Thin-walled stainless steel seamless pipes refer to pipes with a wall thickness to outer diameter ratio of no more than 6%, primarily used in building water supply systems. This article provides guidelines for the construction and installation of thin-walled stainless steel seamless pipes to ensure their durability and performance.
1. Avoid Direct Contact with Cement
Thin-walled stainless steel pipes and fittings should not be in direct contact with cement, cement mortar, or concrete. When concealing the pipes, it's essential to wrap the outer surface of the pipes with anti-corrosion tape or use plastic-coated stainless steel pipes to prevent corrosion from the materials.
2. Use Insulation for Concealed Pipes
When concealing pipes in cement mortar, ensure a gap between the pipe and the mortar by using insulation materials. This allows the pipes to expand and contract freely without stress, reducing the risk of damage.
3. Corrosion Protection for Buried Pipes
For buried applications, plastic-coated thin-walled stainless steel pipes should be used to prevent corrosion from acidic or alkaline soils. Alternatively, other protective methods can be applied, such as:
Wrapping the pipes with two layers of polyethylene or vinyl chloride tape.
Applying two layers of asphalt paint or epoxy resin.
Using fiberglass sheeting for additional anti-corrosion protection.
4. Compensation Devices and Supports
Pipes should be equipped with expansion compensation devices and brackets (both fixed and movable) to control the pipe's expansion and contraction. For hot water pipes that are surface-mounted or concealed but not buried, if the straight section length exceeds 10-15 meters, compensation measures must be taken to manage thermal expansion. For pipes with a nominal diameter greater than 50 mm, stainless steel corrugated expansion joints or linear temperature compensators should be installed.
5. Anti-Condensation and Insulation Measures
For exposed thin-walled stainless steel pipes used in building water supply, anti-condensation measures are necessary. Additionally, hot water pipes must be insulated to maintain energy efficiency and prevent heat loss.
6. Compatibility of Pipes and Fittings
Ensure that pipes and fittings are supplied uniformly by the same manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues. Welding between different grades of stainless steel is not recommended, as it can compromise the integrity of the system.
7. Threaded Connections
Due to the thin walls of these pipes, threading for connections should be avoided. When connecting accessories such as valves, faucets, or water meters, use appropriate transition fittings or adapters instead of threading the pipes directly.
8. Protection During Construction
Oil contamination can degrade rubber sealing rings, and impacts from sharp objects may cause leaks. Care should be taken during installation to avoid damage to both the pipes and fittings.
9. Final Flushing and Disinfection
Once the pipeline is installed and has passed pressure testing, it should be flushed with water containing low chloride ions to remove any debris. Finally, disinfect the system with a 0.03% potassium permanganate solution to ensure the water supply remains hygienic.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the proper installation and long-term performance of thin-walled stainless steel seamless pipes in building water supply systems.
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