Steel Pipe Application: Pipelines

Tips & Advice

Since their introduction in the 1860s, steel pipelines have become vital to the distribution of energy in the U.S. The prevalence of steel in pipelines is largely due to steel’s longevity, durability and resistance to corrosion.

The History of Steel Pipelines

Pipelines have been used to move oil since 1859 when the first commercial oil well was drilled by “Colonel” Edwin Drake of Pennsylvania. The first pipelines were fairly basic and transported oil only a short distance from drill holes to nearby tanks or refineries. As demand for oil increased, so too did the demand for larger and more sophisticated pipeline systems.

Initially, pipelines were made of wrought iron. As the pipeline industry continued to grow throughout the 1860s, new standards for quality control were introduced. Soon, manufacturers switched from wrought iron to steel, which is the safer, more durable and longer-lasting material.

Improvements are continually being made to steel pipe production, coating and installation practices. Today, steel is still the top choice in the pipeline industry.

The Prevalence of Steel Pipelines

Steel pipelines can be found all over the U.S. Natural gas is delivered through small diameter distribution lines buried in our yards. Water is carried through large cross-country transmission pipelines. Sewage and energy lines all move through steel pipelines. Steel pipe is especially prevalent in the oil and gas industry, particularly in pipes like gathering lines (the tubes that transport oil or gas from the producing area to a storage facility or larger main pipeline), and pipe trunk lines (the welded, large-diameter steel pipes that are used to transport natural gas over long distances).

Steel pipe is also a common choice in manufacturing facilities, warehouses and other industrial locations because it’s rust-proof and doesn’t corrode, affording facilities a lifetime of dependable use. Round steel pipelines are often used to transport liquids or gas from one area of an industrial facility to another.

Because of steel pipe’s durability and versatility, it can stand up to the unique needs of many industries. In addition to the above listed, steel pipelines are used in:

  • Power Plants

  • Dairy and Food Processing Facilities

  • Chemical Facilities

  • Water Treatment Facilities

  • Desalination Operations

  • Energy Industries

Why Steel Pipelines are a Top Choice

Pipelines must be durable, resistant to corrosion and long-lasting. Because of this, pipelines are often made of steel over other types of materials like concrete, cast iron, copper, brass or PVC.

Durability

Steel pipe is 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 pipelines since it can withstand vibrations, shock and high pressure. Unlike other materials, steel pipelines will bend rather than break in extreme conditions, which means they’re less likely to crack or leak.

Installation

Unlike many other types of pipe, steel pipelines are 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 materials.

Weight

Steel pipelines are typically more lightweight and therefore easier to handle than other types of pipe, such as concrete. Because of this, it takes less equipment and less labor to install steel pipelines, meaning the cost of installation will also be less.

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 pipeline is properly treated during the manufacturing process, the pipe can be expected to last 100 years.

Resistance to Corrosion

Unlike other materials like cast iron, steel is long lasting and resistant to many chemical reactions that cause corrosion. This is especially important for pipelines used to transport water, or buried pipelines that are exposed to water.

To learn more about steel pipe, head over to our blog titled "All About Steel Pipe".

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