What are ERW Pipes and What are their Uses?
Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes and tubes are an important component of buildings and infrastructure. They are made from steel coils that have been welded longitudinally. ERW pipes and tubes can be of different sizes and are applicable in many industries due to their versatile nature. Their outer diameter can range between 3.2mm to 0.6m, and depending upon requirements, larger sizes are also manufactured.
The process of manufacturing ERW GP pipes and tubes involves working with flat steel sheets and turning them into cylindrical form. Then the two edges of the coil are welded together using pressure and heat generated by induction or by an electric current through the seam. The seam differentiates ERW pipes from seamless pipes.
Benefits of ERW GP Pipes and Tubes
- Since the only part that needs to be welded is the seam, the rest of the pipe is clean. The post-welding usually only involves cleaning, grinding and trimming of the pipe or tube ends which have been welded.
- ERW pipes have an advantage over seamless pipes in terms of accuracy of dimensions owing to higher strip rolling accuracy and pipe material control.
- ERW pipes and tubes have a high level of impact toughness.
- Pre-galvanized ERW pipes have strong rust and corrosion-resistant properties.
- The microstructure of the pipes and tubes is uniform as they have been developed from steel sheets of uniform thickness.
Uses of ERW Pipes and Tubes
- They have several applications across a wide range of industries from infrastructure construction such as airports and railway stations to refinery plants to the automobile industry.
- ERW GP Pipes are used in buildings in the mountainous and coastal regions because of their strength and resistance to corrosion and rust.
- They are being used as a replacement of wood in roofing structures.
- Their ease of application and the diversity in their sizes makes them suitable for use in prefabricated structures such as sheds warehouses.
- They are being used in agricultural implements, solar tracking systems, gym equipment and construction equipment.
- In automobile manufacturing, they are used in truck and body bodies and heavy vehicle axles.
- Furthermore, they are changing construction trends with their utility in fencing, railings, scaffolding, windows and door frames, ducting, furniture such as tables and benches and even fire fighting equipment.
