Investigating the use of steel pipe in industrial pump manufacturing
Steel pipes play a vital role in industrial pump manufacturing, especially under conditions of high corrosion, high temperature, high pressure and severe wear.
1. Types and performance requirements of steel pipes
(1) Types:
Seamless steel pipes: Due to their high strength, no welds and good pressure resistance, they are often used to transport highly corrosive, high temperature and high pressure fluids. According to the production process, they can be divided into hot-rolled and cold-drawn seamless steel pipes. Cold drawing may cause material hardening, so corresponding heat treatment is required.
Welded steel pipes: Including arc welded pipes, high-frequency or low-frequency resistance welded pipes, gas welded pipes, furnace welded pipes, etc. According to the shape of the weld, they can be divided into straight seam welded pipes and spiral welded pipes. The production process of welded steel pipes is relatively simple and the cost is low, but the strength may be slightly lower than that of seamless steel pipes. In industrial pump manufacturing, large-diameter straight seam welded pipes and spiral welded pipes can be used for high-pressure oil and gas transportation, etc.
Stainless steel pipes: Industrial Stainless Steel Pipes are widely used in high corrosion, high temperature and high pressure environments due to their excellent corrosion resistance. They usually have high added value, high production and processing requirements, and often have customized needs.
Other alloy steel pipes: Depending on the specific medium and working conditions, other alloy steel pipes may also be selected, such as carbon steel, low-alloy high-strength steel, alloy steel, etc., to meet special requirements such as corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and high temperature resistance.
(2) Performance requirements:
Pressure resistance: Industrial pumps usually generate high pressure when conveying fluids, so steel pipes must have sufficient pressure bearing capacity and will not leak, soak or swell under the specified pressure.
Corrosion resistance: The medium conveyed by industrial pumps may be highly corrosive (such as acids, alkalis, salts, etc.), and steel pipes need to have good corrosion resistance to ensure the service life and safe operation of the pump. Stainless steel (such as 316L stainless steel, which contains chromium and molybdenum and has excellent corrosion resistance) is a common choice.
Wear resistance: For conveying media containing solid particles (such as concrete, mud, etc.), steel pipes need to have high hardness and wear resistance to resist continuous erosion and wear of the medium.
High/low temperature resistance: The temperature range of the pumped medium may be very wide, and the steel pipe needs to be able to maintain its mechanical properties and stability within the corresponding temperature range.
Mechanical strength: Including tensile strength, yield strength, bending and torsional strength, etc., to ensure that the steel pipe can withstand various stresses during the operation of the pump and maintain structural stability.
Processability: The processing performance of the steel pipe is also very important. For example, during the manufacturing process, cutting, pushing, welding, heat treatment and other processes are required, and the steel pipe material should be suitable for these processes.
2. Application of steel pipes in industrial pump structures
Although core components such as pump bodies, pump covers and impellers are usually cast or forged parts, steel pipes are also widely used in auxiliary systems and specific pump types of industrial pumps.
(1) Pipeline connection: Steel pipes are used as connectors for auxiliary pipelines such as pump inlet and outlet pipelines, circulating cooling water pipes, and lubricating oil pipes. These pipelines need to withstand certain pressures and medium corrosion, so suitable steel pipe materials need to be selected.
(2) Pump structural parts: The support structure and frame of some specially designed industrial pumps or pump groups may also be made of steel pipes, taking advantage of their light weight and high strength.
(3) Shaft seal system: Components such as shaft seal boxes and packing glands may involve steel pipes or steel parts. The material selection should take into account the compatibility and corrosion resistance with the conveying medium.
(4) Hydraulic system: In the hydraulic system of industrial pumps, high-pressure hoses and steel pipe assemblies are important components for conveying hydraulic oil.
3. Industrial pump material selection standards
(1) Properties of conveying medium: Including the corrosiveness (pH value, chemical composition), temperature, solid particle content, abrasiveness, viscosity, etc. of the medium.
(2) Pump working conditions: Including flow rate, head, pressure, temperature, operating time, intermittent operation, etc.
(3) Manufacturing cost and machinability: Select economical and easy-to-process materials while meeting performance requirements.
(4) Pump structure and design: Different types of pumps have different requirements for materials, such as centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, plunger pumps, etc.