Production of line pipe in Japan

Abstract

Abstract Japan is one of the world's leading suppliers of line pipe. In this paper, the authors describe advances in line-pipe manufacturing technology that have been made in Japan during the past decade. Manufacturing methods have been improved, and seamless, electric-resistance, and submerged-arc (both straight and spiral seam) welding processes are all now used. Line-pipe manufacturers have had to adjust to changing requirements for pipe size (outside diameter and wall thickness), strength, toughness, corrosion resistance, and weldability. The performance of line pipe under high pressure, in use in the Arctic and in deep water, and for transporting sour gas has been evaluated. The steelmaking, hot-rolling, and pipe-forming stages of manufacture have all been tailored to the production of high-quality line pipe.