Pipe Reduction
Pipe reduction is the process of reducing a steel pipes inner diameter, wall thickness or both. The end goal of the process is to reach the desired pipe size, shape and material. The process of pipe reduction can be achieved by several different methods, each with its own capabilities and cost considerations.
The first method for achieving pipe reduction is to use a forged pipe reducer. This device can be used to reduce the inside diameter and wall thickness of a steel pipe. The reducer is typically made from carbon steel or stainless steel and is available in a range of sizes. The reducers design allows for efficient reduction of a steel pipes diameter and wall thickness.
The second approach for pipe reduction is to use a scarfing tool. This method uses a rotary tool, typically made from steel, to manually reduce the size of a steel pipe. The tool works by grinding away material from the pipe, thereby reducing its diameter and thickness. Scarfing tools are usually made in custom sizes and shapes and can achieve various levels of complexity in terms of pipe reduction.
The third approach for achieving pipe reduction is to use a mandrel. This tool uses a steel mandrel inserted into the pipes inner diameter and clamped around the exterior of the pipe. The inside of the pipe is then expanded through the use of hydraulic pressure to the desired diameter and wall thickness. Mandrels can be used to achieve complex reductions in steel pipe, including reductions in the inside diameter, wall thickness or both simultaneously.
The fourth approach for reducing steel pipe is to use heat. Pipes can be heated from the inside or outside to cause them to shrink in size. Hot shrinking can be used to reduce pipe diameter as well as wall thickness. However, the process can be difficult to control, as it relies on the temperature of the steel being uniform across the entire length of the pipe.
Pipe reduction is a necessary process for many industrial operations and can be achieved by a variety of methods. Depending on the parameters required, it is important to select the right method and tool for each task. Forging, scarfing, mandrels and heat shrinking are all viable options and can be used to achieve the desired result.
