ASTM A53 Pipe Standard: The General Use Guide ASTM A53 steel pipes are one of the most widely used standards for steel pipes in the world in the field of pipelines and construction. There are three types: LSAW, SSAW, and ERW, but their manufacturing processes are different and application is also different.
1. Astm A53 LSAW Steel Pipe (Longitudinal Submerged arc Welding)
LSAW Pipe is manufactured by bending the steel plate lengthwise then welded and the welded seam is on the inside and outside of the pipe! LSAW pipes, having high-quality steels, are ideal for high-pressure oil and gas applications. High strength welds and thick walls make these pipes suitable for high pressure oil and gas pipelines, ocean applications.
2. Astm A53 SSAW Steel Pipe (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded)
Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) Pipe is made by using the spiral submerged arc welding method. Their spiral welds enable economical production and make them ideal for medium- to low-pressure water mains or for structural uses.
3. Astm A53 ERW Steel Pipe (Electric Resistance Welded)
ERW pipes are made by electric resistance welding, so that small radius of curvature is required for bending in weld preparation which allows manufacturing pipes with small diameter with precise welds, production cost for such pipes are relatively low. They are most commonly used in construction for building frames, mechanical tubing, and the conveyance of liquids at low pressure.
The following are the main differences:
Welding Process: LSAW/SSAW processes involve submerged arc welding, ERW is an electric resistance welding process.
Diameter & Wall Thickness: LSAW pipes have bigger diameters with thicker walls as compared to the SSAW and ERW pipes.
Pressure Handling: LSAW > ERW/SSAW.
