You can weld galvanized steel pipe, but it calls for thorough preparation and strict adherence to safety procedures. Galvanized pipe's corrosion protection comes from a zinc covering, which vaporizes at welding temperatures, emitting poisonous zinc oxide fumes and possibly affecting weld integrity. ASTM A53-2024 sets minimum zinc coating weights for hot-dip galvanized pipe, and any welding procedure that burns through that layer causes a health concern as well as a corrosion susceptibility at the connection. No serious fabrication or procurement…

The repercussions of a premature failure of a subterranean pipeline may be much more than repair expenses, including project delays, environmental liabilities, and reputational harm. That is why the endurance of an FBE coated pipe is not a supplementary quality but the backbone of any long-term infrastructure project. Fusion bonded epoxy coating provides a chemically cross-linked continuous barrier over the steel substrate that offers protection for pipeline service lifetimes in excess of 50 years in harsh soils and submerged situations. This…

When a pipeline crosses corrosive soil, saltwater marshland or an industrial zone, pipe manufacture and external corrosion protection must be specified separately. ERW describes how the steel pipe is formed and welded; FBE describes a protective coating that can be applied to ERW pipe. This article therefore compares bare ERW pipe with FBE-coated ERW pipe so procurement engineers, EPC contractors and project managers can evaluate the additional corrosion-control function and lifecycle implications. Understanding Bare ERW and FBE Coated ERW Pipe…

ASTM A500 covers cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in round and shaped cross-sections. This article focuses on round ASTM A500 structural pipe because LONGMA's manufacturing and supply scope is welded round pipe produced by ERW and LSAW processes. Square and rectangular HSS are within the standard's broader scope but are not included in LONGMA's product offering. ASTM A500 Grades and Mechanical Properties ASTM A500 includes Grades A, B, C and D. Grades B and C are the…

ASTM A500 covers cold-formed welded and seamless carbon steel structural tubing in round and shaped cross-sections. This article focuses on round ASTM A500 structural pipe because LONGMA's manufacturing and supply scope is welded round pipe produced by ERW and LSAW processes. Square and rectangular HSS are within the standard's broader scope but are not included in LONGMA's product offering. ASTM A500 Grades and Mechanical Properties ASTM A500 includes Grades A, B, C and D. Grades B and C are the…

Choosing between API 5L X52 and X65 is not simply a matter of buying the stronger grade. A defensible selection must combine design pressure, outside diameter, wall-thickness calculation, installation loads, design temperature, fluid composition, weldability, fracture-control requirements, availability, and total installed cost. X52 can be an efficient choice for many gathering and transmission duties, while X65 can reduce calculated pressure-design thickness where higher specified strength is beneficial. Neither grade is automatically suitable for sour service or a particular operating pressure…

API Spec 5L and ASTM A53/A53M both cover carbon steel pipe, but they were developed for different product scopes. Neither standard is universally “better.” API 5L is specifically written for steel line pipe used in pipeline transportation systems. ASTM A53/A53M covers black and hot-dip zinc-coated welded and seamless pipe for mechanical and pressure applications and also permits ordinary uses in steam, water, gas, and air lines. The correct choice depends on the governing design code, owner specification, service conditions, required…

API 5L seamless and welded pipe can both be used in pipeline transportation systems when the selected product complies with the applicable specification, design code, and project requirements. A weld seam does not automatically make a pipe weaker, and the absence of a seam does not automatically make a pipe suitable for every critical service. The practical choice depends on size availability, wall thickness, grade, product specification level, toughness, service environment, inspection requirements, quantity, and project economics. LONGMA manufactures round…

API 5L ERW vs LSAW pipe selection is not simply a choice between a cheaper pipe and a stronger pipe. Both manufacturing routes can produce qualified line pipe when the selected grade, product specification level, dimensions, testing plan, and project requirements are correctly specified. The practical decision depends on diameter, wall thickness, design calculations, service environment, order quantity, inspection requirements, and delivery schedule. This guide compares the two welded pipe routes and explains what procurement teams should confirm before issuing…

FBE-coated steel pipe is steel pipe protected with fusion-bonded epoxy, a thermosetting powder coating applied to a prepared and heated steel surface in a controlled plant. The coating may be applied by the pipe manufacturer or an approved coating applicator. The powder melts, flows, and cures into a bonded, continuous film that helps isolate the steel from the surrounding environment. FBE performance depends on more than the coating name. Steel grade, pipe dimensions, surface preparation, powder formulation, application temperature, film…

Structural steel tubes are selected for load-bearing members, frames, towers, trusses, supports, and fabricated structures. A correct purchase specification requires more than a diameter and price: the engineer and buyer should define the structural function, steel grade, product standard, dimensions, manufacturing route, inspection, surface protection, documentation, and delivery conditions. This article focuses on circular hollow sections (CHS) and round welded structural steel pipe. LONGMA manufactures round ERW and LSAW steel pipe; square and rectangular hollow sections and seamless tubes are…

China has a broad steel pipe manufacturing base, but a competitive quotation does not by itself establish that a supplier is suitable for a structural project. Buyers should verify the actual manufacturing facility, round-pipe production range, steel grade, product standard, inspection capability, traceability, surface protection, documentation, and delivery plan before placing an order. This guide focuses on circular hollow sections (CHS) and other round structural steel pipes. Square and rectangular hollow sections are outside the LONGMA manufacturing scope and are…

Large-diameter steel pipe can be cut by mechanical sawing, oxy-fuel, plasma, laser, abrasive waterjet, or purpose-built pipe cutting and beveling equipment. No single method is best for every project. The correct choice depends on pipe material, outside diameter, wall thickness, coating, weld-seam position, required edge quality, production volume, and whether work is performed in a factory or in the field. This guide focuses on round steel pipe. Equipment capacity, cutting parameters, tolerances, and safety controls must be established from the…

Pipeline coating systems can help protect steel water pipelines in two different ways. External coatings limit contact between the steel and the surrounding soil or water, while internal linings separate the steel from the conveyed water. These functions should not be confused: an external coating protects the pipe structure, whereas an internal lining that contacts drinking water must also meet the applicable health and regulatory requirements. No coating makes a pipeline maintenance-free or guarantees a fixed service life. Performance depends…

Fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) is a thermosetting powder coating used to protect steel pipe from corrosion. The powder is applied to a prepared and heated steel surface, where it melts, flows, and cures into a continuous coating. Reliable performance depends on the complete application process—not on powder selection alone. This guide explains the typical factory FBE pipe coating process, the controls buyers should review, and the information needed when requesting a quotation. Final requirements must always follow the applicable coating standard,…