Blog/News

Pipes with large diameters are essential for the oil and gas industries and transmitting these substances. They are used frequently for pipeline projects that extend long distances. If your project requires a large pipe, with pipe supports it’s essential to know as much about them as possible. There are many factors to consider, from price to pressure to piping expansion. If you need to know more about the functions of large diameter pipes and are searching for additional information, here’s where you will find it. Take a look at our article to get all the information you need.

What is pipe diameter in piping?

The measurement of industrial-grade large diameter pipes is done from the inner diameter of the pipe. This measurement is called the nominal pipe size or NPS in North America and applies to pipes used in low temperatures and pressures or high ones. The nominal pipe size diameter refers to the hole’s diameter of the pipe for North American standard pipes. In contrast, in Europe, you’ll notice the phrase “nominal diameter” is used to describe this diameter (which is shortened to DN).  

What is a large diameter in piping?

In piping, a large diameter refers to any pipes greater than 457 millimeters if they are electric resistance welded (ERW) pipes and 508 millimeters if they are longitudinal submerged arc welding (LSAW) pipes. Steel pipes classed as large diameter pipes typically have diameters over 1000 millimeters. 

What are the absolute biggest pipe sizes?

Some of the biggest pipe sizes include pipes that range from 508 millimeters to 2540 millimeters if they are steel pipes.  Some of the biggest PVC pipes are just over 600 millimeters if they are large diameter PVC pipes.

What are large diameter pipes used for?

Larger piping diameter is usually required for a long pipe run. You’ll notice that this type of pipe might be for construction piping or piping for tank construction (especially in the chemical and process industry). Large diameter pipes are also ideal for offshore projects.

Where else are steel pipes used?

In addition to underground water and gas transportation, large diameter pipes are also used in construction for electrical wire protection. Their lightweight form means they’re ideal for bike frames, but they can also be found in vehicles and street lamps. What’s more, you’ll find steel pipes in plumbing systems and heating systems too.

Why are large-diameter steel pipes ideal for oil and gas transmissions?

Since large-diameter pipes have no difficulties carrying large amounts of liquids and gas, they can also carry liquids with a significant flow rate, and they are ideal for oil and gas transmissions. 

How are large diameter pipes made?

Making a large diameter pipe includes selecting the raw material, which may be for a large diameter PVC pipe or a large diameter steel pipe. Once the material has been chosen, two different processes are used for a large diameter PVC pipe and a large diameter steel pipe.

Large diameter PVC pipes

So, if we use the example of a large diameter PVC pipe, extrusion is the primary process used. Raw material pellets are used and placed into a twin-screw extruder. In several zones of the extruder, the material is melted and heated. It is then extruded in the shape of a pipe through a die, and, once cooled, the large diameter PVC pipe is cut.

Large diameter steel pipes

Now, large-diameter steel pipes are made in two different ways. When manufactured following a seamless method, after the material has been cast, the steel is stretched into a seamless tube. But for large diameter steel pipes manufactured using a welded method, after the material is cast, it is merged, and the edges are sealed using a welding approach. As with the large-diameter PVC pipes, the pipe is cut.

What are the advantages of using large-diameter steel pipes?

There are several advantages of using large-diameter pipes. Not only can you use them for pipeline projects that are long distance, but they can operate in highly intense weather conditions and for other essential applications such as structural applications. Selecting large diameter pipes also helps mitigate the loss of flow and abrasion damage. In the event that a narrow pipe is selected because it appears to be a more cost-effective choice, but a large diameter pipe is the better option, it could be the case that there is a lack of stabilized laminar flow. 

How is the quality of large diameter pipes checked?

A few quality control methods are used to check the quality of large diameter pipes and ensure they meet the required specifications.  A set of x-ray gauges checks and regulates the pipe’s steel thickness for some pipes. X-ray gauges use two x-rays, where one is sent to detect the known thickness of the steel, and the other is sent to the steel that is passing through the line of production.  These two x-ray results are compared. If there are differences between the x-rays, the rollers are resized, which is triggered by the x-ray gauge. The other approach used for quality control is inspection and pipe testing. The inspection and pipe testing approaches are done with a machine that assesses the durability of the pipes. It works by pushing water through the pipe and increasing the water’s pressure to determine the pipe’s effectiveness. If the pipe doesn’t hold, it is scrapped.

How are large metal pipes supported?

There are many different options for supporting pipes in general, but for large metal pipes, you’ll want to support them with pipe supports such as pipe saddles or hangers. 

Choose Pro Support Solutions and partners for exceptional large-diameter pipes

Large diameter pipes are a top solution for long pipe runs. If you’re looking for large diameter pipes for your project, the best places to get industry-best quality pipes and piping supports is from Pro Support Solutions and partners MEFA and DG-SKID. We have a vast selection of products and components for your project, particularly for the oil and chemical industries and the pharmaceutical, petrochemical and energy industries. Discover more about our products at Pro Support Solutions and complete your project with ease.