In industries such as oil and gas, water, and petrochemicals, choosing the correct material for transporting fluids is essential for ensuring operational efficiency and safety. Two common terms you’ll encounter in these industries are "pipe" and "line pipe." While both are designed to transport liquids, gases, and sometimes slurry or powder, there are key differences between the two that impact their design, application, and performance.
This article will explain the differences between pipe and line pipe, and highlight how our Seamless Line Pipe, Welded Line Pipe (ERW/LSAW/SSAW), and Coated Line Pipe products are specifically engineered to meet the requirements of various fluid transportation needs.
1. What is Line Pipe?
Line pipe refers to a specific type of pipe designed for the transportation of large volumes of fluids, such as oil, natural gas, and water, over long distances. These pipes are built to withstand extreme conditions such as high pressure, temperature fluctuations, and corrosion. Whether installed underground, aboveground, or underwater, line pipes are critical components in the construction of pipelines, often running through rugged terrains, remote areas, or even subsea locations.
Key Features of Line Pipe:
· Large Diameter: Line pipes typically range from 4” to over 60” in diameter, designed to carry large quantities of fluids over vast distances.
· Strength and Durability: Line pipes are constructed from high-strength carbon steel, ensuring they can handle the immense pressure and environmental conditions they will face.
· Corrosion Resistance: Given that line pipes often carry corrosive substances, they are designed with exceptional resistance to factors such as CO2, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and seawater.
· Versatile Installation: Line pipes can be installed in various environments, including underground, aboveground, or submerged (subsea).
Our line pipe offerings, including Seamless Line Pipe, Welded Line Pipe (ERW/LSAW/SSAW), and Coated Line Pipe, are all manufactured to meet strict international standards, ensuring they are fit for a wide range of pipeline applications.
2. What is Piping?
While line pipe is primarily used in pipeline systems for long-distance transport, piping refers to the network of pipes within a defined facility or plant. Piping systems are used to move fluids from one piece of equipment to another within a plant or industrial complex. Unlike line pipes, piping is usually smaller in diameter and involves more complex configurations, including various fittings and valves, to control the flow of fluids throughout the plant.
Key Features of Piping:
· Smaller Diameters: Piping typically ranges from ½” to 80” in diameter, depending on the design requirements of the plant or facility.
· Complex Network: Piping systems are highly detailed and involve various components such as elbows, tees, reducers, and valves to change direction, size, and flow rate within the plant.
· Flexibility: Piping systems are designed to fit specific plant layouts, which often means complex routing through various sections of the facility.
· In-Plant Fluid Transport: Piping is generally used for internal fluid transport within a plant, whereas line pipes are used for long-distance transportation.
3. Key Differences Between Piping and Line Pipe
Straight vs. Complex
The primary difference between piping and line pipe is their structure and design. Line pipe consists of long, straight sections of pipe that are welded together to form a continuous pipeline. These pipes are primarily designed for transporting fluids over long distances, from one location to another.
On the other hand, piping refers to a more intricate system within a plant that consists of various pipes and fittings designed to transport fluids between equipment such as pumps, heat exchangers, and storage tanks. Piping networks are typically more complex, involving multiple bends and directions to meet specific operational needs.
Above Ground, Underground, or Subsea
Line pipes can be installed in a variety of environments depending on the requirements of the project. They can be buried underground, installed aboveground, or even laid subsea. For example, subsea pipelines are critical for transporting oil and gas from offshore platforms to onshore facilities.
Piping, however, is primarily installed above ground in most cases, although some applications may involve underground piping for specific plant requirements.
Large Diameter vs. Small Diameter
Line pipes are typically large in diameter, ranging from 4” to over 60”. This allows them to transport large volumes of fluids such as oil, natural gas, and water over long distances, often extending hundreds or thousands of miles. Larger diameters ensure the pipeline can handle high flow rates without excessive pressure drop or loss of fluid.
In contrast, piping is generally smaller in diameter, ranging from ½” to 80”, depending on the fluid requirements of the plant. Piping is used to transport smaller volumes of fluid within the boundaries of a facility, typically from one piece of equipment to another.
Use of Equipment
While line pipes may involve minimal fittings (such as bends or valves), the main equipment used within pipeline systems are pumps, pressure regulators, and meters that ensure the fluid can be transported efficiently over long distances.
Piping systems, on the other hand, require a wide range of components, including elbows, tees, reducers, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and filtration units, all of which are needed to maintain fluid flow and meet the specific operational demands within the plant.
Design Codes & Standards
Both line pipes and piping are designed according to different standards and codes.
For line pipe, the most widely used design specifications include:
· API 5L: A standard for line pipes used in the oil and gas industry.
· ASME B31.4: Code for Liquid Transportation Systems for Hydrocarbons.
· ASME B31.8: Code for Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems.
For piping, the design follows codes such as:
· ASME B31.3: Process Piping code, which applies to fluid transport within processing plants.
· ASME B31.1: Power Piping code, for piping systems within power plants.
4. Types of Line Pipes for Various Applications
Our Line Pipe products come in several types, each designed for specific applications, from Seamless Line Pipe to Welded Line Pipe (ERW/LSAW/SSAW) and Coated Line Pipe.
Seamless Line Pipe
Seamless Line Pipe is manufactured from a single piece of steel, which provides excellent strength and resistance to pressure. This type of line pipe is ideal for high-stress applications, such as subsea pipelines, where pipe integrity and reliability are critical. Seamless pipes are also less likely to fail under stress due to the absence of weld seams.
Welded Line Pipe (ERW/LSAW/SSAW)
Electric Resistance Welded (ERW): Suitable for medium-pressure applications, ERW pipes are commonly used for transporting gas, oil, and other fluids. They are cost-effective and widely used in pipeline systems.
Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW): These pipes are stronger and used in applications requiring higher pressure or strength, such as deepwater or high-temperature installations.
Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW): Ideal for large-diameter pipelines, SSAW pipes are designed for transporting fluids over long distances. They offer strong resistance to environmental factors and are used in a variety of industries.
Coated Line Pipe
Coated Line Pipe features a protective coating that enhances its resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and other environmental factors. The coating makes it particularly suitable for use in harsh environments such as offshore installations or areas with high levels of saltwater exposure. Coated pipes extend the life of the pipeline by providing an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of pipe for your fluid transportation system is critical to ensuring efficient operation and long-term reliability. Understanding the difference between pipe and line pipe is essential for making an informed decision based on your specific needs, whether you're designing an in-plant piping system or laying a long-distance pipeline.
Our range of Seamless Line Pipe, Welded Line Pipe (ERW/LSAW/SSAW), and Coated Line Pipe products are engineered to meet the highest industry standards, providing exceptional performance in various applications. Contact us today to learn more about how our line pipes can help you meet your fluid transport needs with reliability, efficiency, and safety.
