and composed of only one piece of steel. This stops the pipes from leaking and frees them from any cracks. So for transportation of hazardous gases and chemicals, these pipes serve as the top choice due to safety and low risk of leakage.
Applications of SMLS Pipes Across Industries
Oil and Gas Industry
SMLS pipes are used in projects like;
- Pipelines construction
- Drilling
- Oil extraction
- Underground reservoirs to extract natural gas
They also prevent environmental contamination and can bear high temperatures thus becoming a standard for refining crude oil to fine products.
Petrochemical Industry
SMLS pipe’s corrosion resistance feature provides safe and reliable transportation of hazardous chemicals, acids, and gases within processing plants. These are also used in the production of fertilizers and handling high-pressure processes.
Power Generation
Seamless pipes are used in various high steam-pressure and critical power generation applications such as power plant boilers and nuclear power plants. This is due to their ability to bear high pressure and commitment to safety and reliability.
Construction and Infrastructure
SMLS pipes provide high strength with structural integrity. Hydraulic cylinders and other high-pressure hydraulic systems also prefer these pipes over other welded pipes.
Automotive Industry:
Due to the ability of heat resistance, SMLS pipes are used in various automotive applications including:
- Hydraulic systems
- High-pressure fuel lines
- Manufacturing exhaust systems
- Braking systems
Conclusion
The features like corrosion-free, leakproof, and high strength make SMLS pipes a significant product of the steel industry. Their seamless construction makes it a top and best method for projects where purity, efficiency, and safety are required e.g.: chemical transportation.
