BS EN 10217-2 Spiral Submerged Arc Welded Steel Pipe - Clarification
1. Important Correction: Standard Scope Error
BS EN 10217-2 is NOT a standard for spiral submerged arc welded (SSAW) pipes.
The actual title is:
BS EN 10217-2: Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes - Technical delivery conditions - Part 2: Electric resistance and induction welded non-alloy and alloy steel tubes with specified elevated temperature properties
Key Facts:
Covers ERW and induction welded tubes only
Excludes submerged arc welding completely
For elevated temperature service (not typical pipeline use)
Tube diameters generally ≤ 24 inches
2. CORRECT British/European Standards for SSAW Pipes
If you need British/European standards for Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW) Pipes, here are the correct ones:
Table 1: European Standards for SSAW Pipes
| Standard | Full Title | Application | Welding Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 10208-2 | Steel pipes for pipelines for combustible fluids - Pipes of requirement class B | Oil & gas pipelines | SSAW, LSAW |
| EN 10224 | Steel tubes and fittings for the conveyance of aqueous liquids including water for human consumption - Technical delivery conditions | Water pipelines | SSAW included |
| EN 10219-2 | Cold formed welded structural hollow sections - Tolerances, dimensions and sectional properties | Structural applications | SSAW included |
| BS 3601 | Specification for steel pipes and tubes for pressure purposes: Submerged arc welded | Pressure piping | SSAW, LSAW |
3. What BS EN 10217-2 ACTUALLY Covers
Since you inquired, here's what BS EN 10217-2 actually specifies:
Table 2: BS EN 10217-2 Actual Scope
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Standard | BS EN 10217-2:2019 |
| Processes | Electric Resistance Welding (ERW), Induction Welding |
| Excluded | Submerged Arc Welding (all types), Spiral Welding |
| Application | Pressure purposes at elevated temperatures |
| Temperature Range | Up to 300°C for non-alloy, up to 450°C for alloy steels |
| Size Range | OD typically 21.3mm to 610mm |
| Pressure Rating | Various classes up to 100 bar |
Table 3: Steel Grades in BS EN 10217-2
| Grade | Temperature Class | Yield Strength (min) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| P195TR1 | ≤ 300°C | 195 MPa | Non-alloy |
| P235TR1 | ≤ 300°C | 235 MPa | Non-alloy |
| P265TR1 | ≤ 300°C | 265 MPa | Non-alloy |
| 13CrMo4-5 | ≤ 450°C | 280 MPa | Alloy steel |
| 10CrMo9-10 | ≤ 450°C | 280 MPa | Alloy steel |
| X10CrMoVNb9-1 | ≤ 550°C | 440 MPa | High alloy |
4. Why This Confusion Exists
Common Misunderstandings:
Number Similarity: EN 10208 vs EN 10217
Broad Category: Both are "welded steel tubes for pressure purposes"
Market Mislabeling: Suppliers incorrectly labeling products
Translation Issues: Different technical terminology
Critical Differences:
EN 10208: Pipeline systems (large diameter, transmission)
EN 10217: Pressure tubes (smaller diameter, plant piping)
EN 10208: Includes SSAW
EN 10217: Only ERW and induction
5. Correct European Standard for SSAW: EN 10208-2
EN 10208-2: Steel pipes for pipelines for combustible fluids
This is the primary European standard for SSAW pipeline pipes.
Table 4: EN 10208-2 Key Features
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scope | Pipes for combustible fluids (oil, gas) |
| Processes | SSAW, LSAW, ERW, Seamless |
| Classes | Class 1, 2, 3 (based on service conditions) |
| Grades | L245, L290, L360, L415, L450, L485 |
| Testing | Extensive NDT, hydrostatic testing |
| Applications | Onshore/offshore transmission pipelines |
Table 5: EN 10208-2 Pipe Classes
| Class | Application | SSAW Applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Sour service (H₂S) | ✓ With restrictions |
| Class 2 | Non-sour service | ✓ Yes |
| Class 3 | Enhanced requirements | ✓ Yes |
6. EN 10224 for Water Pipelines
For water and aqueous liquid conveyance:
EN 10224: Steel tubes and fittings for the conveyance of aqueous liquids
Table 6: EN 10224 for SSAW Water Pipes
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scope | Water and aqueous liquids |
| Processes | SSAW, LSAW, ERW allowed |
| Grades | S235, S275, S355, etc. |
| Pressure | PN6 to PN100 |
| Coatings | Internal/external protection specified |
| Testing | Hydrostatic, dimensional, visual |
7. Manufacturing Process Comparison
Table 7: ERW vs SSAW in European Standards
| Aspect | ERW (BS EN 10217-2) | SSAW (EN 10208-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | EN 10217-2 | EN 10208-2 |
| Weld Process | Electric resistance | Submerged arc |
| Seam Type | Longitudinal straight | Helical/spiral |
| Diameter Range | 21.3-610mm typical | 219-3000mm typical |
| Pressure Rating | ≤ 100 bar | High pressure possible |
| Application | Plant piping, heating | Transmission pipelines |
| Quality Level | General pressure | Pipeline quality |
8. How to Correctly Specify SSAW Pipes
For European Projects:
1. Oil & Gas Transmission:
text
Standard: EN 10208-2:2009 + A1:2012 Class: Class 2 (or Class 1 for sour service) Grade: L360NB Manufacturing: Spiral Submerged Arc Welded (SSAW)
2. Water Transmission:
text
Standard: EN 10224:2002 Grade: S355J2H Manufacturing: Spiral Submerged Arc Welded Coating: External 3LPE, internal cement mortar
3. Structural Applications:
text
Standard: EN 10219-2:2006 Manufacturing: Cold formed, SSAW Grade: S355J2H
Correct Specification Language:
text
INCORRECT: "BS EN 10217-2 SSAW pipe" CORRECT: "EN 10208-2 Class 2 L360NB SSAW pipe"
9. Quality Requirements Comparison
Table 8: Testing Requirements
| Test | BS EN 10217-2 (ERW) | EN 10208-2 (SSAW) |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrostatic | Mandatory | Mandatory (higher pressure) |
| Tensile | Batch testing | Each heat/heat treatment |
| Impact | For certain grades | Mandatory for all |
| NDT on Weld | Spot check possible | 100% RT or AUT mandatory |
| Hardness | Not required | Often required |
| Flattening | Required | Required |
10. Certification and Marking
EN 10208-2 Marking Requirements:
Each SSAW pipe must be marked with:
Manufacturer's identification
EN 10208-2 designation
Steel grade (e.g., L360)
Pipe class (1, 2, or 3)
Size (OD × WT)
Heat number
Inspection body stamp (if applicable)
Test pressure
Certification:
EN 10204 Type 3.1 Certificate required
Third-party inspection often specified
Full traceability from steelmaking to pipe
11. Industry Applications
Where SSAW is Used vs ERW:
SSAW (EN 10208-2/EN 10224):
Cross-country oil/gas pipelines
Large diameter water transmission
Offshore pipeline systems
Slurry pipelines
Structural piling
ERW (BS EN 10217-2):
Plant process piping
Heating systems
Compressed air lines
Small diameter distribution
Mechanical applications
12. Cost and Availability
Table 9: Market Comparison
| Factor | ERW (EN 10217-2) | SSAW (EN 10208-2) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per ton | Lower | Higher for quality |
| Lead Time | Shorter | Longer |
| Availability | Very good | Good for large diameters |
| Manufacturers | Many | Specialized mills |
| Stock Items | Common | Usually project-specific |
13. Technical Limitations
SSAW Limitations in European Standards:
Thickness Limits: Typically ≤ 25mm for SSAW
Diameter Limits: Practical minimum ~16 inches
Repair Limitations: Strict controls on weld repairs
Testing Requirements: Extensive NDT increases cost
ERW Limitations:
Diameter Limits: Typically ≤ 24 inches
Pressure Limits: Lower than SSAW
Weld Quality: Potential for lack of fusion
Material Limitations: Thinner walls typical
14. Recent Developments
European Market Trends:
SSAW Quality Improvement: Better control of spiral weld
ERW Advancements: HFI welding replacing traditional ERW
Standard Harmonization: Moving toward ISO standards
Environmental Focus: Lower carbon footprint manufacturing
Regulatory Changes:
Stricter safety requirements for gas pipelines
Enhanced environmental protection
Digital documentation requirements
Increased third-party verification
15. Procurement Recommendations
For Buyers/Specifiers:
Verify Standard Scope:
Check Clause 1 of any standard
Confirm included welding processes
Match Application to Standard:
Transmission pipelines: EN 10208-2
Water pipes: EN 10224
Plant piping: EN 10217 series
Structural: EN 10219 series
Quality Assurance:
Specify inspection requirements
Require EN 10204 Type 3.1 certificate
Consider third-party inspection
Technical Specifications:
Clearly state welding process
Specify steel grade and class
Define testing requirements
Include coating specifications
Red Flags:
Supplier claims "EN 10217-2 SSAW pipe"
Certificate doesn't match specification
Missing NDT documentation
No third-party inspection
16. Alternative Standards
If EN 10208-2 is Too Specific:
Consider these alternatives:
ISO 3183: International equivalent
API 5L: Global industry standard
DIN 17172: German standard for gas pipelines
BS 3601: British standard for SAW pipes
For Special Applications:
Offshore: DNV-OS-F101
Sour Service: NACE MR0175/ISO 15156
Low Temperature: EN 10208 Class 3
Summary and Key Conclusions
BS EN 10217-2 ≠ SSAW Standard
It's for ERW and induction welded tubes only
No spiral welding or submerged arc welding
For elevated temperature pressure applications
Correct SSAW Standards:
Primary: EN 10208-2 for oil/gas pipelines
Water: EN 10224 for water pipelines
Structural: EN 10219-2 for hollow sections
Critical Distinctions:
EN 10208: Large diameter transmission pipelines
EN 10217: Smaller diameter pressure tubes
EN 10219: Structural applications
Specification Best Practices:
Always reference the correct standard
Specify welding process clearly
Include all quality requirements
Require proper certification
Final Recommendation: For spiral submerged arc welded pipes in European projects, specify EN 10208-2 with the appropriate class and grade for your application. This standard provides the necessary quality framework for safe and reliable pipeline operation.
