PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Butt-welded pipe is formed by feeding a hot steel plate through shapers that will roll it into a hollow circular shape. Forcibly squeezing the two ends of the plate together will produce a fused joint or seam. Figure 2.2 shows the steel plate as it begins the process of forming butt-welded pipe.

Least common of the three methods is spiral-welded pipe. Spiral-welded pipe is formed by twisting strips of metal into a spiral shape, similar to a barber’s pole, then welding where the edges join one another to form a seam. This type of pipe is restricted to piping systems using low pressures due to its thin walls. Figure 2.3 shows spiral-welded pipe as it appears before welding.

Each of the three methods for producing pipe has its advantages and disadvantages. Butt-welded pipe, for example, is formed from rolled plate that has a more uniform wall thickness and can be inspected for defects prior to forming and welding. This manufacturing method is particularly useful when thin walls and long lengths are needed. Because of the welded seam, however, there is always the possibility of defects that escape the numerous quality control checks performed during the manufacturing process.