When you use it, the service life of ERW tube will be influenced by multiple factors. For example, incorrect maintenance or improper use can cause the performance to deteriorate. From there, failure can happen prematurely. This will increase replacement costs and affect the operation of your systems. Thus, you need to know how to maximise the service life of your utensils. That’s what we’re going to discuss here.
Internal factors
The material itself is the basis of tube quality and affects service life directly. ERW tubing made from high-strength substances can handle greater external forces and pressure. For example, tubes for long-distance transportation of natural gas and oil must be strong and high quality. This ensures it effectively resists formation stress and internal pressure.
Materials possessing strong corrosion resistance are also vital for many applications. They ensure the tubing can remain stable in harsh settings. For instance, corrosive materials get moved through chemical pipelines. Here, stainless steel can halt corrosion and extend the lifespan.
The manufacturing procedure is also essential. Welding quality dictates the weld’s bond and strength. High calibre welding can make the weld close in strength to that of the parent material. This lowers the danger of issues like stress cracks.
The effect of internal burr removal influences the corrosion and fluid resistance within the pipeline too. Removing internal burrs from ERW tube thoroughly can minimise fluid turbulence. Also, it reduces corrosion and erosion on the pipe wall.
External factors
The use environment has a major impact on the lifespan of ERW tubes. In high temperature locales, the tube’s strength will go down. Within high temperature steam transmission pipelines, considerably high temperatures can cause creep. This shortens the service life.
A setting with great humidity can cause corrosion with ease. This is particularly true when you lay ERW water supply and drainage tubing in humid underground settings. You must take anti-corrosion measures.
The material’s corrosiveness is also something you can’t ignore. Transporting very corrosive material like hydrochloric or sulphuric acid will hasten pipeline corrosion.
Maintenance and installation are equally as important here. Incorrect installation, like uneven force or loose pipe connections, will lead to local stress concentration. Your ERW tube will suffer damage. Lack of frequent maintenance, and not promptly detecting and rectifying corrosion or wear will result in small problems gradually worsening. In the end, the service life of your tubes will be affected.
Extending the service life
For those wondering how to extend the service life of their tube, there are a few available methods. To begin with, you need to choose the right tubes. They need to have suitable specifications and materials according to separate usage scenarios. With oil and gas transportation, corrosion resistance and high strength are most significant. In building structures, you need tubing with appropriate wall thicknesses and diameters. This will ensure they have enough stability and strength.
Secondly, you must use a standardised installation process. Before installation, make the necessary preparations. Carefully examine the tube to see if there are defects like scratches, dents, or cracks. If there are any problems, don’t use them. Moreover, you must prepare the necessary tools, sealing materials, and fittings for installation. Do so according to the design requirements.
Lastly, you’ll need to improve your maintenance practices. Frequent inspections are important for extending the lifespan. You can figure out the frequency of inspections by looking at the working conditions and environment. A good idea would be doing a comprehensive inspection every 1 to 3 months. Cleanse the exterior of your tubing regularly if possible to remove debris, dust, and dirt. For systems moving liquid media, carry out regular cleaning to stop impurities from depositing inside.
We have ERW tube that can offer a long lifespan
At Union Steel Tubes, we have many tube options available. As such, we’re confident we can cover all our clients’ specifications. This includes applications in various industries. Not only will you get top tier products, but they’ll be delivered to you quickly as well.
So, if you’re interested in doing business with us for ERW tube, feel free to get in touch. We’ll work with you to ensure the tubing meets your specifications.
