Our company has strict control processes and management requirements for the production, testing, packaging, and shipping of our products.
Here’s a streamlined overview of the entire process for steel pipe production, from raw materials to final inspection before shipment. This process ensures that every pipe meets the required dimensions, material properties, performance standards, and packaging requirements.
Material Verification:Check the chemical composition and mechanical properties of raw materials (steel coils, plates, or billets) to ensure they meet specified standards (e.g., ASTM, API, EN).
Surface Quality: Inspect for defects such as cracks, rust, or uneven surfaces.
Documentation: Verify material test certificates (MTC) and ensure traceability.
Cutting and Preparation
Raw materials are cut to the required size using shearing or sawing machines.
Edges are prepared for welding or forming.
Forming
For welded pipes, steel strips or plates are formed into cylindrical shapes using rollers.
For seamless pipes, billets are heated and pierced to form hollow shells.
Welding (for Welded Pipes)
Edges are welded using techniques like ERW (Electric Resistance Welding), SAW (Submerged Arc Welding), or HFW (High-Frequency Welding).
Weld seams are inspected for defects using ultrasonic testing (UT) or radiography (RT).
Sizing and Shaping
Pipes are passed through sizing mills to achieve the required outer diameter and wall thickness.
Straightening machines ensure dimensional accuracy and straightness.
Heat Treatment
Pipes undergo heat treatment (e.g., annealing, quenching, or tempering) to enhance mechanical properties like strength and toughness.
Surface Treatment
Pipes are cleaned, descaled, and coated (e.g., galvanizing, painting, or epoxy coating) to improve corrosion resistance and appearance.
Dimensional Inspection
Measure outer diameter, wall thickness, length, and straightness using calipers, micrometers, and laser gauges.
Ensure compliance with specified tolerances.
Mechanical Testing
Conduct tensile tests, hardness tests, and impact tests to verify mechanical properties.
Perform flattening tests, bend tests, and flaring tests to check ductility and formability.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Use ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), or magnetic particle testing (MT) to detect internal and surface defects.
Perform hydrostatic testing to check for leaks and pressure resistance.
Chemical Analysis
Verify chemical composition using spectrometers to ensure it matches the required grade.
Visual Inspection
Check for surface defects such as cracks, pits, or scratches.
Ensure the surface finish meets customer requirements.
Protective Coating
Apply anti-rust oils or coatings to prevent corrosion during transit.
Use protective caps to cover pipe ends.
Bundling and Stacking
Bundle pipes securely using steel straps or wires to prevent movement during transportation.
Stack pipes on wooden pallets or in crates for easy handling.
Labeling and Documentation
Label each bundle with product details (e.g., size, grade, heat number, and quantity).
Prepare shipping documents, including packing lists, inspection reports, and certificates of conformity.
Final Inspection
Conduct a final check to ensure all pipes are correctly packaged and labeled.
Verify that the shipment matches the customer’s order specifications.
Quality Control:
Maintain strict quality control at every stage of production.
Certification:
Provide necessary certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, API 5L, EN 10219) and test reports to ensure compliance with international standards.
Traceability:
Ensure full traceability of materials and processes for accountability and transparency.
Coordinate with logistics partners to ensure timely and safe delivery.
Provide customers with tracking information and delivery schedules.
By following this comprehensive process, we ensure that every steel pipe meets the highest standards of quality, performance, and reliability, delivering value and satisfaction to our customers.