Every customer that comes to us wants the finest ERW steel tubes West Midlands has to offer. We do everything we can not to disappoint them. Being an ISO9001 business, we’re able to handle every order. In addition we have more than 200 different tube sizes available. Therefore, we’re certain you can find what you need.
Selective seam weld corrosion (SSWC) can be a big problem with ERW tubes. It influences the heat affected zone of a tube’s longitudinal seam. Moreover, it affects the bondline region by creating grooves inside the seam.
SSWC can be external and internal on a piece of tube. Individuals have found it in liquid and gas tubes too. This type of corrosion is most common inside older tubes though. If they were made using low frequency and direct-current electric resistance welding, the flaw is more likely.
The elements responsible
Research into the corrosion shows some interesting details. For instance, a handful of elements might be responsible for fostering SSWC. A galvanic reaction between the seam weld and base metal is one of them. Another is the crevices that form between the steel and inclusions. Differences in corrosion rates for separate steel phases are also potential culprits.
The above factors are predominantly as a result of quality control processes and technology limitations. Specifically, we’re talking about the ones belonging to the pre-1970 tube manufacturing era. Numerous problems that made older tubes vulnerable to SSWC were eventually eradicated. The move away from low frequency ERW and switch to high frequency ERW instead was responsible for this.
At Union Steel Tubes, we can provide tubing in any length you desire. This is possible thanks to our steel cutting and processing services. You may be after something a bit more precise yourself. If so, let us know and we’ll get it to you.
We really value our reputation as one of the top names for ERW steel tubes West Midlands has. Therefore you can expect us to work very hard to give you great products every time. Contact our team if you want to order tubing today.
