Introduction
Did you know that mild steel is one of the most widely used materials in manufacturing industries? Manufacturers frequently praise its versatility, workability, strength, and cost. Therefore, it is no wonder that mild steel pipes are some of the most common types of tubes available in the market.
Mild steel pipes are durable, lightweight, and malleable, a combination that is ideal for many businesses. For this reason, they abound in factories, structures, oil & gas, and domestic use alike. This article will cover everything you need to know about mild steel pipes and how they can be the bread and butter of your business.
What is a Mild Steel Pipe?
Mild steel is the same as low-carbon steel, composed of iron and low quantities of carbon. Overall carbon percentage by mass ranges between 0.05% to 0.25%. Wondering what difference such a small amount can make? The addition of just 1% carbon in steel imparts properties like strength, ductility, and robustness. The carbon content makes mild steel pipes work well in heavy-duty applications that involve a lot of physical stress.
In addition, they are easy to manufacture and respond well to hot and cold work. While they are still weaker than high-carbon steel pipes – which may have up to 3% carbon – they are strengthened through carburization. Mild steel is predominantly iron, so it is highly magnetic. Its easy availability makes it one of the most used industrial materials.
Characteristics
The pipe layer’s primary concern is choosing the correct type of pipe for an application. Pipes made of low-carbon metal are characterized by moderate strength, high durability, and excellent weldability. You know that they contain primarily iron and carbon, but they also contain trace amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, and silicon.
Mild steel pipes further possess several properties that make them fit many environments. They are conducive to galvanization and heat treatment. Seamless mild steel pipes have immense tensile strength due to the absence of welding joints. Welded pipes are more versatile – their modular nature means they combine with different pipe dimensions and components. While carbon steel is susceptible to corrosion, the process of steel pipe galvanization can extend its lifespan.
Mild Steel Pipe Grades
Have you wondered how the hundreds of steel pipes out there are classified? Each country has its way of categorizing metal alloys based on their properties and applications. Commonly seen grades fall under American, Indian, British, European, Japanese, and Australian standards. The American ASTM standard is the most widely recognized grading system. Some mild steel pipe grades according to the ASTM standard are:
- ASTM A53: This mild steel alloy is not very rigid but possesses excellent machinability. It is often seen in structural applications and domestic pipelines.
- ASTM A135: A135 mild steel has remarkable temperature tolerance, making it useful for fire-proofing. Additionally, it is used to convey gas, vapor, and other liquids.
- ASTM A795: Often found in the form of black zinc-coated pipes. They commonly see industrial, mechanical, and HVAC applications due to their high-pressure rating.
- ASTM A523: Used for high-pressure pipes and electrical cable containment. It can be heat treated and supports anti-corrosive painting.
Other common pipe standards are:
- The BS 1387 is a British pipe grade often utilized in buildings and structures. Another British category is the BS 3601, a multi-purpose carbon steel pipe.
- In Europe, the EN standard is prevalent. The EN 10255 is an all-rounder pipe grade conducive to welding and threading.
- Japan uses the JIS pipe standard. The JIS G 3444 standard covers seamless and welded mild steel pipes used in civil engineering applications.
Mild Steel Pipe Sizes and Standards
Apart from metal grades and properties, pipe specifications are also a very crucial aspect. Often, the success of a project is dependent on knowing which standard to follow. If you procure incompatible pipes, you will quickly run into several roadblocks. For this reason, it is essential to know about pipe NPS specifications. NPS is a globally recognized way of classifying pipes according to dimensions. One may often run into terms like OD, ID, and schedule when dealing with numbers. Let us explain the meaning of these terms.
- OD (Outside Diameter): The outside diameter of a pipe is the diametrical distance from one end of the surface to another. It is a vital piece of information, especially for small-scale projects, because it determines the space occupied by the pipe.
- ID (Inside Diameter): Like the OD measures a pipe end to end from the outside, the ID does from the inside. It is the diametrical distance from one end of the inside surface to the other. This seemingly small piece of information can determine significant things like transport volume and pressure rating.
- Pipe Schedule: This describes the thickness of pipe walls. The pipe schedule with OD and ID delivers a complete image of the pipe dimensionality.
Generally, mild steel pipe bores can range from 1/8 to 6 inches. The outside diameter of pipes can be as small as 0.406 inches and as large as 6.5 inches. It is critical to consult a pipe specification chart to determine the pipe size appropriate for your application.
Features of Mild Steel Pipes
The most excellent thing about mild steel pipes is their versatility. While low-carbon steel is usually less durable than medium or high-carbon steel, mild steel pipes can be heat-treated to increase surface hardness. They are highly weather-resistant and durable, offering long service life with proper maintenance. The weldability of mild steel pipes differentiates them from high-carbon pipes. While the latter is hard to work with, mild steel pipes function diversely with enormous success.
When manufactured seamlessly, they offer additional tensile strength. The temperature resistance of mild steel pipes further allows them in rough environments like outdoor pipelines, chemical plants, and boilers. The low cost of procurement also plays a key role in their adaptability. Mild steel pipes cost four times less than stainless steel pipes and can outperform them in some scenarios.
Applications of Mild Steel Pipes
The versatility of mild steel pipes means that many industries benefit from them. They are a mainstay component among small and big manufacturers alike. Some of the primary businesses that use mild steel pipes are:
- Construction: Mild steel pipes are strong and robust, perfect for structural parts in construction projects. They are commonly seen as building frameworks, scaffoldings, support rods, etc. Mild steel pipes are used in building bridges, ships, masts, and other large structures.
- Plumbing: Mild steel pipes are often used in indoor and outdoor plumbing. Their range of sizes makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. They are mainstays in sewage, drainage, and water supply systems.
- Oil and Gas: The oil & gas industry relies heavily on mild steel pipes. It has two distinct types of pipe networks. On the one hand, you have heavy-duty oil pipelines that run over or underground, covering tremendous distances. On the other hand, there are smaller pipe networks to transport gas in indoor environments. Mild steel pipes can serve as efficient tools in both applications.
- HVAC: HVAC systems require efficient and intricate piping networks to transport gas, water, and vapor. Mild steel grades like A135 are suitable for carrying high-pressure gases in heating and ventilation systems. They are efficient at carrying hot and cool water that flows through these pipe networks.
- Agriculture: Farmlands, cattle sheds, and poultry sheds rely on pipelines for irrigation, water supply, and drainage. Mild steel pipes fulfill these requirements by providing a robust and cost-effective solution for small and big farmhouses.
- Automotive and Aerospace Industry: Mild steel pipes are crucial in the complex pipe networks required in automobiles and aircraft. Their high pressure and tolerance rating allow them to fulfill these industries’ unique requirements. They are used in engine exhausts, gas delivery systems, and ignition chambers.
What is the Difference Between High Carbon and Mild Steel Tubes?
High-carbon steel is an alloy of iron and carbon containing a higher percentage of carbon, between 0.5 to 3%. This seemingly small difference makes its physical properties much different than low-carbon steel. High-carbon steel offers greater tensile strength and durability than mild steel. For this reason, it primarily finds application in the construction, manufacturing, and oil & gas industries.
High-carbon steel sports more heat resistance than mild-carbon steel, withstanding temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. However, high-carbon steel has some drawbacks compared to mild steel, which means it cannot replace the latter. It is harder to work into different shapes and cannot be welded.
Due to its extreme hardness, it is also more brittle than mild steel. It is costlier to procure than mild steel and is susceptible to rusting. This restricts the options when it comes to manufacturing with high-carbon steel.
Ultimately, both high and low-carbon steel are excellent manufacturing materials with their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of material will depend upon your specific application.
Conclusion
The versatility and value of mild steel pipes make them a mainstay in industrial applications. The numerous grades of mild steel pipes provide manufacturers and service providers with efficient tools to meet their goals. Mild steel pipes are strong, durable, ductile, and cheap – offering incredible value to small and large businesses.
However, due to the availability of many diverse types of pipes in the market, it is necessary to be aware of their specifications before buying. A strong understanding of pipe standards, grades, and materials is required to make any venture profitable. Efficient design of pipe networks can reduce expenditure caused by waste and incorrect materials.
With the correct information, you can create the perfect pipe network for your application, which is made possible by the power of mild steel pipes.