Can I stop my mild steel tubes from rusting?

We are a tubing specialist that works to handle any size order. Every client deserves the highest standards with us. This is what we give to you in the form of the best ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands. With great pricing and so many options to choose from, including various sizes and shapes, you are certain to find something suitable for your application.

ERW steel tubes West MidlandsThe thing about mild steel tubes is that they are prone to rusting when exposed to air, water, and similar environmental factors. It happens because the iron in the alloys react to these elements. A number of things can make the tube corrode faster, including the actual chemical composition of the alloy and any damage to protective surface coatings.

Corrosion can be a big problem with different steel products, including ERW tubes. However, we are going to go over some strategies for the prevention of rust here.

Reducing carbon content

Firstly, you can reduce the amount of carbon in the steel. Lowering this minimises the chance of chemical reactions happening on the tube’s surface. Thus, you can avoid rust problems. This is one of the more efficient solutions out there. For certain occasions, it is also preferable to use stainless steel alloys. Come to us if you need the foremost ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands.

Do regular cleaning

Frequently cleaning the exterior of your steel tube is an efficient and simple way of minimising rust on the utensil. When you clean the tubing, you can make use of a brush dipped in soapy water or a soft cloth. However, you should avoid employing overly abrasive chemicals. This ensures there is no additional damage to the surface.

Coatings

Having a decent coating on the tube will also help. This is an anti-corrosion treatment method. Its main purpose is to isolate your steel from contact with the external air and moisture. Generally speaking, you have two options. These are bitumen and paint coatings. The thickness with them tends to be between 70-120um.

One thing your coating should have is environmental adaptability. It needs to match the setting. So, if you are using the tubes in a marine environment, use a coating with higher anti-corrosion features. For those using their steel tubes in an area with higher temperatures, you will need a coating to account for it. Examples of these include vinyl alkyd and acrylic coatings.

Galvanisation

Something else you can try is hot-dip galvanising. This is one of the most common surface anti-corrosion treatment methods. You gain the anti-corrosion effect by immersing the steel in liquid zinc. As well as preventing the steel from rusting, hot-dip galvanising extends the tube’s service life. Come to us for high quality ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands, including galvanised varieties.

Cathodic protection

This solution utilises other more reactive metals to stop the steel from being oxidised. There are two options; galvanic and impressed current. It can be an effective solution for different situations. However, you need to also consider the drawbacks such as the costs and maintenance needs.

Get the best ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands

At Union Steel Tubes, we’re committed to supplying everyone with quality goods. Something else we aim to do is deliver quickly. Typically it will be next day, however in some cases we can dispatch the same day. It all depends on the order.

So, if you need the finest ERW steel tubes in the West Midlands, speak to us. We can supply them for various applications, even offering tubing with protective coatings.