Main uses of thick-walled seamless steel pipes in industry

Thick-walled seamless steel pipes are widely used across various industrial sectors due to their exceptional properties, including high strength, excellent pressure resistance, and superior corrosion resistance. United Steel Industry Co., Ltd. outlines the main industrial applications of thick-walled seamless steel pipes as follows:

1. Oil and Gas Industry

Transmission Pipelines: These pipes are used in long-distance, high-pressure pipelines for transporting crude oil, natural gas, refined products, and other media. They are especially suitable for challenging environments such as offshore, desert, or extremely cold regions due to their ability to withstand high internal pressure and harsh external conditions.

Casing and Tubing: In oil and gas extraction, casing and tubing support well walls and deliver oil and gas to the surface. These components must resist formation pressure and corrosive media, making thick-walled seamless steel pipes a reliable choice.

Drilling Equipment: Used in the manufacture of drill pipes, drill collars, and other critical components, which require resistance to high torque, high pressure, and impact loads.

2. Chemical Industry

High-Pressure Vessels and Pipelines: Commonly used in the production of reactors, heat exchangers, storage tanks, and pipelines for transporting corrosive fluids. Thick-walled seamless steel pipes are ideal for high-temperature, high-pressure, and chemically aggressive environments.

Fertilizer Equipment: Utilized in high-pressure equipment such as synthesis towers and reformers used in fertilizer production processes.

3. Power Industry

Boiler Tubes: Applied in power plant boilers, including water wall tubes, superheater tubes, and reheater tubes. These pipes must endure high temperatures, high pressures, and steam erosion.

Nuclear Power: Essential for components like pressure vessels and pipelines within nuclear reactors, which demand the highest standards of material safety and reliability.

4. Machinery Manufacturing

Hydraulic Supports: Used in mining and construction machinery, hydraulic props must withstand substantial pressure and impact forces.

Bearing Rings: Employed in heavy machinery and automotive components, requiring high strength, hardness, and wear resistance.

Structural Components: Used to fabricate various machinery parts, such as machine tool beds and crane booms, ensuring structural stability and durability.

5. Construction Sector

Large Structural Projects: Thick-walled seamless pipes are used in the steel frameworks of large-scale infrastructure projects like bridges, stadiums, and airport terminals, providing strong load-bearing capacity and stability.

Marine Engineering: Applied in offshore platforms and subsea pipelines, where they must resist seawater corrosion and wave impact.

6. Other Industrial Fields

Aerospace: Used in the production of critical parts such as aircraft landing gear and rocket engine housings, which demand high strength, low weight, and heat resistance.

Automotive Industry: Applied in the manufacturing of vehicle chassis, axles, and other structural components to enhance strength and safety.

Metallurgical Industry: Used in piping systems and structural elements for metallurgical equipment.

Key Considerations When Selecting Thick-Walled Seamless Steel Pipes:

Working Pressure: Choose the appropriate wall thickness based on the internal pressure the pipe or container must withstand.

Operating Temperature: Select materials suitable for the working temperature to ensure performance in high- or low-temperature conditions.

Medium Characteristics: Match materials to the corrosiveness of the transported medium—such as stainless steel or alloy steel.

Service Environment: Apply suitable anti-corrosion treatments such as coatings or galvanizing based on environmental conditions.

Standards Compliance: Ensure the product meets national or industry-specific standards to guarantee quality and safety.