What are the different between SSAW and LSAW pipe? Both SSAW and LSAW pipes are large-diameter steel pipes. And made acc. to API 5L, ASTM A252 and etc. So let’s see what’s the differences between LSAW and SSAW from 6 aspects.
1) LSAW Steel Pipes and SSAW Different in Name:
LSAW steel pipes is an abbreviation of Longitudinal Submerged Arc-Welding. Its welding line is straight.
While, Spiral Submerged Arc-Welding shorten with SSAW. Also called HSAW pipe. Its welding line shape like a helix.
Brief Introduction of LSAW Steel Pipe
| Product: | LSAW Pipe (Longitudinal Submerged Arc-Welding Pipe) |
| Application: | Used for oil/gas/water transmission; Offshore Projects |
| Size: | O.D.:406.4 mm to 1524.0 mm; W.T.: 7.0 mm to 40.0 mm ; Length: 5.8m/6.0m/11.8m/12.0m |
| Standard: | API 5L PSL 1 & PSL 2; and ASTM A252; ASTM A572; ASTM A53; and AN/NZS 1163; AN/NZS 1074 ; and AN/NZS 1163; AN/NZS 1074 |
2) Manufacturing Process Difference:
All we know, LSAW pipes use steel plate as raw material. Mold it by the molding machine. Then do double-sided submerged arc welding. Through this process, the LSAW steel pipe will get excellent characteristic. Such as ductility, weld toughness, uniformity, plasticity, and great sealing. Meanwhile, producing process of SSAW steel pipe’s is rolling the steel strip. To make the rolling direction have an angle with the direction of the pipe center, forming and welding. So the welding seam is in a spiral line.
3) Difference in Length Range :
Length of LSAW steel pipes range from 3 m to 15 m. The max. length of the LSAW steel pipe is 15 m. If you want longer it should choose the T-Welded pipe. Usually, SSAW steel pipe length made according to the end-use of steel strip. The longest pipe I have seen and transport to Australia is a 33.5 m SSAW steel pipe.
4) Size Range and Performances:
Outside diameter of LSAW pipe ranging from 16 inches (406.4 mm) to 60 inches (1524.0 mm). And wall thickness from 6.0 mm to 30.0 mm. Good performances on high-pressure resistance, and low-temperature corrosion resistance.
While SSAW steel pipe diameter range is from 8 inches (219.1 mm) to 120 inches (3040.0 mm); Wall thickness from 5.0 mm to 25.0 mm. The advantage part is we can get the different diameter of SSAW pipes with the same size as the steel strip. There is a wide application for the raw material steel strip.
SSAW pipe weld seam should avoid primary stress, and good performances to bear the stress. The disadvantage is the bad physical dimension. Welding seam length is longer than the pipe length. It is easy to cause the defects of cracks. Like air hole, cinder inclusion, partial welding, welding force in pulling status. Thought SSAW pipe is using welding technology of Submerged Arc-Welding. It is same with LSAW steel pipes. The SSAW pipe is spiral welded where the LSAW is straight welded.
5) Application Difference:
Application of LSAW steel pipes used in the oil and gas pipelines. Especially required large diameter and thick wall pipe with high strength and long-distance. Meanwhile, it needed in construction of a structure that needs tough strengthl. In the water treatment, thermal industry, bridge building, and etc.
According to API specifications, the LSAW pipe designated in many areas. Such as, large-scaled oil and gas transportation. In the cases that pipeline across the city, sea, and the urban area.
As we know, SSAW pipes used for oil and gas pipeline systems. But in petroleum design specification, the SSAW could only applied in many areas. Such as construction structure, water transport and sewage treatment, thermal industry, building, etc.
6) Price:
Finally, different use of the raw material, the price of LSAW is higher than the SSAW steel pipe. But the LSAW has better performance than the SSAW steel pipe. For common used steel grade, the MOQ for the LSAW pipe has no limitation while SSAW is about 30 ~ 50 tons per size.