Steel pipes

Types of steel pipes and their features of use

Pipes are not just pipes. The shape is only one aspect – you can get traditional round steel pipes in narrow and wide dimensions, but versions that are square are produced. Square hollow profiles allow to build strong frames. 

Power lines must be able to withstand a little bit of everything in the construction industry, where heavy transport is commonplace – steel pipes provide the perfect route in case of collision and protection against short circuits. Dietzel Univolt 16mm hot-dip galvanized steel pipes are eminent for mechanical protection of cables. EFB electrically galvanized PSSR16 pipe with pressure load of up to 1250 N is also an option. 

gardener or do-it-yourself gardener, you will not get far without a water hose and round steel pipes are ideal for the outdoor tap. Most homes have white goods such as washing machines – for this type of installation, steel is sometimes used rather than built-in PEX. The pipes are mounted in wall or ceiling carriers. If we are talking plumbing installations, the surface treatment of the pipe must match the liquid or other material that is led through as well as the weather surroundings. 

Stainless steel pipes

Buried heating and drinking water installations are a classic example. Stainless steel pipes have moisture and water repellent properties that make them useful for boilers and many industries, including food. However, prolonged exposure to chemicals, acids and salt water will cause even the most robust pipes to succumb over time. Always check the PREN value and alloy composition carefully for optimal flow and hygiene. 

Stainless steel pipes are used, among other things, when the system is exposed to high pressure loads and will often be annealed, i.e. the steel is made stronger by removing the stresses inherent in the material. In such forms of installation, it may not be so important how the pipes look. If they are visible and you want a nice painted finish, the fine surface of ground steel pipes will be obvious. The grinding makes them resistant to corrosion, even if you leave them untreated. 

If you are wondering when you can actually call a pipe or alloy stainless, yes - then it requires a minimum of 10.5-12% chromium. They typically also consist of other elements like nickel, molybdenum and manganese will occur. The chromium forms insoluble oxides that settle as a thin protective film on the surface. 

Together, these ensure a durable pipe system that you can easily weld in. The pipes are manufactured precisely by welding – either by butt or lap welding. The steel roller processes and shapes the pipe, which is then assembled with the welding apparatus. The stucco method provides straight edges and is welded in what is called longitudinal seam. In the lobe method, the upper and lower edges are cut obliquely, and they eventually overlap. 

In fact, seamless steel pipes are available without joints. The idea originated with Reinhard and Max Mannesmann, and granted a patent. The form of production is stronger than the others, as the pipe does not risk bursting or rusting. Here, a round piece of steel is heated, which is then passed through tapered rollers and finally a hole is made by pressing over a mandrel. Without nails, there are no weak points. 

Advantages of using steel pipes in structures

Steel has been the construction industry's preferred material for more than 25 years when it comes to protecting against water leakage. With the right fittings and dexterity, steel pipes are easy to assemble and comfortable to work with, as very little metal release is seen. 

It is almost only your imagination that limits which constructions you can create. Posts, sliding door sections, table frames, but the pipes are also used to hide power cables for patio heaters or ventilation systems - we could go on. A round cross section ensures high strength regardless of from which direction the load comes. The malleability of the steel pipe is super and gives a minimalist and sleek look. 

In everyday life, we do not think about sewerage, but there are good arguments for thinking stainless steel pipes in relation to sustainability. Often, drain pipes can be remelted and reused. Quality steel also reduces the risk of emitting harmful substances into the underground. If you have had to fight with rats, it is worth knowing that they cannot gnaw their way through this material. 

How to choose the right size and thickness for steel pipes?

It is one thing to clarify pipe quality and installation requirements – another is to clarify dimensions and lengths. We can understand if you find it difficult to find head and tail in meters, inches and mm. The tasks vary and you may not be able to just grab the most used sizes. It is difficult to create a unique table in relation to bracing, etc., but we can help you along the way with a conversion formula. 

Pipe thickness is indicated in inches, however, the millimeter measurement is a little more manageable for most people. Grab the thumbstick and measure the outside diameter of the pipe, and then check the list for what it corresponds to, so you get the right fittings, bypasses and suspensions in the basket – and don't forget Unipak and packing ointment either:

Pipe size exterior:

• 3/8" = 17.5 mm

• 1/2" = 21.3 mm

• 3/4" = 26.9 mm

• 1" = 33.7 mm

• 1 1/4" = 42.4 mm

• 1 1/2" = 48.3 mm

• 2" = 60.3 mm