Uses of Steel Tubes and Pipes

A usual imagination of pipe is hollow cylinder or tube which is used to transfer some sorts of liquid material from one place to another. It was in the middle of 19th century when bulk steel production started in India. It was the Bessemer process that made not only the bulk production possible, but also helped to produce it in cheaply manner. There is hardly any industry which is not using steel pipes today. So wide are the applications of steel pipes and tubes. Earlier iron pipes and tubes were in use, but they were not very much durable and cost effective as they got rusted after few years. Steel has improved very much in quality in recent years, and so has grown its industrial use. It is available in different shapes, and sizes today such as Austenitic, Ferritic, Austenitic-Ferritic, Martensitic, heat resistant tubes, heat exchanger tubes, duplex stain-less steel tubes, high pressure tubes, and U-bend tubes. Stainless steel is very much in demand for its anti-corrosion quality. They are available in different diameters, and shapes too such as round, rectangular, square or oval.

It is also used very much in erecting industrial structures of all sizes. Both pipes and tubes have commonly been used in the water supply systems. However, at some places PVC pipes are gaining popularity because of low price and high elasticity to withstand weather. Steel tubes are very much in practice for the purpose even today. Steel tubes and pipes are installed in buildings and factories for carrying not only hot or cold water, but also to transfer gases, and other chemicals. They are also useful in carrying liquid waste material of the industries to disposal grounds or units, such as in foundries, breweries, etc. Still, the use of pipes and tubes can be well categorized as a vehicle to transport water, oil and gases from one place to another; both internally (i.e. within premises) and externally to outer units, or locations.

Use of steel tubes and pipes is not limited to the industrial and domestic uses only, but is highly in use in construction of space stations, satellites, and other devices too. The tensile strength of steel pipes has helped very much in achieving space related targets to scientists without which it would not have been possible perhaps. Steel tubes and pipes are also used in medical industry in several forms ranging from machines, equipments to surgical tools too. They are often used to support fractured bones internally or externally, and even used to rearrange disordered teeth; in the form of braces, etc.

Therefore it will not be exaggeration if we say that our life is not possible without use of steel tubes or pipes today. From the moment you wake up in the morning and head to the tab carrying water for mouth-wash, to the instruments that cook food, to the vehicle you use to get to work, to the equipments and machines you use in the office or works, to the bed you relax at, everything is using steel tubes or pipes today.

Success Story Of Steel Industries In India

India has always been affluent with almost all types of natural resources, however its true potential has been identified only recently with the growth of industrialization. The recent rapid growth of steel industry in India ascertains this fact.

Press Information Bureau recently has published its report on global steel industry. The organization has acknowledged the contribution of India in global steel industry. It has been ranked at the second from top for crude steel production, and fourth from top for steel production throughout the world. This huge growth in the production of steel in India has been attributed to the huge demand from local and international market. As developments are taking place all over India this time, the demand of steel is much higher than ever this time. As the country is passing through a developing phase, it is expected that there will be huge demand of steel in almost every sector including infrastructure, transportation, construction, housing, and others.

The steel production in India was initiated sometime in 1950, with the first manufacturing plant established in Rourkela, in the state of Orissa. This was a joint venture between Indian government and two German measures Demag AG and Fried Krupp. This very plant is known as Steel Authority of India (SAIL) today. Its production capacity had grown to 2 million tonnes per year. SAIL is a reputed brand in Indian steel industry today. Two other plants established near around same horizon are in Bhilai, and Durgapur. Entire steel industry in India was being ruled solely by Indian government till 1990. It was limited to national borders till this time. It was in the last decade of the century when economic policies were liberalized to entertain private players in Industry. This revolutionized the entire potential of steel industry in India and technology was introduced to meet global parameters. This is only last 10-15 years time which has put India ahead among top players of steel industry globally.

There have emerged some very reputed names in this industry from India which are shining globally such as SAIL, TATA Steel, RINL, ESSAR, ISPAT, and JVSL. The measure public enterprise SAIL has experienced tremendous growth in recent years with its production capacity reaching to the high level of 30 million tonnes approximately. This semi-government enterprise has registered profit more than some giant global international players such as Nippon, ArcelorMittal, Bao Steel and Posco.

National Steel Policy has predicted the steel production capacity of India to reach 110 million tonnes by the year 2020. If the current consumption rate continues, India is sure to acquire top position in steel production globally. Steel sector therefore is contributing greatly to the economic development, and employment creation in India with brighter future prospects.

Steel manufactures in India are very excited with the current performance of industry and their future prospects. Huge investment proposals from global players are lined up to start production facilities in several parts of the country. This has only been possible because of high quality of ores and final product too.

Stainless Steel Tubes vis-a-vis Galvanized Steel Tubes

Stain with relevance to carbon steel or iron denotes a film of ferric oxide that appears on the surface of iron in the form of rust. The atmospheric oxygen reacts with iron to form iron oxide that has larger molecules than that of iron and hence tend to be formed into flakes and fall away. This chemical process of oxidation causes surface corrosion, thus degrading the quality of steel. Chromium is a nobler metal and when applied on to the surface of steel, forms a passive film of chromium oxide that prevents further corrosion of surface. It also checks the spreading of corrosion into the internal structure of the metal. Due to the similarity of size of chromium oxide and steel, they bond firmly and stay attached to the surface.

Stainless steel tube is an alloy of steel with chromium content varying within 10.5% to 11%. Due to their corrosion-resistance qualities even at very high temperature, stainless tubes find applicability in industries such as aviation, architectural, electronics, marine, air-conditioning and heating, medical, automotive and textile industries. Stainless steel tubes come in the form of seamless tubing or welded tubing. Seamless stainless tubes are further categorized as fractional, metric and imperial, according to their sizes. Welded steel tubes come in fractional sizes to match to the convenience of the users. Stainless tubes can be manufactured to carter to the customized requirement with regard to structural, mechanical and general engineering purposes.

Stainless tubes are preferred for applicability because of their strength of iron, anti-corrosive quality and an aesthetic look associated with smooth touching sensation. In the construction industry, stainless steel tubes have wide applicability in stair railings or guard railings. The aesthetic aspect of stainless steel tubing could be utilized for making a variety of designs and other kind of utility parts for prevention of accidents. Once polished to give a shining effect, the stainless steel tubing exhibits almost the same lustre with zero maintenance cost. Because of this quality, it finds wide application in interior decoration for making furniture and different kinds of home furnishing. Stainless steel tubing may also be used as protective storage for preservation of valuable documents and photographs. Because of the malleability for bending, stainless tubing is used in connecting gas pipes and also in the plumbing system.

Galvanised Pipes and Tubes have almost similar characteristics of stainless tubes.  These are dipped into a bath of molten zinc bath and a coating of zinc is put onto the surface of carbon steel or iron. Zinc being a nobler metal, it arrests the process of atmospheric oxidation on the surface of steel. Therefore, galvanized steel pipes find wide applicability in places where corrosion and rusting is required to be checked, such as in construction, power, process, ship, building, water, gas and sewerage, water wells and lancing tubes for various automotive and other industrial applications. Company manufacturing galvanised steel tubes pay due attention the quality of the products particularly the surface coating of zinc per square cm that contributes to the anti-corrosion quality of the steel tubes.

Benefits of Using Steel Pipes

Steel pipes are traditionally being used for conveying water and gases because of their hollow structure associated with strength, durability and elasticity. Steel pipes are beneficially used where high resistance is required to withstand internal and external pressure. Even under the toughest condition, steel pipes can be used because of the elasticity, ductility and freedom from brittleness. Steel pipes are usually manufactured from materials with yield stresses varying within 210 to 350 MPa and tensile strength varying within 340 to 650 MPa. As a result, steel pipes have the ability of accommodating handling stresses, uneven bending, wrong alignment or variation in temperature. Steel pipes can more beneficially be used where complicated bending and longitudinal stresses are involved.

Steel pipes can beneficially be used where high resistance is required against shock or vibration. Fluctuating pressure involved in static head or shock pressure arising from water hammer can be withstood by the use of steel pipes.  Steel pipes are used in water pipes, fire sprinkler systems and pipe networks that carry flammable gases. Carbon steel pipes with carbon contents are subjected to rusting and the consequent corrosion. Due to atmospheric oxidation, ferric oxide is formed that separates away from the surface as flakes. This surface corrosion is arrested in stainless steel pipes or in galvanized steel pipes. In the former case chromium is alloyed with steel and the surface coating of chromium oxide arrests further corrosion. Similarly, galvanized steel pipes, with surface coating of zinc checks rusting of steel pipes when exposed to the atmospheric condition.

After rinsing out rusted surface in acid, steel pipes are dipped into a bath of molten zinc and kept there for some time. The internal as well as the external surface of the pipes get a thinner film of zinc and such pipes are called galvanized pipes.  The galvanized steel pipes of various nominal bores are used as water pipes by laying them underground for supply of water for public utility. Because of the anti-corrosive quality of zinc, water does not react with steel and rusting and corrosion are checked. These underground water supply systems facilitated by galvanized steel pipes last longer with almost zero maintenance cost. The benefit of using Steel pipes goes to the public in the shape of saving for the local government.

Steel pipes come in a variety of forms and structures depending upon their end-use such as Steel Pipes and Tubes, Hot Dipped Galvanized Tubes, Black Steel Tubes, Fence Tubes, Scaffolding Tubes, Structural Steel Tube. Steel strips of various widths and continuous lengths are formed into tubes; the two ends are joined by welding or by Electric Resistance Welding (ERW). Usually, structural steel such as angles, channels, joists and beams are used for constructional purposes. But steel pipes can be beneficially used for roofing structure like truss because of lower cost and higher tensile strengths. Galvanized steel pipes find beneficial use in mobile towers because they are exposed to atmospheric condition. These towers can withstand higher wind pressure with the involvement of lesser material cost in the shape of galvanized steel pipes as compared to the galvanized angles.

Why should you choose aluminum pipes over copper?

With advancing technology and improving structures, there is no reason for you to stick to traditional and conventional heating systems. There are many materials available in the market that you can choose from to install an efficient system in your house. Some options are steel plastic, copper, aluminium etc. Each of these has their own pros and cons and thus before choosing any of them, it is recommended to research the market before making your decision.

Aluminium pipes are most common ones because of their flexibility. They can be bent in several ways to achieve the desired shape making an affordable and attractive solution. Because of its excellent flexibility, it can be installed on variety of places unlike other materials. It is easy to install and requires less fastening. Another attractive property that makes it popular as compared to other materials is that it prevents growth of bacteria and thus makes an excellent sanitary option.

Aluminium pipes are used in variety of bending techniques like ram style bending, steel eye bolts, mandrel bending, ring roll bending, rotary draw bending, etc.. Rotary draw is among the most popular techniques and is used for designing roll cages, tailor frame bends, etc.. On the other hand ram style is the cheapest method that is used to deform the metal for electrical conduits and similar light gauge sections.

Ring roll bending method is used for creating drum rolls, awnings, barbecue frames, etc. With so many types of bending achievable, aluminium makes an excellent option for pipes as compared to other metals. Also its durability and life is much less than aluminium pipes. Another reason for which you would prefer choosing aluminium over copper is its capacity to corrode water on its oxidation.

Corrosion is a major issue with pipes; it not only contaminates the water but also carries the risk of breaking after some time. Aluminium pipes make a good choice because they are corrosion resistant and do not give air conditioning or central heating problems. You can even get copper pipes in the market for piping purposes but they are very costly. Also its durability and life is much less than aluminium pipes. Another reason for which you would prefer choosing aluminium over copper is its capacity to corrode water on its oxidation. It can poison the water which could be dangerous for your health.

Copper used to be a great choice for heating systems and air conditioning before but now with passing time, better and cheaper alternatives are more beneficial. Aluminium now makes a better choice for pipes and has several benefits over copper. Above all it gives a lustrous finish and increases the life of the metal.

There are many companies today manufacturing aluminium pipes for household and commercial purposes. You can also choose galvanized zinc pipes, aluminized steel pipes, hot dipped galvanized tubes, etc.

A company serving various industries like power, construction, process, ship building etc has complete know-how of creating pipes that can last for long. A good company with ISO certification makes use of quality products and thus makes an excellent choice for buying your aluminium pipes.

Galvanized steel pipes- why and how to choose them?

Galvanized steel pipes have been used since centuries because of its properties like corrosion resistance, durability and affordability. People started using galvanized pipes because of its advantages and amazing qualities over other alloying metals. These pipes can be seen in houses that are centuries old as well as those that are constructed recently. The technology may have advanced but most architects prefer using galvanized zinc pipes because of the advantages they carry.

Iron pipes have tendency to rust when exposed to air and water, that is why pipes coated with zinc or galvanized pipes make a great option. These add durability and stability, and you can use them for years to come. Galvanized steel pipes are used in areas or parts of the house that are more exposed to humidity, air and water. After coating the steel pipes with zinc, it is protected in two ways, first it does not let the moisture disintegrate easily and secondly zinc will prevent oxygen from reaching the iron thereby protecting it from destroying the products surrounding it. Zinc is scratch resistant and adds to the life of iron. Durability acquired by iron pipes after coating them with zinc is the reason it is preferred over other metals to give an affordable and excellent finish. Galvanized steel tubes have a life of over 70 years under normal conditions.

Then there are aluminum pipes, some of us like to invest in these because aluminum pipes have several advantages like zinc pipes. Many people also prefer to choose aluminum alloys or aluminum coated pipes over the zinc ones. Advantages like; good conductor of heat, lightweight and corrosion resistant metal makes it particularly fascinating to buyers. Not to mention it has a great weight to strength ratio, as compared to other alloys, aluminum weight can enhance the strength of pipes making its strongest and lightest metals available for commercial use.

There are many companies manufacturing galvanized pipes, some may be using cheap or inferior metals as compared to others. Before choosing galvanized pipes for your home or commercial purpose, you must carefully search the market and compare price and quality of different pipes available. This will help in choosing the best pipes that will last you for a long time covering the actual money you spent on buying it.

Make sure the company you choose manufactures black steel tubes using a wide range of applications for mechanical and engineering purposes. These companies cannot use inferior material and have to ISO-9001 certification. Certification from government assures that the company manufactures zinc pipes as per the set government standards and uses only the best quality material. Go for a reputed company that is conscious of its reputation, and supplies an array of industrial and construction products. These tubes can be used for ERW pipes for gas, water, sewerage, industrial applications, etc. Whatever is your need you need to research the market carefully to get full worth of your money spent on galvanized pipes so that you can keep them for long.

Magic of Galvanized Steel

Steel is a very important construction material worldwide. The said material is often going susceptible when subjected to atmosphere. Thus protection becomes a major concern. Hence Galvanization is done to protect steel from chances of possible corrosion. Galvanization is a chemical process by which a coating of zinc oxide is deposited on the surface of steel so that it does not get rusted on contact with moisture. The cost of such protection is quite higher than the cost of material itself. The advantage of using zinc oxide as galvanizing material is that even if the coating gets scratched still the remaining zinc can help in protecting exposed steel from atmosphere. This is a very rare advantage which is not available with powder coating, paint and several other methods to protect the surface of steel. There are certain advantages for which galvanization is favored and that obviously the low cost attached with it along with maintenance free life of the material involved. The galvanized steel tubes and pipes are different in terms of their longevity from the hot dip galvanizing as such in the former case the layer of coating is thin enough and does not stay for long and if coated with paint the sustainability increases. The hot dip galvanization is not suitable in most of the cases as it is found to reduce the strength of the base material and thus it is not suitable in all cases especially for nuts and bolts. The degree of the galvanization is measured by the weight of zinc per unit surface area without bothering about its thickness. Generally the galvanization process is done on the sheet of steel before turning it into any particular form.

Today the steel tubes come with galvanization already done on them before being marketed to customers. There are certain advantages available with galvanized steel tubes and pipes which are not negligible. The galvanized steel tubes and pipes are rust free from the first instant and prevent the atmospheric moisture to react directly with the material. Secondly the zinc coating is scratch proof and durable which makes the material really attractive to customers and consequently people have no option than to go for it. Talking about the durability of the galvanized materials the outer layer acts as a sacrificing layer protect the parent material from any damage.

The galvanized steel tubes are used almost at everyplace. Some people use them to coat their houses and nowadays it has become an industrial standard for the materials. Still the galvanized piping is not sufficient as such the pipes get affected from inside out due to reaction with chemicals added with water as a result plaque formation happens. It causes severe water pressure problems and contamination problems. Thus nowadays it has been replaced by copper and plastic pipes. Still people use galvanized pipes and tubes for their outdoor purposes due to the mechanical strength of the material. As a whole galvanization is beneficial and it should be used tactfully viewing the nature of materials which can bear the strength of the process involved in it.

Varieties of Steel Tubes Are Now Available for Various Industrial Purposes

Steel tubes are very much in use for industrial purpose these days. They have replaced many of the inferior or costlier counterparts in past few years. For example mild steel tubes are said to be good for structural and engineering purpose because of their strength, similarly another variety ERW pipes are considered a better solution for water, gas and sewerage systems. Likewise there are different grade of steel tubes available to be used in idlers of belt conveyors, and water wells. For many automotive and industrial applications Lancing pipes are a better solution. Today, there are many manufacturers of steel tubes in India who are producing varieties of steel tubes for their specific purpose. They are even exporting these galvanized steel tubes, galvanized steel pipes and another economical alternate welded black pipes and tubes for wide range of applications.

Let’s learn about some of the most commonly available steel tubes/pipes for different purpose:

• Aluminized Steel Tubes – also known as Exhaust pipe, these are used in several different forms in exhaust system. These are mainly used to take exhaust gas out and away from the engines; mostly used in automobiles for low-noise and low-pollution purpose. Requirements can vary as per the model and make of the engine. These are generally made in aluminized steel but can also be crafted in stainless steel.
• Hot Dipped Galvanized Tubes – These are the lighter but durable version of common steel tubes. These are mainly used in vehicles to keep their weight low hence mileage better. They are highly being used in the manufacturing of bus-body, rail compartments, and also as conduit pipes by telephone departments. These pipes are of good quality, corrosion-proof and durable but only if made from good raw material.
• Mild Steel Welded Black Tubes - Same as above these steel tubes are also mainly used in automotive industry for manufacturing of lightweight vehicles which also results in better mileage, are equally durable, economical and efficient alternate of older counterpart heavy steel tubes.
• Fence Tubes – pipes are often being used for fencing purpose these days. One of the reasons behind their popularity is easy installation. You only need to clamp them with the grounded pipes. In case of bulk requirements one can ask manufacturers develop as per specific shape and sizes.
• Scaffolding Manufacturer – construction industry has developed leaps and bounds these days. Innovative machines have been introduced which have converted a month-long job into a matter of a day or two. Security of the workers is also important hence old wooden structures have been replaced with scaffolds made of steel tubes. They can be ordered in required length and tolerance.

If you are looking to buy steel tubes for your domestic, construction, automotive, or any other industrial purpose, make sure to buy a specific product for better durability. There are many manufacturers who can produce custom-made solutions for your requirement, do ask for it if your requirement is in bulk. You must not forget to check that you buy steel tubes from an ISO: 9001 or above certified manufacturer only to ensure quality product.

Galvanized Steel Pipes are a Better Choice

Pipes of various kinds run through the house like a nerves system supplying water to various points. It is impossible to imagine a house without pipes. Knowing their importance it also becomes very necessary to learn about what kind of pipes are best suitable for all kinds of usage. The most popular and widely used pipes are the galvanized steel pipes. Read on to know your pipes better. 

What are Galvanized Steel Pipes? 
To make the steel more durable and resistant, it is dipped in zinc and through a chemical process an alloy is created. This process of galvanizing increases the strength of the steel and also protects it form getting damaged by either climate or any chemical reaction due to the salts present in water. 

Importance of Galvanized Steel Pipes: 

• Pipes and tubes are the most essential parts of a building. Galvanized steel tubes provide unmatched strength and durability compared to the usual pipes. For this very reason, these kind of steel pipes are very popular around the world in both domestic and industrial construction. 
• The galvanized steel pipes are the best option for any kind of climatic condition. They are very tough and resistant to any kind of hardship. Pipes put on the outside of a house or a building will always be tested due to extreme heat or cold. These tough pipes will not wear out and stay strong and sturdy for a very long time. The galvanized steel tubes are lighter in weight compared to the traditionally used steel pipes for construction. This reduces weight of the building to a great extent and makes the whole structure more durable. It in no way compromises on the quality though, as galvanized pipes are best in the business. 
• The new generation pipes are very cost effective too. The manufacturers are producing them with the latest technology and in large quantities. This has brought down the cost and provided the consumers with more durable pipes at affordable prices. 
• These kind of welded black pipes provide not only durability and long life but also great amount of security. Because it is a chemically treated kind of alloy, it is extremely resistant to any kind of reaction due to salts present in the water or corrosion. It is common that normal pipes give away, become brittle, crack or break, but the galvanized steel pipes are tested and proven to remain strong even in the harshest of the conditions. 
• The galvanized pipe lines have the advantage of being turned and twisted in many angels during the stage of manufacturing. According to the requirement of the builders, the pipe lines can be given turns to fit more appropriately into the construction. This flexibility is provided by the chemical composition it has. Thus its greatest asset is durability and flexibility. 

Although such kind of pipes can be used at the inside and out side of a building for various water supply purposes, one has to remember that galvanized metal can not be used for gas connection. This is the only restriction it has due to its components.