Carbon steel pipes are widely used across various industries due to their strength, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the different types of carbon steel pipes and their applications can help you choose the right material for your specific needs. Here’s an inclusive guide to the various types of carbon steel pipes.
Mild steel pipes:
Mild steel pipes, also known as low-carbon steel pipes, contain a carbon content of up to 0.25%. This low carbon content makes them highly ductile and easy to weld. Mild steel pipes are commonly used in structural applications, such as in construction and infrastructure projects, due to their strength and affordability. They are also used in water and gas distribution systems.
Medium carbon steel pipes:
Medium carbon steel pipes have a carbon content ranging from 0.25% to 0.60%. This increased carbon content provides a balance between strength and ductility, making these pipes suitable for more demanding applications. They are often used in machinery components, automotive parts, and construction applications where a combination of strength and toughness is required.
High carbon steel pipes:
High carbon steel pipes contain more than 0.60% carbon, giving them superior hardness and strength. However, this also makes them less ductile and more challenging to weld. High carbon steel pipes are used in applications that require high wear resistance and durability, such as in mining equipment, cutting tools, and heavy machinery components.
Carbon steel welded pipes:
Welded carbon steel pipes are produced by welding together steel plates or strips to form a pipe. This method is more cost-effective compared to smooth pipes and is suitable for applications where high pressure and temperature are not vital. Welded pipes are commonly used in water and gas pipelines, structural applications, and low-pressure systems.
Carbon steel galvanised pipes:
Galvanised carbon steel pipes are coated with a layer of zinc to improve their corrosion resistance. The galvanisation process involves dipping the pipes in molten zinc, which forms a protective coating. These pipes are ideal for outdoor and underground applications where exposure to moisture and corrosive environments is a concern, such as in plumbing and irrigation systems.
Carbon steel alloy pipes:
Carbon steel alloy pipes are blended with other elements like chromium, molybdenum, and nickel to improve their properties. These alloying elements improve the pipe’s strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. Alloy pipes are used in more demanding applications such as high-pressure boilers, petrochemical industries, and heat exchangers.