Rust protection of SSAW steel pipe

Spiral Submerged Arc-Welding (SSAW) steel pipes often face challenges related to rust due to their large individual sizes, which necessitate outdoor storage. Exposure to sun and rain makes rust prevention crucial for maintaining the quality and longevity of these pipes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to rust prevention for SSAW steel pipes.

Surface Preparation

- Mechanical Cleaning:

Use steel wire brushes and other mechanical tools to grind the steel surface. This method helps remove loose oxide, rust, and welding slag.

Hand tools can achieve a rust removal level of Sa2, while power tools can achieve Sa3. However, if the steel surface has a solid oxide scale, mechanical tools might not meet the corrosion resistance construction requirements for anchor pattern depth.

- Pickling:

Solvents and emulsions are used to clean the surface of low-pressure fluid delivery welded steel pipes, removing oil, grease, dust, and similar organic matter. However, this method does not eliminate rust, oxides, or welding residues and is generally used as an auxiliary means.

Chemical pickling, involving either chemical or electrolytic methods, is commonly used for pipeline corrosion prevention. Chemical pickling can remove oxides, rust, and old coatings, and is sometimes used for reprocessing after blasting. This method achieves a certain degree of cleanliness and roughness, although the anchor profile may be shallow and can cause environmental pollution if not managed properly.

Rust Prevention Measures of SSAW Steel Pipe

Preheating and Cleaning: Preheat the spiral steel pipe before applying rust prevention treatments to ensure the surface is clean and free of contaminants.

Solvent and Emulsion Cleaning: Use solvents and emulsions to remove oils, grease, and other organic materials. This step is essential for preparing the pipe surface for further rust prevention treatments.

Chemical and Electrolytic Pickling: Employ chemical pickling for effective rust removal. This method cleans the surface to a certain degree of cleanliness and roughness but may require additional steps to achieve the desired anchor profile.

Maintaining Rust-Free Pipes

To ensure SSAW steel pipes remain rust-free and functional over extended periods:

Storage: Whenever possible, store pipes in covered or indoor environments to protect them from direct exposure to sun and rain.

Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular inspections and maintenance to identify and address any early signs of rust.

Protective Coatings: Apply appropriate protective coatings to the pipe surface after cleaning to prevent rust formation.

By utilizing these rust prevention techniques, SSAW steel pipes can maintain their integrity and performance, contributing to increased production efficiency and longer service life. For more detailed guidance or specific requirements, feel free to contact us.