Start with the intended use
When purchasing steel tubes, identifying the intended use is the first step towards specifying the supply correctly. Fluid piping, a gas line and a cable protection system meet different requirements, even when the products have similar outside dimensions.
For installation contractors and purchasing departments, understanding these differences helps create clearer enquiries and assess quotations against the installation’s actual requirements.
Pressure tubes: understanding the EN 10217 series
The EN 10217 series covers welded steel tubes for pressure purposes and comprises several parts. The enquiry should identify the relevant part, together with the material grade and delivery conditions. Part 1 specifies technical delivery conditions for circular non-alloy steel tubes, electric welded or submerged arc welded, in qualities TR1 and TR2 with specified room-temperature properties.
The standard should be accompanied by the diameter, wall thickness and length, along with any inspections and documents required by the project. These details help distinguish commercial proposals that might appear equivalent at first glance.
Tubes suitable for welding and threading
EN 10255 covers circular non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding and threading. Specifying the tube ends and any required coating helps define the supply. Product selection should reflect the requirements of the individual installation.
Stating from the outset how the tube will connect to other components makes the enquiry more complete and helps organize subsequent installation work.
Gas pipes and electrical conduit: two different functions
The commercial category “gas pipes” identifies an intended use that should be translated into technical specifications. Purchasing requires the gas type, operating conditions, jointing method, installation environment and standard specified by the project documentation.
Electrical conduit is intended to route and protect electrical cables. Mechanical protection, compatibility with fittings and accessories, and installation conditions are relevant to this application. Industry technical documentation, such as the Wheatland Tube material cited in the sources, helps identify these product families.
Preparing a quotation enquiry
An effective enquiry brings together the intended use, full standard designation, material, dimensions, quantity, finish and end preparation. For an existing installation, attaching the specification of the component being replaced can be useful; for a new installation, the reference is the material list approved by the designer.
Purchasing tubes for a plant installation? Send your material list to Iron Steel Pipes through the Contact page on ironsteelpipes.com and request a quotation based on the specified requirements.
Sources and further reading
General informational content. Refer to the applicable standard, project specification and designer for material selection.
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