How Much Do You Know About Carbon Steel Pipe And Its Uses?

Carbon steel, as the name suggests comprises carbon as the main alloying component. The amount of carbon present in this alloy could go up to 1.2%. This type of steel often contains 1.5% of manganese, and negligible amounts of other elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum etc. As a general practice, if steel contains specified amounts of other alloying elements such as nickel, titanium, molybdenum, chromium etc, it is specifically referred to as LSAW Steel Pipe. However, if the steel doesnt comprise any specified amounts of these alloying materials, then it is considered to be carbon steel. This point should always be kept in mind while ordering steel pipes and tubing.

High temperature services often make use of the ASME SA106 Grade B pipes that is a seamless steel pipe. Under this same context, seamless carbon steel pipe is versatile and tough in nature. As the pipes are seamless, they possess better strength and durability making it highly efficient in constructional applications. Seamless pipes are also called as LSAW steel pipes because they are also used in industries dealing with machining parts, cylinders, bearings and shafts. In ordinary cases, the pipes are very difficult to bend either because they are very hard or very soft wherein the bending severely creates deformity. When the appropriate tools are used, a seamless steel pipe is very easy to bend and form.

These aspects make the pipes suitable for a host of applications where non-standard angles are often needed. Steel typically being the most sturdy and common material used in industries have large demand when it comes to a variety of industrial applications. Steel pipes are available in a wide range of sizes and lengths and are widely used in several manufacturing industries. Also, because of their internal pressure ratings and high tensile strength they are implemented in high pressure applications. In addition, the manufacturers add carbon to steel just to solidify and strengthen the overall structures of the pipes so that it performs well under strenuous applications.

This process of alloying materials proves to be the most cost-effective and practical method in the industrial domain. Carbon is known to increase the tensile strength of steel. This means that the lower the amount of carbon, the more ductile or malleable you can expect steel to be. On the contrary, increasing the amount of carbon would lead to a harder metal that cannot be easily bent. This hardness is usually achieved through a process called tempering. Tempering is the process of hardening the steel that includes three main steps. First the metal is heated to a particular temperature. Then, the desired temperature is maintained for a short period. Finally, the metal is rapidly cooled to achieve the required tensile strength.

Over all, Low carbon steel pipe is preferred mostly owing to its rugged abilities and robust qualities. These aspects make them best suited for heavy industries. If you have special requirements you can get these pipes custom made by specifying their width and thickness. The thickness of the pipe determines how much pressure it can handle. However, the custom made pipes usually have to be welded.