As the name implies, large bore steel pipes are massive, powerful tubes. By massive, we’re referring to their large diameters which typically start at 457mm. 

For pipes made with ERW (Elastic Resistance Welded) technology, anything over 457mm is considered large. For LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded) pipes, the size is considered large when they go past 508mm. When it comes to steel pipes, anything above 1000mm (about 39 inches) in diameter falls into the large diameter category. 

Some of the most extreme sizes you’ll encounter in industrial projects are 2540mm steel pipes, which are considered to be some of the largest around. Other types of pipes, like PVC pipes, top out at about 600mm, which is a lot smaller compared to these steel giants.

These massive pipes are designed to transport large quantities of liquids such as oil, water, or gas, across long distances, without losing pressure. What makes them stand out from smaller pipes is their ability to handle high volumes and pressure. This makes them perfect for industries that need reliable, continuous fluid movement.

Large Steel Bore Pipes - Overview and Features

Steel, being the go-to material for these pipes, is chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance and durability. To ensure they last, these pipes undergo various treatments that make them resistant to wear and tear, even in harsh environments. 

Steel pipes are also designed with superior adhesion properties, meaning they’re built to hold up under all kinds of pressures, be it the weight of the fluid they’re transporting or the external forces acting on them in different environments.

Let’s have a closer look at the applications and advantages of large bore steel pipes, and why they are a must-have in industrial operations.

Applications of Large Bore Steel Pipes

Here are some of the applications of these large bore/large diameter pipes across various industries:

Oil and gas transportation

One of the primary uses of large-bore steel pipes is in the transportation of oil and gas over vast distances. The larger the diameter, the more fluid they can carry, and with minimal friction, too.

This is critical in places like Western Australia, where pipelines stretch over hundreds of kilometres, and the pressure has to stay constant for safety and efficiency. 

Drilled shaft casing for foundations

In foundation construction, large-bore steel pipes are also often used as drilled shaft casings, particularly for foundations. When a hole is drilled for a foundation, these pipes are inserted to keep the hole open. 

They’re used to prevent the walls of the hole from collapsing while concrete and reinforcement materials are added. This is especially important in major projects like high-rise buildings, where the foundation has to be solid and precise.

Jacked and bored pipes for underground utilities

Large-diameter steel pipes are also crucial for the installation of underground utilities. Through a process known as jacking, these pipes are pushed through the ground with hydraulic jacks, creating tunnels for utility lines such as water pipes, electricity cables, or communication lines.

This method avoids the need for large-scale excavation, which can be disruptive to roads, buildings, and the environment. Jacked and bored pipes make it possible to install essential infrastructure with very minimal impact on activities above the surface.

Combination walls in marine and civil projects

In marine and civil construction, large-bore steel pipes are commonly used in combination walls, also known as combi-walls or king pile walls. 

These walls are constructed by combining steel sheet piles with large-diameter pipes, which together provide superior resistance to bending and offer enhanced structural stability. 

The pipe, in this case, acts as the primary load-bearing element, with the sheet piles transferring the load to both the pipe and the surrounding soil. These walls are essential for protecting infrastructure and keeping communities safe from rising tides.

Advantages of Large Bore Steel Pipes in Industrial Applications

The following are some of the advantages of large-bore steel pipes in industrial applications:

Strength and durability

Steel is a material known for its strength and longevity. So, naturally large-bore steel pipes are built to handle extreme pressures, high volumes of fluid, and tough environments. 

In the oil and gas industry, for instance, they need to withstand corrosion from salty sea air and exposure to harsh chemicals. Their durability means that they have a long service life, even in the most demanding conditions.

Corrosion resistance

Steel pipes can be treated with coatings or galvanised to resist corrosion. This is especially important in industries like oil and gas, where pipes are exposed to substances that could cause rust or degradation. 

These protective treatments allow the pipes to last much longer, and of course, this goes a long way in reducing maintenance costs and improving safety in the long run.

Transporting large volumes without pressure loss

Due to their large diameter, these pipes are capable of carrying large volumes of fluid without the risk of pressure loss during transport. The increased flow capacity means that more material can be transported in less time, which boosts overall project efficiency. 

Versatility in manufacturing

Large-bore steel pipes come in different types, such as seamless pipes or welded pipes (LSAW, SSAW). Seamless pipes, in particular, are chosen for high-pressure applications because they have no welded joints that could be weak points. This makes them safer and more reliable, especially for transporting critical fluids like oil. 

Cost-effective production

Thanks to advances in manufacturing technology, producing large-diameter pipes has become more affordable. Processes like thermal expansion allow manufacturers to quickly and efficiently make seamless pipes without compromising on quality. 

This has made large-bore steel pipes a more cost-effective option for large-scale industrial projects. So far, it has saved several companies a good deal of money in both production and long-term maintenance.

Conclusion

Large-diameter steel pipes are the backbone of many industrial projects across various sectors. They offer everything from high-volume transport without pressure loss to excellent corrosion resistance, making them an irreplaceable part of industries like oil and gas, construction, and energy. 

Simply put, if you’re involved in a large-scale project, large-bore steel pipes are probably going to be your best friend. To reap the benefits, find a reliable local supplier and set your industrial operations for lasting success.