Industry News

Overview of ERW and SAWL Steel Pipes

Oct. 09, 2024

Straight seam welded steel pipes can be categorized primarily into two types based on their welding processes: 

High-Frequency Resistance Welding (ERW) and Submerged Arc Welding (SAWL). Each method has distinct characteristics, applications, and advantages.

High-Frequency Resistance Welding (ERW)

Process Characteristics:

Welding Method: ERW involves cold forming a steel plate into a cylindrical shape and then applying high-frequency

electric current to the edges to induce heat, causing them to fuse without the addition of filler material. 

This results in a weld that retains the chemical properties of the base material due to recrystallization during the process

Mechanical Properties: The absence of additional welding materials and the controlled heat application lead to improved mechanical properties, 

including high strength and toughness, making ERW pipes suitable for various engineering applications

Applications:

Usage: ERW pipes are commonly used for transporting natural gas, crude oil, refined oil, and pulp over long distances on land. 

Their high production efficiency and lower costs make them popular in these applications

Production Efficiency:

Material Source: The raw material for ERW pipes is hot-rolled steel coils, 

allowing for continuous assembly line operations that enhance production efficiency while keeping costs low.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAWL)

Process Characteristics:

Welding Method: SAWL employs a submerged arc welding technique where multiple wires are used to create the weld. 

This method minimizes heat input, reducing the impact on the heat-affected zone of the parent material. 

The process often includes a cold expanding technique that enhances dimensional precision and reduces internal stress.

Mechanical Properties: The multiple wire welding technique allows for better control over the welding process, 

which contributes to improved mechanical properties of the finished product. 

Additionally, ultrasonic flaw detection ensures that the pipes meet stringent quality standards required for high-pressure applications

Applications:

Usage: SAWL pipes are primarily used in high-voltage underwater pipelines and in challenging

environments such as mountainous regions or areas with extreme conditions. Their superior performance characteristics make them ideal for such demanding applications

Production Efficiency:

Material Source: Unlike ERW, SAWL pipes are produced from hot-rolled steel plates, which leads to higher production costs and lower efficiency compared to ERW processes.

Conclusion

Both ERW and SAWL steel pipes serve crucial roles in various industrial applications. 

ERW is favored for its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in land-based transport systems,

while SAWL is preferred for high-performance requirements in extreme environments. 

Understanding their differences is essential for selecting the appropriate type based on specific project needs.

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