Carbon Steel Pipe Used in Oil and Gas

The oil and gas industry relies on durable and high-performance materials to ensure safe and efficient operations. Among these materials, carbon steel pipes have become a fundamental material in the oil and gas industry due to their high strength, pressure resistance, weldability, and excellent cost advantages.

The oil and gas industry operates under extreme conditions: high pressure, high temperature, corrosion, erosion, acidic environments (H₂S), marine environments, etc. Therefore, carbon steel pipes must meet stringent international standards such as API, ASTM, and ASME.

Common Carbon Steel Pipe Standards for Oil & Gas

1. API 5L Series

2. ASTM A53/A106

3. ASME B31.8

This standard applies to the design and inspection of natural gas transmission and distribution systems and is one of the important standards for pressure pipelines.

Why Does the Oil and Gas Industry Use Carbon Steel Pipes

1. High Strength and Durability

Carbon steel pipes are renowned for their excellent tensile strength. In deep oil and gas reservoirs with extremely high pressures (up to 70–140 MPa), carbon steel pipes offer:

High yield strength (≥ 240–550 MPa);

Excellent resistance to internal pressure bursts;

Good toughness and fatigue resistance.

2. Cost-Effective Solution

Compared to stainless steel or other alloys, carbon steel pipes used in the oil and gas industry cost only 20–40% of their price without compromising performance. They meet most oil and gas operating conditions, and corrosion resistance can be improved through coatings. They are also easier to weld and install in the field.

3. Corrosion Resistance

With appropriate coatings and treatments, carbon steel pipes can withstand harsh environments, including offshore drilling and high-temperature applications.

4. Wide Range of Applications

Carbon steel pipes cover almost all oil and gas industry scenarios:

Well control equipment;

Casing pipe and tubing (OCTG);

Onshore/subsea oil and gas pipelines;

Refinery equipment pipelines;

LNG, coal chemical, and petrochemical engineering.

Common Types of Carbon Steel Pipes in the Oil and Gas Industry

1. Seamless Steel Pipes

Ideal for high-pressure applications due to their uniform structure.

2. Welded Steel Pipes

Suitable for medium and low-pressure systems, cost-effective.

3. Resistance Welded (ERW) Steel Pipes

Used for structural and low-pressure fluid transport.

For the most demanding oil and gas operations, seamless carbon steel pipes are often the first choice due to their superior strength and leak-proof performance.

Applications of Carbon Steel Pipes in Oil and Gas Extraction

1. Well Casing Pipe and Tubing

Carbon steel pipes are used to line the wellbore, a process called casing construction, which prevents wellbore collapse and protects groundwater from contamination. Tubing is used to transport oil and gas to the surface.

2. Directional Drilling

Modern deep wells and shale gas wells often use horizontal or multi-branch directional drilling. Carbon steel pipes must withstand: torsional, tensile, bending stress, continuous vibration, and impact.

Applications of Carbon Steel Pipes in Oil and Gas Transportation

1. Pipeline Networks

Extensive pipeline networks, sometimes stretching thousands of miles, are constructed using carbon steel pipes. These networks transport crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products from production sites to processing plants and distribution centers.

2. Subsea Pipelines

Transporting oil and gas from offshore platforms to onshore facilities requires subsea pipelines.

Carbon steel pipelines are the material of choice for these applications due to their ability to withstand high pressure and corrosive marine environments.

3. Maintenance and Safety

Routine maintenance and integrity checks are crucial for the safe operation of pipeline systems.

Carbon steel pipelines are known for their durability, helping to reduce maintenance frequency and costs, thereby improving overall operational safety.

Applications of Carbon Steel Pipes in Oil and Gas Refining

1. Distillation Units

Crude oil is heated and separated into various components in distillation units.

Carbon steel pipelines are responsible for transporting these components smoothly through the various stages of refining and maintaining their integrity under extreme conditions.

2. Hydrocracking and Catalytic Cracking

These refining processes break down large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more valuable molecules.

The high-pressure environments of these units require the use of durable carbon steel pipelines.

3. Safety and Efficiency

The reliability of carbon steel pipes ensures the smooth operation of the refining process, minimizing the risk of leaks or malfunctions.

This improves safety and efficiency, which are critical factors in refining operations.

How to Choose the Right Carbon Steel Pipe

When selecting carbon steel pipes for the oil and gas industry, the following factors should be considered:

Steel grade: e.g., API 5L, ASTM A106;

Wall thickness (Schedule): Sch 40, 80, 160, XS, XXS;

Corrosion resistance requirements: Whether FBE/3LPE internal and external coatings are required;

Operating pressure, temperature, and medium.

FAQ

1. What is the price of carbon steel pipe?

Price depends on: steel grade (X42–X80), wall thickness, diameter, whether it is seamless, whether it is coated, and market raw material prices.

The carbon steel pipe price range is generally USD 600–1200/ton (for reference only).

2. What is carbon steel pipe used for?

Carbon steel pipes are used for transporting liquids, gases, and steam both above and below ground.

3. What are the sizes of carbon steel pipe?

Outer diameter: 1/2'' – 48'' (21.3 mm–1220 mm)

Wall thickness: Sch10–XXS

Length: 5.8m / 6m / 12m / SRL / DRL