BS EN 10217-2 is a common and widely applied material specification for manufacturing Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) steel pipes [citation:1, citation:2, citation:3, citation:5, citation:6]. This combination is a standard product offered by numerous global manufacturers, specifically designed for pressure applications requiring elevated temperature properties [citation:1, citation:2, citation:5].
The designation "BS EN 10217-2 Spiral Submerged Arc Pipe" effectively combines a specific European pressure pipe standard (BS EN 10217-2) with a cost-effective spiral welding process (SSAW) to produce large-diameter pipes suitable for demanding industrial applications [citation:5, citation:6].
📋 Key Specifications for BS EN 10217-2 SSAW Pipe
The table below summarizes the primary specifications for this product, based on industry practice and manufacturer data [citation:1, citation:3, citation:5, citation:9].
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard | BS EN 10217-2: "Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions - Part 2: Electric welded non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties" [citation:1, citation:10]. |
| Steel Grades | P195GH: Minimum yield strength 195 MPa, elevated temperature service [citation:3, citation:7, citation:9]. P235GH: Minimum yield strength 235 MPa, most common grade for general pressure applications [citation:3, citation:9]. P265GH: Minimum yield strength 265 MPa, higher strength option [citation:3, citation:9]. |
| Material Numbers | P195GH (1.0348), P235GH (1.0345), P265GH (1.0425) . |
| Manufacturing Process | Spiral (Helical) Submerged Arc Welding (SSAW/HSAW) : Formed from hot-rolled steel coil, with the weld seam running continuously in a spiral along the pipe's length. Welded using double-sided automatic submerged arc welding [citation:2, citation:5, citation:6]. |
| Typical Size Range | Outside Diameter: 219 mm to 3620 mm (approx. 8" to 142") [citation:5, citation:6, citation:9]. Wall Thickness: 4 mm to 32 mm (5-25.4 mm common) [citation:5, citation:6, citation:9]. Length: 3 m to 18 m (customizable, up to 70 m available) [citation:5, citation:6]. |
| Common Applications | Pressure Equipment: Boilers, heat exchangers, pressure vessels [citation:4, citation:5]. Fluid Transmission: High-temperature steam lines, hot water systems, process piping [citation:4, citation:6]. Industrial: Power plants, chemical processing, refineries, district heating systems [citation:4, citation:6]. |
| Key Testing Requirements | Chemical Analysis: Per EN 10217-2 limits [citation:3, citation:9]. Tensile Test: Verify yield and tensile strength [citation:3, citation:9]. Flattening Test: Check ductility [citation:3, citation:9]. Hydrostatic Test: Each pipe tested for pressure integrity [citation:5, citation:7]. Non-Destructive Testing: Ultrasonic or X-ray inspection of weld seam (when specified) [citation:2, citation:4]. |
🔍 Understanding the Standard: BS EN 10217-2
Purpose and Scope: BS EN 10217-2 is a European standard that specifies technical delivery conditions for welded steel tubes used in pressure applications at elevated temperatures . It covers both electric welded and submerged arc welded (including spiral welded) tubes made from non-alloy and alloy steels with specified elevated temperature properties .
Key Grades: The standard specifies several pressure grades, with the most common being [citation:3, citation:9]:
P195GH: Basic pressure grade for less demanding applications
P235GH: Most common general-purpose pressure grade
P265GH: Higher strength option for more demanding pressure requirements
The "GH" suffix indicates the steel is suitable for elevated temperature service.
Temperature Range: BS EN 10217-2 pipes are typically suitable for service temperatures from -20°C to +300°C (higher for specific grades) .
Chemical Composition: The standard has strict controls on sulfur and phosphorus (max 0.025-0.020%) to ensure good weldability and elevated temperature performance [citation:3, citation:4, citation:9].
Quality Documentation: Pipes are typically supplied with an EN 10204 Type 3.1 inspection certificate, providing traceability and documented test results .
📊 Chemical and Mechanical Properties
The table below shows the chemical and mechanical properties for common grades based on manufacturer data [citation:3, citation:9]:
| Grade | Chemical Composition (max %) | Mechanical Properties (min) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Yield Strength (MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) | |
| P195GH | 0.13 | 0.35 | 0.70 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 195 | 320-440 |
| P235GH | 0.16 | 0.35 | 1.20 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 235 | 360-500 |
| P265GH | 0.20 | 0.40 | 1.40 | 0.025 | 0.020 | 265 | 410-570 |
🔧 Manufacturing Process for BS EN 10217-2 SSAW Pipe
Raw Material: Hot-rolled steel coils meeting the chemical requirements of the specified grade (P195GH, P235GH, P265GH) [citation:2, citation:5].
Uncoiling and Leveling: The steel coil is uncoiled and leveled to ensure flatness .
Edge Milling: The strip edges are precision-milled to create the correct bevel geometry for welding [citation:2, citation:3].
Spiral Forming: The strip is continuously formed into a cylindrical shape at a specific helix angle [citation:2, citation:6].
Submerged Arc Welding: Double-sided automatic submerged arc welding (inside and outside) creates the spiral seam [citation:2, citation:3].
NDT and Hydrostatic Testing: The weld seam is inspected (typically ultrasonic or X-ray), and each pipe undergoes hydrostatic pressure testing [citation:4, citation:5].
Finishing: Ends are prepared (plain or beveled), and any required coatings are applied .
⚙️ Comparison with Related Standards
| Standard | Application | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| BS EN 10217-2 | Pressure purposes with elevated temperature properties [citation:4, citation:10] | Specifies elevated temperature performance (GH grades) |
| BS EN 10217-1 | Pressure purposes at room temperature | Room temperature service only (TR grades) |
| BS EN 10219-1 | Structural hollow sections [citation:1, citation:3] | Not for pressure applications |
| API 5L | Oil and gas transmission | International pipeline standard, different grade designation system [citation:1, citation:3] |
| ASTM A53 | General piping [citation:1, citation:3] | US standard for low-pressure service |
💡 Advantages of BS EN 10217-2 SSAW Pipe
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Elevated Temperature Performance | Specifically designed for high-temperature service up to 300°C+ . |
| Pressure Equipment Directive Compliance | Supports EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU) requirements [citation:4, citation:10]. |
| Large Diameter Capability | SSAW process enables production of pipes up to 3620mm (142") diameter [citation:6, citation:9]. |
| Cost-Effective | More economical than seamless or LSAW pipes for large diameters [citation:1, citation:2]. |
| Good Weldability | Controlled chemistry ensures reliable welding and fabrication . |
| Full Traceability | Supplied with EN 10204 Type 3.1 certification for complete material traceability [citation:5, citation:9]. |
📝 Important Considerations
Part 2 vs. Part 5: While EN 10217-2 covers electric welded tubes (including spiral welded), EN 10217-5 specifically covers submerged arc welded non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with elevated temperature properties [citation:1, citation:4, citation:6]. Both are applicable to SSAW pipes.
Test Categories: The standard may specify different test categories (e.g., TC1, TC2) with varying inspection requirements. Ensure your purchase order specifies the required test level .
PED Compliance: BS EN 10217-2 is harmonized with the Pressure Equipment Directive, making it suitable for CE-marked pressure equipment in Europe [citation:4, citation:10].
Complete Specification: When ordering, specify: BS EN 10217-2, Grade [P195GH/P235GH/P265GH], SSAW, Size (OD x WT), Length, End Finish, and any supplementary requirements.
📝 Summary
BS EN 10217-2 Spiral Submerged Arc Welded pipes are the standard choice for large-diameter pressure applications requiring elevated temperature performance in European and international markets [citation:1, citation:5, citation:6]. Available in grades P195GH, P235GH (most common), and P265GH, these pipes combine the cost-effective SSAW manufacturing process with the stringent quality requirements of the EN 10217-2 pressure equipment standard [citation:5, citation:6]. They are widely used in power plants, industrial process piping, district heating systems, and high-temperature fluid transmission applications where large diameters and pressure integrity are required [citation:4, citation:6]. When specifying, ensure you reference the complete standard with the required grade and any supplementary testing requirements.
