Introduction
There are trace amounts of elements in the steel pipes that increase the tensile strength. Carbon steel pipes have 0.02-2.1% by weight. Steel pipes are made from various metals and compounds. These compounds combine to form an alloy. Manufacturing industries use carbon steel pipes for construction and structural support. Other sectors use carbon-steel pipes, including automotive and oil and gas companies.
People use these pipes in transport and sewage due to their durability. They are in use because they can be recycled after use. These pipes have lower corrosion resistance than other steel pipes. The coating may make carbon steel pipes more corrosion-resistant.
This article provides information on the different types of carbon steel pipes. Also, the applications and advantages of these pipes are stated here.
What Makes Carbon Steel Pipes Stand Out?
There are specific properties of the carbon steel pipes that make them exceptional for use in different sectors. Such as:
- The composition of the carbon steel makes it exceptional. Iron is the primary component in the production of carbon steel pipes. As the carbon concentration rises, so does their strength.
- Carbon steel pipes are used in various sectors, including plumbing, transportation, and construction.
- People prefer carbon steel pipes because they are affordable.
- The protective coating makes the carbon steel pipes more durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Manufacturers can fully recycle carbon steel pipes. They are therefore a sustainable choice for building and transportation.
Carbon Steel Pipe Types
There are various categories for carbon steel pipes. These categories depend on the iron’s carbon content by weight. All types of carbon steel pipes have distinct advantages and applications. Here are the details regarding the various kinds of carbon steel pipes:
· Low-Carbon (Mild) Steel Pipes
The lowest amount of carbon in the carbon steel pipes is around (0.08% – 0.25% Carbon). Low-carbon steel pipes exhibit good ductility, machinability, and toughness. The primary role of mild carbon steel pipes is in low-pressure applications, such as construction, automotive, plumbing, and pipeline applications.
· Medium-Carbon Steel Pipes
Carbon steel pipes with percentages ranging from 0.25 to almost 0.60 are medium-carbon steel pipes. These pipes have strengths and hardness between those of mild and high-carbon steel pipes. These pipes have higher wear and pressure resistance than the mild carbon steel pipes. The primary application of medium-carbon steel pipes is in the automotive industry.
· High-Carbon Steel Pipes
As carbon content increases, so does the hardness and strength of carbon steel. Carbon steel, with 0.60 to 2.1% carbon, is used to make high-carbon steel pipes. The tensile strength and hardness of these pipes are exceptional. High-carbon steel pipes are used in bridge frameworks, construction, and high-pressure applications. The hardness increases brittleness and reduces ductility and weldability in high-carbon steel pipes. It is suggested that these pipes must be handled with care.
Seamless Carbon Steel Pipes
Manufacturers make these seamless carbon steel pipes from the steel billets and pierce them to form a hollow section. These pipes do not have the weld seam. Applications involving high pressure can take advantage of them.
Carbon Steel Pipes (Welded)
The making of the welded carbon steel pipes involves welding the sheets into a cylinder. There is always a weld seam on these carbon-steel pipes.
Advantages of Carbon Steel Pipes
People in business are using carbon steel pipes due to the advantages, such as:
· High Strength
Manufacturers ensure that carbon steel pipes can withstand pressures exceeding 10,000 psi.
· Corrosion Resistance
Carbon steel pipes can offer up to 30 years of corrosion resistance when coated with zinc or epoxy.
· Cost-Effective
The cost of carbon steel is up to 40% lower than stainless steel, yet its performance is similar.
· High Temperature Tolerance
These pipes may withstand temperatures up to 870 °C without structural damage.
· Recyclability
More than 90% of carbon steel can be recycled, which encourages green production.
Applications in Industry and Construction
Pipes made of carbon steel are used in many different industries. The major applications of these pipes are in the industrial and construction areas.
- In the industries, people use carbon steel pipes for transportation. These pipes can transport chemicals, fluids, and gases.
- Carbon steel pipes are used in the automotive industry to make exhaust systems, frames, and chassis.
- In crude oil transportation, the oil and gas industry uses these pipes.
- The construction industry uses carbon steel pipes for structural and plumbing applications.
Carbon Steel Pipes vs. Competing Materials
People in the construction and manufacturing industries use carbon steel pipes, but they also have other options, such as PVC, stainless steel, and copper pipes. By contrasting the features of all these materials, they may make an informed choice.
| Materials | Strength | Durability | Corrosion resistance | Temperature tolerance | Pressure tolerance | Cost |
| Carbon steel pipes | Very high | Excellent | Good | High | High | Low |
| PVC | Low | Fair | High | Low | Low | High |
| Copper | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Low | Moderate | High |
| Stainless steel | High | Good | High | Very high | High | Low |
Conclusion
The use of carbon steel pipes across sectors is due to their high strength and temperature resistance. They are an affordable option for industrial and construction uses. These pipes can bear pressure and high temperatures. The recyclability of the carbon steel pipes makes them an eco-friendly option. There are other material pipes available in the market; the choice of materials depends on the environment where you are using them.