How to ensure the quality of hot-expanded seamless steel pipes

How to ensure the quality of large-diameter hot-expanded seamless steel pipes?
This is a major problem for most of the overseas EPC procurement managers. PETROL STEEL knows that large-diameter hot expanded Seamless Steel Pipes are usually used in major projects, such as in the oil and gas, power generation, refining and offshore engineering sectors, where quality problems can have much worse consequences than the value of the pipes themselves.
Therefore, we have established a full-scale quality control system:
We only use seamless base pipes of high quality that meet the standards of API, ASTM and EN for the hot-expansion process; we strictly control key process parameters, such as heating temperature, expansion ratio and cooling rate, throughout the hot-expansion process.
All batches are dimensionally inspected, chemically composition analyzed, mechanically tested and non-destructively tested (NDT); we can arrange third-party inspections (UT, MT, PT and RT) at the customer’s request; we facilitate inspections by international third-party agencies such as SGS, BV, TUV, DNV and Intertek; all inspection data is fully traceable, and every single pipe is marked with a unique identification mark.

Is the pipe wall thickness consistent with the large-diameter hot-expansion Seamless Steel Pipes?
This is a major technical index to identify hot expanded steel pipes and ordinary welded pipe, and it is also a key point for overseas buyers.
PETROL STEEL uses a mature and stable hot expansion process, with precise control over the expansion ratio and mandrel operation, so that changes in wall thickness stay within the limits allowed by standards.
In production we:
Continuous monitoring of wall thickness;
Ultrasonic wall thickness spot checks;
Full dimensional measurements;
Final inspection before shipment.
We follow the relevant specifications for products like API 5L, ASTM A106 and ASTM A53.
For projects with more stringent requirements, we also manufacture products to customer-specified tolerances.
Hence, we look at not only the average wall thickness but also, and more importantly, the consistency and uniformity of the wall thickness over the entire length of the pipe.

Does the outer diameter of the hot-expanded seamless steel tubes meet the design requirements?
Yes, definitely.
Large diameter hot expanded steel pipes are generally used in combination with flanges, elbows, tees and on-site welding; hence, outer diameter precision is important.
Using special expansion equipment and roundness-correction processes, PETROL STEEL performs the following checks on each pipe:
Checking of outer diameter;
Inspection of roundness;
Checking for ovality,
Straightness checking;
Dimensional inspection on both ends.
All large-diameter hot expanded Seamless Steel Pipes from PETROL STEEL are dimensionally tolerance controlled according to API, ASTM and EN standards.
We can also provide special dimensions and custom machining for key projects based on client drawings and provide comprehensive dimensional inspection reports.
This effectively prevents installation problems on site and improves construction efficiency.

Are there any faults within the hot-expanded Seamless Steel Pipes?
Internal defects are directly affecting the operational safety of the project. Therefore, PETROL STEEL controls strictly this element.
The following tests can be carried out on all hot expanded steel pipes of PETROL STEEL according to customer requirements:
100% UT (Ultrasonic Testing)
Eddy Current Testing (ECT)
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), and Hydrostatic Testing (Hydro Test)
For high grade projects or special requirements from customers, we also arrange third party inspection agencies to witness the whole testing process.
In no case will products be shipped from the factory if any defects such as cracks, inclusions, laminations or shrinkage cavities are found.
Our principle is simple. Only products that pass all inspections can be delivered to the customer.

Will the hot-expansion process affect the performance of the Seamless Steel Pipe?

Answer 5: This is a big concern for many overseas buyers when they buy hot-expanded steel pipes for the first time.
In practice, a mature and standardized hot-expansion process does not affect the performance of the pipe.
PETROL STEEL uses a tried and tested hot expansion process with tight control over critical parameters such as heating temperature, hold time, expansion ratio and cooling method, according to the steel grade, and performs heat treatment (normalizing or normalizing & tempering) where needed.
After the production is completed, we carry out a number of tests, such as tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, impact testing (if needed) and hardness testing.
Products shipped only after full compliance with requirements of API, ASTM or EN standards.
So customers can confidently use our hot expanded steel pipes in high pressure, high temperature and critical pipeline systems.

Can hot-expanded seamless steel pipes be used in major engineering projects?
Sure.
PETROL STEEL large-diameter hot-expanded seamless steel pipes are widely used in major and critical international projects such as long-distance oil and gas pipelines, refineries, petrochemical plants, LNG projects, auxiliary systems of thermal and nuclear power plants, offshore platforms, municipal water supply projects and EPC contracts.
PETROL STEEL offers: for special project requirements:
API 5L PSL1/PSL2, ASTM A106, ASTM A53 and EN steel pipes as well as pipes for low temperature and high temperature service, special Alloy Steel Pipes and etc.
We can also provide full MTC’s, third party inspection reports and project documentation to suit international engineering procurement requirements.

Are hot-expanded seamless steel pipes ever rejected on arrival at the site?
This is a big problem in international procurement. Rejection on site means not only problems with the product but also delays to the project, additional logistics costs and contract risks.
At PETROL STEEL we believe in “solving all problems before shipment and not leaving to customer to solve at the site".
We have implemented a number of safeguards to reduce the risk of rejection at the on-site inspection:
100% inspection prior to shipment for dimensions, appearance and marking;
Conduct non-destructive testing (NDT), hydrostatic testing and mechanical property testing per order requirements;
Provision of full Material Test Certificates (MTC) and inspection reports for each batch;
Cooperation with and support for international third-party inspections carried out by agencies such as SGS, BV, TÜV, DNV, and Intertek;
Export packing that is appropriate for long distance shipment and can withstand ocean shipping, moisture and impact;
“Final confirmation of specifications, quantities, packaging and marking details with the client prior to shipment to avoid rejection due to communication errors.

PETROL STEEL has been dedicated to a project-delivery-focused approach for over 20 years. We are not only concerned with the quality of the product but also the acceptance, installation and operation of equipment. The aim is to reduce procurement risks and ensure that every steel pipe will pass inspection and enter service as soon as it arrives at the site.

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For more info and the price of high-quality large-diameter heat-expanded seamless steel pipes and their specifications, please send us the inquiry; you will get the quick reply soon.

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