Top High-Pressure Steel Tubing Solutions for Industrial Applications

What is high-pressure steel tubing?

Designed specifically to withstand high fluid and gas pressures in challenging industrial environments, thick-walled, high-pressure steel tubing (sometimes referred to as hip tubing) is typically made from high-tensile, seamless, cold-drawn stainless steel.

Annealed tubing cannot be used because it lacks the necessary strength and durability to withstand the stresses and pressures involved, making it prone to deformation or failure. Likewise, cold-drawn seamless tubing is superior to welded tubing because it can cope with much higher pressures and temperatures.

As part of a system containing high-performance pressure vessels, pumps, valves, gauges, fittings, and connection types, high-pressure tubing has to withstand excessive corrosion, internal pressure, and high temperatures, and tubing is manufactured to comply with exceptional safety standards and dimensional accuracy.

To ensure these high standards, high-pressure stainless steel tubing is subjected to rigorous quality checks such as ultrasonic testing, visual checks, and pressure testing, finished to specifications and thoroughly cleaned.

For expert advice and further information about high-pressure steel tubing, please contact one of our sales representatives at +44 [0]161 278 2386.

Alternatively, contact us via our contact form or email your enquiry to sales@specialmetalalloys.co.uk. 

Why is high-pressure tubing essential? (What happens to liquids and gasses under high pressure or temperature?)

In industry terms working pressure, pressures above 50 bar are considered high pressure. Under high pressure or temperatures, phase changes of liquids and gases can take place, and the higher the pressure or temperature, the greater the volume changes and the density and water vapour.

Intermolecular forces become more significant, and chemicals and gasses can behave very differently, increasing the risk of combustion, explosions, chemical reactions, premature activation, and equipment failure, necessitating the use of the best quality high-pressure or ultra-high-pressure tubing.

Special Metal Alloys’ expertise and distribution network allow us to provide cold-drawn high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure tubing in longer and shorter lengths to a wide range of industries anywhere in the world.

What material is used to manufacture high-pressure tubing?

Special metal alloys, such as Inconel, carbon steel A105, Monel 400, and specialist nickel and chromium alloys; and high-grade stainless steel, like 304 and 316; are the most common materials used to manufacture high-pressure tubes because of their high resistance to corrosion and high temperatures, tensile strength, superb strength-to-weight ratio, low maintenance requirements, and durability.

What is high-pressure steel tubing used for?

Designed and manufactured in strict accordance with extreme industrial performance standards, high-pressure pipes and tubing are irreplaceable in any high-pressure applications where fluids and gases are transported over short and long distances, under exceptional pressure and/or temperatures.

It is manufactured in strict accordance with safety and performance standards in various sizes, lengths, and pressure ratings for a wide range of high-pressure applications that require these special qualities.

It is typically used in hydraulic systems, oil and gas extraction and pipelines, chemical and petrochemical processing, mining, deepwater drilling, metal processing, waterjet cutting equipment, pressure-cleaning equipment, construction equipment, water treatment and supply, refineries, power and nuclear plants, high-pressure chromatography, aeronautics and aerospace. Because of its tensile strength and durability, it is often used for structural applications as well.

What are the benefits of using high-pressure stainless steel tubing and ultra-high stainless steel tubing?

It is far more robust than most, if not all, other piping and tubing systems, with a minimal failure rate.

Because it is highly resistant to corrosion, high temperatures, and harsh operational conditions, it is exceptionally durable, requires very little maintenance, and ensures exceptional hygiene.

Fewer connections and fittings are required, minimising potential leaking points and weak areas where it can warp or break.

Elevated safety benchmarks. Not only because of the risks associated with high pressures and high temperatures but also because fluids and gasses can behave very differently the higher the pressure and temperatures.

Because of both its strength and its ability to tolerate high pressure and mechanical stress, the piping system can be integrated into a load-bearing structural system.

It is easy to work with during installation and maintenance.

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