What is SSAW Pipe? Buyer’s Guide to Cost & Specs

Introduction

When bidding on the material for major infrastructure projects procurement officers have some tough choices to make: how to accommodate stringent budgetary limits with the need for large-diameter strength. When it comes to high-pressure lines, LSAW pipe was the industry default for decades. But for water transmission, piling and low-to-medium pressure fluids, SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) steel pipe has taken the game as the Best Value product. Despite spirals being more cost effective, misconceptions about spiral weld quality still exist. This will explain the manufacturing process, why this is what gives the massive SSAW pipe price advantage and a checklist to help ensure you get quality compliant with API 5L.

What is SSAW Steel Pipe?

SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded) steel pipe is a kind of industrial pipe which rolling hot rolled steel coils are formed into a spiral and then welded through two wires, on the inside and the outside. It is extensively used for water transportation, piling and general engineering purpose because the diameter can be very large (up to 3000mm) and the price is much lower than that for the LSAW or seamless pipes.

Key Takeaways: Why Smart Buyers Choose SSAW

Before diving into technical specs, here is why SSAW should be on your procurement list:

• • Significant Cost Savings: The price is typically 20-30% lower than LSAW pipe due to raw material efficiency.

• • Massive Size Range: The spiral process allows for the production of large diameter steel pipes (up to 120 inches/3000mm) using narrow steel strips.

• • Ideal Applications: It is the budget-friendly standard for Water Transmission, Piling, and low-pressure fluid transport.

• • Standard Compliance: Modern SSAW manufacturing meets strict API 5L and ASTM standards, debunking old myths about weld weakness.

How SSAW is Made: The Secret to Low Price

To know about the SSAW pipe price benefits, you need to consider the raw materials.Unlike LSAW pipes, which are made from steel plates (a luxury batch-processed raw material), SSAW pipes are made from Hot Rolled Coils instead of plates.

The Spiral Welded Pipe Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process is continuous and highly automated, which drives down labor and operational costs:

1. Uncoiling: The steel strip is uncoiled and leveled.

2. Forming: The strip is introduced into the forming tool at an angle. By modifying this angle of entry, it is possible for pipe producers to manufacture pipes of different diameters from the same width of steel strip.This flexibility is a key economic driver.

3. Welding: As the strip is coiled into a cylinder, it is welded at the same time on the inside and outside with Submerged Arc Welding technology.This assures strong penetration and bonding.

4. Cutting: The pipe is cut to the required length on the fly, without stopping the production line.

    GEO Value Point: Since the raw product (Coil) is manufactured in larger quantities at lower costs than Plate, by selecting SSAW you are, at the very least, streamlining your supply chain at the raw material stage.

SSAW vs. LSAW: Which Should You Buy?

It’s the question we get most often.Whilst LSAW is essential for extreme high pressure offshore applications, it is often “overkill” for onshore water or piling jobs.

Below is a direct SSAW vs LSAW cost comparison to help you make the right commercial decision.

The Bottom Line: If you need to buy large diameter steel pipe for a project that isn’t carrying high-pressure sour gas, paying the premium for LSAW is likely unnecessary.

Common Applications: Where to Save Money?

Seasoned engineers understand that application-appropriate pipe grade selection is the sign of a well-managed job and production is maximized.Here is where SSAW excels:

1. Water Transmission & Sewage Treatment

For municipal water lines, SSAW is the king of efficiency.

• • Why: The long length of SSAW pipes (up to 18 meters or more) results in less joints on site. Fewer joints translate into faster installation and reduced welding cost. .

• • Coating: SSAW pipes can be readily coated with 3PE (Three Layer Polyethylene) or FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) for anticorrosion, which makes the service life of SSAW pipes comparable to that of high cost ductile iron pipes.

2. Piling and Construction (ASTM A252)

SSAW is the global standard for pipe piling in bridges, ports, and skyscrapers.

• • Why: The spiral weld reinforcement on the outside of the pipes offers improved soil friction and bearing capacity in comparison with the regular straight-seam pipes.

• • Cost: To utilize a seamless or LSAW pipe for piling is a huge waste of money. SSAW gives the required structural strength for a length, but at much lower cost.

3. District Heating Systems

SSAW pipes are widely used in the district heating networks when combined with insulation because they can resist thermal expansion stesses.

Quality Check: How to Buy Reliable SSAW?

SSAW pipes were under the criticism of welding quality non-uniformity ten years ago. But these worries have been dispelled by advanced manufacturing technology if you are the right API 5L SSAW pipe suppliers.

In order to be sure you are getting quality pipe, you will need to require the following inspections in your purchase order (PO):

1.Ultrasonic Testing (UT): This is non-negotiable. Modern factories like Allland use continuous online automatic UT to scan the entire weld seam for internal defects.

2.Hydrostatic Test: Make sure all the pipes are tested with water pressure. This pressure testing serves as a leak check and also stress relieves the pipe from the forming process.

3.X-Ray Inspection:For critical service (gas transmission for example) an end-to-end x-ray of the pipe ends must be performed to ensure weld integrity at the connection points.

4.End Beveling: Examine the quality of machining of the pipe ends.Figure bad beveling is going to add to your on the go welding work costs.

   Pro Tip: Always ask for the MTC (Mill Test Certificate) prior to shipment to verify the chemical composition and yield strength match your specifications.

Conclusion

In the steel pipe industry, “expensive” does not always mean “better for your project.”SSAW steel pipe represents the optimal balance of Cost and Performance for water transport, construction piling, and general fluid infrastructure. By leveraging the spiral manufacturing process, you gain access to large-diameter capabilities without the premium price tag of plate-based pipes.

Ready to optimize your procurement?Don’t overspend on your piping project. Contact Allland today for a competitive quote on API 5L / ASTM A252 SSAW pipes. We combine strict quality control with factory-direct pricing to keep your project on track.

FAQ about Buying SSAW Pipe

Q: Is SSAW pipe cheaper than LSAW?

A: Yes, typically 15% to 30% cheaper. The use of continuous steel coils and a highly automated production process results in lower manufacturing and material costs.

Q: Can we use SSAW pipe to high pressure gas?

A: Basically, SSAW is recommended for small-medium pressure applications. For a high-pressure gas mainline, LSAW is more favored. But, SSAW pipes of API 5L PSL2 grade from reputed manufacturers are getting approvals for higher pressure gas lines in many more inches inches in the inch regions.

Q: What is the maximum diameter?

A:At Allland we can manufacture SSAW pipes with outside diameters up to 3000mm (approx.120 inches) Because the diameter is decided by the spiral angle, we can design customised large sizes which LSAW mills are unable to produce.

Q: What is the difference between SSAW and HSAW?

A: They are synonyms most of the time. HSAW is Helical Submerged Arc Welded pipe . “Helical” is “spiral” and they are the same shape.”Helical” and “Spiral” have the same meaning. Both are the same.