
Electric resistance welded (ERW) pipes are a type of high-frequency electric resistance welding pipe. The process involves cold-forming a sheet of steel into a cylindrical shape and passing a high-frequency electric current between the two edges of the steel to heat and melt them, forcing the edges together to form a strong bond without the use of welding filler material. This process is widely used in the manufacture of steel pipes and results in a smooth surface texture with no obvious welds. ERW pipes are known for their cost-effectiveness, durability, and versatility, making them a popular choice for various industrial, commercial, and residential applications, including oil and gas storage and transportation.
Characteristics and Values of Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) Pipes:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Process | A long strip of plate is formed into a closed circular shape, and the seam is welded by a heat induction process. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | ERW pipes are more economical than UOE and seamless pipes due to their continuous and efficient manufacturing process. |
| Diameter Range | 2.375 to 24 inches |
| Wall Thickness | 2 mm for small diameter pipes, up to 18 mm for larger diameters |
| Material | Low-carbon steel |
| Applications | Land pipelines, offshore applications, casing applications, oil and gas storage and transportation, mechanical processing |
| Welding Types | AC welding, DC welding, flash welding, projection welding, upset welding |
| Strength | Ultimate tensile strength: 132,000 psi (602 MPa), Yield tensile strength: 74,185 psi (512 MPa) |
| Deformation Resistance | Can withstand high pressure without bending or deformation |
| Hardness | Rockwell hardness: HRB75, Brinell hardness: 90 |
| Customization | Can be customized to different shapes and sizes |
| Production Efficiency | High production efficiency, low manufacturing costs, suitable for large-scale production |
| Workability | Easy to weld, cut, form, drill, and machine |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric resistance welding (ERW) is a process that uses electric current to heat and join metal parts
- ERW pipes are made by cold-forming steel sheets into cylinders and using electric current to bond the edges
- ERW pipes are more economical and efficient to produce than UOE and seamless pipes
- ERW pipes are used for oil and gas storage and transportation, as well as mechanical processing
- ERW pipes have high deformation resistance and can support up to 3 tons in a single layer

Electric resistance welding (ERW) is a process that uses electric current to heat and join metal parts
The process involves passing a high-frequency electric current (100-100,000 A) through metal parts, creating small pools of molten metal at the point of most electrical resistance—the connecting or "faying" surfaces. This results in the formation of a strong weld. The weld bead is then removed and inspected for defects using ultrasonic testing.
In the case of ERW steel pipes, the process begins with a long strip of steel plate that is formed into a closed circular shape. The seam of the pipe is welded using electric resistance welding, creating a strong and secure joint. The pipe can be customised to different shapes and sizes, making it versatile and suitable for various applications.
One of the key advantages of ERW is its efficiency and low manufacturing costs. It is a continuous process with fewer steps, resulting in higher production rates and reduced equipment investment. Additionally, ERW pipes are more economical than other types of pipes, such as UOE and seamless pipes. They are also known for their durability and low defect rates compared to other welding processes.
ERW pipes are commonly used in land pipelines and less demanding offshore applications. They are ideal for oil and gas storage and transportation due to their advanced performance and cost-effectiveness. ERW tubes are also widely used in casing applications and mechanical processing.
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ERW pipes are made by cold-forming steel sheets into cylinders and using electric current to bond the edges
Electric resistance welding (ERW) is a process in which metal parts are joined by heating them with an electric current, melting the metal at the joint. This process is commonly used to manufacture steel pipes.
The ERW seam welding process can be further broken down into two forms: AC welding and DC welding. The high-frequency welding process uses a high-frequency induction heater to locally melt the mating surfaces, and pressure causes them to weld together. This is the most critical step in the process, as inadequate or excessive heat can lead to defective welds. The weld bead is then removed from the inside and outside, and the weld is inspected for defects using ultrasonic reflection or by sight.
ERW pipes have several advantages. They are more economical and efficient to produce than other pipes, such as UOE and seamless pipes, as the process is continuous and has fewer steps. They are also cost-effective, with low raw material and manufacturing costs, making them ideal for large-scale production. Additionally, ERW pipes have high weld seam security due to the special welding method of melting parent metal without filler metal. They are also easily customizable to different shapes and sizes, making them versatile for various industrial, commercial, and residential applications.
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ERW pipes are more economical and efficient to produce than UOE and seamless pipes
Electric resistance welding (ERW) is a process in which metal parts are joined by heating them with an electric current, melting the metal at the joint. This process is used to manufacture steel pipes, which are known as ERW pipes.
In contrast, seamless pipes are produced from solid steel billets without any welding, resulting in a more complex and time-intensive manufacturing process. This process involves heating a solid steel billet to a high temperature and then piercing and elongating it to form a hollow tube. The lack of welding in seamless pipes gives them superior strength and makes them suitable for high-pressure and high-stress applications. However, this comes at a higher cost and longer production time.
ERW pipes are also more economical due to their dimensional accuracy and versatility. They are widely available in various lengths, diameters, and wall thicknesses, making them adaptable to different project requirements. The wall thickness of ERW pipes can be controlled within a narrow range, ensuring consistency and minimizing waste. Additionally, the raw material for ERW pipes is hot-rolled coil, which is readily available and can be easily customized to meet specific customer needs.
While seamless pipes offer superior performance in extreme conditions, ERW pipes are a more cost-effective and practical solution for less demanding applications. They are commonly used in water transport, structural uses, automotive components, and land pipelines. The choice between ERW and seamless pipes ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project, including pressure, temperature, corrosion resistance, budget, and timeline constraints.
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ERW pipes are used for oil and gas storage and transportation, as well as mechanical processing
Electric resistance welding (ERW) is a process in which metal parts are joined by passing an electric current through them, melting the metal at the joint. This process is widely used in the manufacture of steel pipes.
The versatility, durability, and strength of ERW pipes make them indispensable in the oil and gas sector. They are used for the transportation of liquids, gases, and solids, as well as for structural support in buildings, bridges, tunnels, and offshore platforms. ERW pipes are also suitable for severe forming operations, such as flanging and bending to close radii. The most common welding technique used for oil and gas pipes is high-frequency induction technology (ERW-HFI), which creates a robust seam weld by applying an induction current to the outer surface of the pipe.
In addition to their use in the oil and gas industry, ERW pipes are also found in various other industries, including plumbing, HVAC, fire suppression, commercial, aviation, aerospace, automotive, rail, electronics, and energy. ERW pipes are commonly used in applications where fluid or media needs to be moved from one location to another. They are known for their cost-effectiveness, making them a popular choice in industries such as petrochemical, textile, food processing, and chemical processing.
ERW pipes are available in a variety of lengths, typically ranging from 2.375 to 24 inches in diameter and with wall thicknesses from 2 mm to 18 mm. They can be customized to meet specific requirements, with surface finishes available in bare and coated formats.
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ERW pipes have high deformation resistance and can support up to 3 tons in a single layer
Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) pipes are manufactured by cold-forming a sheet of steel into a cylindrical shape. A current is then passed between the two edges of the steel to heat the steel to a point where the edges are forced together to form a bond without the use of welding filler material.
ERW pipes are known for their high deformation resistance. This is due to the use of hot-rolled coil as a raw material, which results in a smoother and more consistent surface texture compared to other types of welded pipes. The wall thickness of ERW pipes can be controlled at ±0.2mm, contributing to their high deformation resistance.
The deformation resistance of ERW pipes is further enhanced by the use of high-frequency electric current, which melts the base material of the steel strip and completely fuses the weld seam with the pipe body material. This process ensures that the weld is secure and less susceptible to corrosion and cracking.
The high deformation resistance of ERW pipes makes them suitable for various applications, including severe forming operations involving flanging and bending to close radii. Racks constructed with ERW steel pipes, for example, can support up to 3 tons in a single layer. This makes ERW pipes ideal for oil and gas storage and transportation, as well as for land pipelines and less demanding offshore applications.
Overall, the combination of manufacturing processes and material characteristics contributes to the high deformation resistance of ERW pipes, making them a reliable and popular choice in engineering and construction.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric resistance welded (ERW) pipe is a type of high-frequency electric resistance welding pipe. It is formed by rolling steel coils into a tube and connecting the ends using two copper electrodes.
The manufacturing process of an ERW pipe starts with a long strip of plate, which is formed into a closed circular shape. The seam is then welded by a heat induction process.
ERW pipes have several advantages, including efficient energy use, limited workpiece deformation, high production rates, easy automation, and no required filler materials. They are also more economical and cost-effective than other types of pipes.
ERW pipes are commonly used for land pipelines and less demanding offshore applications, such as oil and gas storage and transportation. They are also used in mechanical and pressure applications, as well as ordinary uses in steam, water, gas, and air lines.











































