What Is LSAW Pipe? And the Choosing between UOE ,RB and JCOE
What Is LSAW Pipe? And the Choosing between UOE ,RB and JCOE
Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded Pipe (LSAW) is produced from high-quality steel plate. Through different forming processes, the pipe is welded with double-sided submerged arc welding (SAW), and then mechanical expansion to ensure accurate diameterspecifications and superior stability. LSAW pipes are widely used in oil & gas transmission, offshore engineering, structural applications, and large-diameter pressure pipelines.
Types of LSAW Pipe Forming Processes
Now,LSAW steel pipe manufacturing mainly uses three forming ways: UO(UOE), RB(RBE), and JCO(JCOE).
1. UOE Forming Process
The steel plate is pressed in three major steps:
1.Pre-bending the plate edges
2.U-forming the plate into a U shape using a powerful forming press
3.O-forming the U-shape into a closed O-shape tube
After internal and external submerged arc welding, the pipe is expanded to achieve final dimensions. UOE LSAW pipes are known for their high production efficiency and outstanding forming uniformity.
2. RB / RBE Forming
During this process, the steel plate is bent by roll forming:
After roll bending, both internal and external SAW welding is applied.
When the pipe is mechanically expanded post-welding, it becomes an RBE pipe; if expansion is omitted, it is classified as an RB pipe.
3. JCO / JCOE Forming Process
The steel plate is progressively pressed in following steps:
First pressed into a J shape
Then into a C shape
Finally into an open O shape
After SAW welding, the pipe may be subjected to diameter expansion, producing JCOE pipe (or JCO pipe if not expanded).
This step-by-step progressive forming approach helps reduce residual stress and prevents surface scratches.
Straight seam pipes feature:
-Simple production process
-High efficiency
-Lower cost
-Wide application in construction, water systems, and low-/medium-pressure pipelines
ASTM A53 Grade B ERW Pipe Specifications
For ASTM A53 Grade B ERW pipe, the welded seam must be heat treated at a minimum of 1000°F (540°C) to ensure the complete elimination of untempered martensite from the weld area.
When A53 Grade B pipe is cold-expanded, the expansion must not exceed 1.5% of the required outside diameter (OD).
