Electro Polished Stainless Tube
Electro Polished is a “reverse plating” process that uses an electrochemical solution to remove the outer layer of stainless steel pipe. By stripping away a uniform layer of stainless steel tube, the electropolishing process also removes embedded contaminants, heat tint and oxide scale, micro cracks, burrs, pits, and other surface defect that can compromise the performance and durability of a part.
Electropolished Stainless Steel Tubing is especially done on 300 and 400 series stainless steel that improves a part’s corrosion resistance which leaves a lasting bright finish. Unlike passivation electropolishing can be performed on all varieties of stainless steel which gives its parts of all kinds corrosion resistance superiorto passivation alone—electropolished parts are 30 times more corrosion resistant than those that are passivated. The process of dissolving a uniform layer of surface metal is more effective and aggressive, because it is highly controlled and it can be used to remove as little as .02″ of surface material.
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EP Pipes are widely used by surgeons and dentists, appliance manufacturers, automakers and the racing industry and in food, beverages and pharmaceutical processing. SS 304 Electropolished Pipes has an excellent forming and welding characteristics. It is excellent in a wide range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media. In warm chloride environments it is subject to crevice corrosion & pitting.
Stainless Steel 316l Electropolished Tubes are readily brake or roll formed into a variety of parts for applications in the architectural, industrial, and transportation fields. It also has outstanding welding characteristics.
Brushed Finish Stainless Steel Pipe is the most common and is used on appliances and in the food industry. Its appearance is characterised by parallel, short polishing lines that extend uniformly along the length of the coil. According to the requirements of the application, the final finish can be anywhere between 120- and 320-grit. Higher grit numbers produce more reflective finishes and finer polishing lines.
A249 Polished Steel Pipe and A270 Polish Pipe are polished by using grinder and grinding disc by grinding down any welds that are on the pipe. It is mounted into a pipe vise. And then polishing compound is applied to it. The polishing belt is slide between 120 – 180 grit and as needed additional polishing compound is applied to it. Then it continues by using grinding belt. And after that polishing compound is applied to the steel pipe and the fine lines are buffed with a buffer grinding disc.
Electropolished Stainless Steel Pipe has a shiny, smooth, ultra-clean surface finish. It is also known as electrochemical polishing, anodic polishing or electrolytic polishing, electropolishing stainless steel pipe.
Stainless Steel Polished Tube consists of the austenitic grades of stainless steel such as TP304, TP304L, TP316, TP316L, TP321, TP321H and TP347.
Polished stainless steel square tubing are widely used for various applications including beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food processing, biotechnology, pure water movement, high purity gases, vacuum, and semiconductors.
Polished stainless steel pipe is a group of iron-based alloys that contain approximately minimum of 11% chromium a composition that prevents the iron from rusting and it also provides heat-resistant properties.
Mirror polished stainless steel tube go through a polishing process of rough grinding, fine grinding to achieve a smooth, shiny mirror-like surface. It is performed by using a chemical solution to remove the surface oxide scale to achieve a brightening effect.
316 polished stainless tubing offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids which makes it popular for wide range of environments such as Brewing facilities, medical equipment and implants, coastal environments and areas with high salt levels.
EP Tubing is a process through with the absolute roughness of the electropolished stainless steel tube is reduced. This makes the pipes more accurate in dimensions and it can be installed with accuracy in sensitive systems like the pharmaceutical industrial applications.
In a world where stainless steel is becoming a popular material for use in the construction of pipes, producing high-quality pipes is now necessary for various industrial processes. Electropolishing has become a preferred method of finishing stainless steel pipes, providing a brighter, smoother, and more corrosion-resistant surface coating. In this blog, we will discuss what electropolished pipes are, their uses, and applications.
What are Electropolished Pipes?
Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes a thin surface layer from a stainless steel pipe, resulting in a uniform, smooth, and ultra-clean surface. It eliminates impurities found on the surface, such as metal oxides and other substances that cause oxidation and corrosion. The polishing process enhances the surface’s biocompatibility and sterilizability, making it ideal for use in fields such as medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Uses of Electropolished Pipes
Electropolished pipes’ smooth, polished surface enhances their performance by reducing friction in fluid flow and reducing contamination in the process. They are primarily used in biotechnology, food processing, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. These industries require materials that are corrosion-resistant, easy to clean and do not impart any flavours or odours. Electropolished pipes are also used to manufacture pharmaceuticals, high-purity chemicals, and ultra-pure water systems.
Advantages of Electropolished Pipes
Electropolishing provides several advantages over typical mechanical polishing methods. Electropolishing provides a uniform and consistent passivation layer, enhancing the pipe’s corrosion resistance. Furthermore, electropolished pipes are easy to clean, reducing the risk of contamination in sensitive processes. The corrosion-resistant nature of electropolished pipes makes them ideal for use in harsh industrial environments, where ordinary mechanical polish stainless steel pipes will quickly corrode.
Applications of Electropolished Pipes
Electropolished pipes find vast applications in industries such as food and beverage processing plants, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductor manufacturing. The pipes are used in food production lines in food processing to transport processed food and beverages. Only electropolished pipes should be used in applications where pipes come into contact with food and beverages to prevent contamination. In the pharmaceutical industry, electropolished pipes produce injectable drugs, where contamination is a significant concern. The semiconductor industry employs pipes to produce chips and electronic components, requiring ultra-pure fluids.
How to Select the Right Electropolished Pipes
When selecting electropolished pipes, consider their internal diameter, tolerance levels, and material type. Always choose well-polished pipes with a uniform surface which is free from blemishes. The pipes must be easy to clean, sterilize and prevent contamination. Additionally, always ensure the pipes comply with industry standards and regulations.
Conclusion:
Electropolished pipes provide several benefits that make them ideal for use in various industrial applications. They enhance fluid flow, reduce contamination in the manufacturing process, and offer corrosion resistance. Their applications are broad, from food and beverage processing to the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. Quality should be a top priority when selecting electropolished pipes, and adherence to industry standards and regulations is key.
Stainless Steel Electropolished Pipe Specification Chart
| Standards | ASTM A213, ASTM A249, ASTM A269, ASME SA213, ASME SA249, ASME SA269, EN 10216-5 TC1 / TC2, PED 97/23/EC, AD 2000, NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 |
|---|---|
| Polished Seamless Tube Size | 6.35 mm OD To 101.60 mm OD |
| Polished Welded Tube Size | 6.35 mm OD To 219.10 mm OD |
| Swg & Bwg | 10 Swg., 12 Swg., 14 Swg., 16 Swg., 18 Swg., 20 Swg. |
| Polished tubing wall thickness | 0.50mm-5.00mm (special wall thicknesses available) |
| SS Polished tube Length | Single Random, Double Random, Standard & Cut length |
| Finishing | Mechanical Polished,Electro Polished, BA (Bright & Annealed), |
| Form | Round, Coil, Square, Rectangular, Boiler, Hydraulic, Straight or ‘U’ bent Tubes, Hollow, LSAW Tubes Etc. |
| Type | Seamless, Welded, Welded Redrawn |
| Electropolished | (EP) Electropolished for Ultra High Purity Systems |
| Non-Electropolished | (BA) Bright Annealed or (AP) Annealed & Pickled for High-Purity, (CFOS) Cleaned for Oxygen Grade Service or Corrosive Systems |
| I.D. Surface Finish Options | Electro Polished Ra:≤0.2μm，Mechanical Polished Ra:≤0.4μm ,Cold Rolled Ra:≤0.6μm |
| JIS | 8A to 250A |
| Tolerances | In accordance with: ASTM: A269 & A632, JIS: G 3459,Tight tolerance can be achieved after negotiation. |
| Polished tubing End | Plain End, Beveled End, Treaded, Ends are suitable for orbital welding |
| Marking | All Polished Stainless Steel tubes are marked as follows: Standard, Grade, OD, Thickness, Length, Heat No. (Or according to the customer’s request.) |
| Polished tubingApplication | Polished Oil Tube, Gas Tube, Fluid Tube, Boiler and Heatexchanger |
| Value Added Service | Draw & Expansion as per required Size & Length, Polish (Electro & Commercial) Annealed & Pickled Bending, Machining Etc. |
| Specialize in | Polished Capillary Tube & Other Odd Size Polished Heat Exchanger & Condenser Tubes Polished Hydraulic tubing with OD up to 50.8 mm (2.0 in.) are delivered in bright annealed condition Polished hydraulic tube with OD larger than 50.8 mm are supplied in the annealed and pickled condition, Or in polished condition |
| Marking & Traceability | Each Stainless Steel Polished Tubing is traceable to its producing mill and heat by an identification number etched within 24″ (610mm) of one end. |
| Polished tubing Test Certificate | Manufacturer Test Certificate according to EN 10204 3.1 B Under Third Party Inspection |
| Polished tubing Testing & Inspection | Visual inspection • Surface roughness measurement • Helium-leak testing • Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) • Auger Electron Microscopy (AES) • Election Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA or XPS) • Particle testing • Moisture testing |
| We can also cut, thread, and groove Polished Tubes to meet your specifications | |
Frequently Used Electropolished Stainless Steel Tubing Types
Electropolished Stainless Steel Tubing
SS 304 Electropolished Pipes
Brushed Finish Stainless Steel Pipe
A270 Polish Pipe
Electropolished Stainless Steel Tubing
ASTM A249 Polished Steel Pipe
