Advantages of Steel Pipe
There are many variables to consider when deciding what type of pipe to use, including things like ease of installation, versatility, resistance to corrosion, pipe strength, weight and cost. Steel pipe is a popular choice and has advantages over other types of pipe such as concrete, cast iron, copper, brass or PVC.
Versatility
Steel pipe is one of the most versatile types of pipes available, making it a top choice in a wide range of industries including construction, medical, shipbuilding, textile, agricultural, oil and gas, and more. The diameter of a steel pipe can range from a tiny tube used to make hypodermic needles to large pipes used to transport gas throughout a city. Steel pipe can be short or long, can have a thick wall or a thin one, and can be finished with varying coating materials to suit different project needs. Because of this versatility, steel pipe is often favored over other, less adaptable types of pipe, like concrete or PVC.
Installation
Unlike many other types of pipe, steel pipe is easy to install. The metal can be customized to any height, width or strength, and it can be modified on site as needed. Because of this ease of installation, steel pipe is considered one of the most convenient types of pipe to work with and is often picked over other, less versatile pipes.
Weight
While steel pipe can range widely in size and weight, it’s typically more lightweight and therefore easier to handle than other types of pipe, such as concrete. Because of its relatively lighter weight, it takes less equipment and less labor to install steel pipe, meaning the cost of installation will also be less.
Durability
Steel pipe has a high capacity. It’s stronger than many other types of pipe and can be made larger or thinner without compromising its durability. The strength of steel makes it a great option for most projects since it can withstand vibrations, shock and high pressure. Unlike other materials, steel will bend rather than break in extreme conditions, which means it’s less likely to crack or leak. In many industries, this durability is what makes steel pipe a necessary choice over other options like concrete or PVC.
Resistance to Corrosion
Steel pipe is rust resistant. Unlike other materials like cast iron, steel is long lasting and resistant to many chemical reactions that cause corrosion. While stainless steel does contain iron, which can oxidize to form rust, it also contains a high percentage of chromium, which is even more reactive than iron. The chromium in steel pipe oxidizes quickly to form a protective layer on the pipe’s surface. This layer resists corrosion and prevents oxygen from reaching the underlying steel. Additional elements in steel pipe, such as nickel and molybdenum, also add to its rust resistance. Because of this, steel pipe won’t easily corrode and will last long beyond its installation.
Longevity
Steel pipe has a low interior surface friction, remains stable at extreme temperatures, and is not affected by sunlight or ultraviolet rays, which adds to its longevity. If a steel pipe is properly treated during the manufacturing process (coated both inside and out with zinc or protective paint), the pipe can be expected to last 100 years.
To learn more about steel pipe, head over to our blog titled "All About Steel Pipe".
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