How to deal with the scaling of seamless steel pipe?

Seamless steel pipes are produced according to industrial standards, offering advantages such as strong bearing capacity, good reliability, and excellent sealing. However, in many industrial processes where water is used, seamless steel pipes can encounter scaling problems. Scale can block the pipes and even cause them to fail, so timely intervention is necessary. Here, we discuss the causes of scaling on steel pipes and how to address them.

Causes of Scaling on Steel Pipes

Water Source: Water contains various ions that can crystallize on the surface of steel pipes. High concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and other ions in the water can lead to serious scale formation.

Industrial Production: Water is required in many industrial processes, such as cooling, circulation, and heating. During transportation, water can produce scale, which damages the seamless steel pipe.

Pipeline Characteristics: A rough inner wall of the pipeline can easily form scale crystals, and the pipeline's angles can also affect scale generation.

Hazards of Scaling on Steel Pipes

Vitrification of the Inner Wall: This can cause the steel pipe to lose its elasticity, potentially leading to breakage and cracking during use.

Flow Obstruction: Scaling can affect water flow.

Seal Damage: Scaling can damage the pipe's sealing capabilities.

Treatment Methods for Scale on Seamless Steel Pipes

Mechanical Cleaning: This traditional method involves hanging a length of steel pipe on a steel frame and using a high-pressure water jet to clean the pipe's surface. Compressed water is passed through the steel pipe, and a high-pressure water nozzle sprays the surface to clean the entire pipe.

Pickling: Involves soaking the steel pipe in acid to dissolve the scale through a chemical reaction. This method has technical and safety challenges, and requires neutralization to recycle the acid-neutralized wastewater.

High-Pressure Steam Cleaning: Uses high-pressure steam to clean the steel pipe. The steam can thoroughly clean the pipe's surface and effectively kill bacteria, producing no dangerous chemical gases. However, operators must be carefully selected due to the risks involved.

Chemical Cleaning: This method uses a professional cleaning agent tailored to the pipe's surface condition. While effective, it is costly and does not align with green ecological and environmental protection principles.