Choosing the right materials for piping systems is highly dependent on the industry. Soft steel pipes are among the foremost commonly used materials in many industries. This is because mild steel, which has a low content of carbon, strikes a perfect balance in terms of strength, ductility, and price. In this blog, we will first understand what Mild Steel Pipes are, their characteristics, applications, and what makes them a popular choice in many scenarios.
Mild Steel Definition
Mild steel is a form of carbon steel. The weight proportions of carbon range between 0.05% and 0.25%. The reason why it is workable is that it has a carbon content that is not very high. Other than that, high-carbon steel is extensively available in sheets, pipes, bars, and structural steel.
Important Characteristics of Mild Steel Pipe
Low Carbon: Generally in the range 0.05%-0.25%, making it easier to as well as more effective for welding and forming.
Ductility: It does not break easily when bent because even mild steel has some flexibility.
Affordability: Due to its lightweight, construction-grade steel is less expensive than other types of steel. Therefore, it can be used for any purpose, even on huge projects.
Magnetic: Being made of iron, mild steel is naturally magnetic.
What Are MS Pipe?
Mild steel pipes are tube-shaped hollow structures fabricated from mild steel. These pipes include all sizes of pipes and wall thicknesses as per the industry and application requirements.
Properties of Mild Steel Pipe:
Strength: One can use mild steel pipes for structural purposes. They are not as strong as high-carbon steel pipes; however, they still provide adequate strength for many applications.
Durability: Damage is not common with this type of pipe; hence, properly used mild steel pipes are very long lasting.
Weldability: Mild steel, as mentioned earlier, because of its low carbon content, is very easy to weld, making the joining of pipe sections simple.
Routine uses of Mild Steel Pipe
Mild steel piping is utilitarian and found in the following sectors:
Construction: Primarily found in scaffoldings, reinforcements, and hulls.
Automotive Industry: Found in bodywork, suspended pipes, and the bottom frame of vehicles.
Plumbing: Generally used for water and gas lines as they can be galvanized as the manufacturers can resist corrosion.
Oil and Gas: Used primarily in transport fluid pipelines in which pressure and stress are applied to them.
Manufacture: Used primarily for the purpose of general works where profiling, shearing, and attachment take place.
Quality of MS Pipe
Galvanized Mild Steel Pipes: These are pipes coated with zinc to provide enhanced anti-corrosive properties.
Seamless Pipes: These are pipes without welding seams on them, hence having maximum strength.
Welded Pipes: These are made by joining the steel sheets together by welding. Best used in applications with lower unit pressure—stress.
Benefits of using Mild Steel Pipe
Cost-effective: Mild steel pipes are cheap in comparison to other kinds of metals, such as copper and stainless steel.
Ease of working: The reason for this is the fact that the pipes contain a small percentage of carbon, which makes them easy to cut, bend, or shape.
Resistance to Corrosion: Coated or galvanized mild steel pipes resist corrosion very well.
Maintaining MS Pipe
Uncoated mild steel pipes tend to surface rust; here are a few ways to take care of them.
Spraying: Galvanizing or any other coatings to assist in reducing rust should be done.
Routine Check-up: Ensure that there is no rust or any wear and tear to the pipes, specifically the ones buried under the ground.
Adequate Storage: Keep the pipes in a dry place where water will not reach them.
Conclusion
Having said that, pipes made of mild steel would undoubtedly be fit for purpose, especially for construction and industrial works, thanks to their favorable strength to cost and ease of working ratio. This is because they can be used widely in various fields such as buildings, factories, and oil exploration, amongst others.
