Home > Welded Pipes > Process Piping
Process piping refers to industrial pipelines that transport fluids, gases, chemicals, steam, condensate, slurries, and process media inside manufacturing plants, refineries, chemical units, power stations, food plants, and industrial facilities. These systems do not transport utilities or water alone—they carry production-critical fluids that directly influence product quality and plant performance.
Welded pipes manufactured according to A312 (Stainless-Steel Welded), A358 (Electric Fusion Welded), and A53 (Carbon Steel ERW/SAW) are widely used for general process piping. These pipes are selected for their smooth flow characteristics, corrosion resistance (SS), structural strength (CS), weldability, pressure-handling capability, and cost efficiency.
Depending on the process fluid—steam, gas, chemical solution, slurry, hot condensate, oil, or compressed air—the right combination of material grade + welding method + corrosion allowance ensures long-term reliability.
Process piping requires:
A312 / A358 / A53 welded pipes fulfill these needs across a wide range of plant systems.
Modern industries use process piping in:
The piping network acts as the plant’s bloodstream—transporting the medium required to run operations continuously and safely.
Process piping demands pipes that offer predictable flow behavior, corrosion resistance, pressure rating, weldability, and service endurance. Each of the three standards plays a unique role:
Below is the Application Matrix and a complete breakdown of where these pipes are used.
| Process System | Typical Media | Recommended Welded Pipe Standard | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Process Lines | Neutral liquids, oils | A53 | Industrial fluid transfer |
| Chemical Transfer Piping | Acids, alkalis, solvents | A312 / A358 | Corrosion resistance & cleanliness |
| Steam & Condensate Piping | Steam, hot water, condensate | A53 / A312 | High temperature & pressure stability |
| Cooling Water Lines | Recirculated water | A53 | General service & cost efficiency |
| Instrument Air & Compressed Air | Air lines | A53 | Low/medium pressure utility |
| Food & Pharma Piping | Clean/sterile liquids | A312 | Hygienic stainless steel piping |
| Oil & Gas In-Plant Lines | Process oil, gas, condensate | A53 / A312 | Pressure + corrosion protection |
| Hydrocarbon Process Piping | Hydrocarbons | A358 | Corrosion & high-temperature safety |
| Slurry & Industrial Waste Lines | Slurries, waste fluids | A53 | Utility-grade durability |
| Parameter | ERW Welded Pipes | EFW Stainless/Alloy Pipes | SAW/LSAW/HSAW Pipes | Fabricated Welded Pipes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application Type | Utility piping, water, air, low-pressure | Chemical, pharma, food, steam, corrosive service | Large bore process lines, cooling water, firefighting | Non-standard diameter, high-thickness, custom alloy |
| Material Grades | CS: A53, IS 3589, API 5L | SS: 304/304L/316/316L/310/321 Alloy: P1–P22 | CS/SS/Alloy | SS, Duplex, Nickel, Titanium |
| Manufacturing Process | HF-ERW welding | Electric Fusion Welded (EFW) | LSAW / HSAW / SAW | Custom plate-rolled & welded |
| OD Range | ½” – 26″ | ½” – 60″ | 16″ – 120″ | 6″ – 150″ |
| Wall Thickness | SCH 10 – SCH 160 | SCH 5S – SCH XXS | SCH 20 – XXS | Based on requirement |
| Surface Finish | Black / GI / Coated | Pickled / Polished | Coated / Painted / Bare | Project-specific |
| Temperature Range | Up to 400°C | Up to 850°C (depending on grade) | Up to 550°C | Custom high-temperature |
| Pressure Rating | Low/Medium | Medium/High | Medium/High | High |
| Weld Testing | EC/UT | UT/RT Mandatory | UT/RT Mandatory | Full RT/UT |
| Typical Industries | Utilities, factories, mechanical | Chemical, food, pharma, desalination | Refineries, desalination, power plants | EPC, OEMs, special piping |
| Documentation | 3.1 MTC | 3.1 / 3.2 | 3.1 / 3.2 | 3.1 / 3.2 |
General Process Lines (Neutral Fluids) — A53 Welded Pipes
Used for transferring non-corrosive process liquids in manufacturing plants.
Provides:
Chemical Transfer Piping — A312 / A358 Stainless Steel Welded Pipes
Used when process fluids include acids, solvents, alkalis, or corrosive mixtures.
Benefits:
Steam & Condensate Lines — A53 / A312 Welded Pipes
Steam lines demand pressure resistance and weld integrity.
These pipes offer:
Cooling Water Circuits — A53 Carbon Steel Welded Pipes
Industrial cooling systems require cost-efficient, standard-grade welded pipes that handle constant flow.
Compressed Air & Instrument Air — A53 Welded Pipes
Common across all industries.
Advantages:
Food-Grade & Pharma Process Piping — A312 Stainless Steel
Used for hygienic media where contamination cannot be tolerated.
Provides clean, corrosion-free surfaces.
Oil & Gas In-Plant Piping — A53 / A312 Welded Pipes
Used for internal refinery or plant-level hydrocarbon distribution.
Petrochemical & Hydrocarbon Lines — A358 Welded Pipes
Offers corrosion resistance and suitability for hot hydrocarbon service.
| Industry | Process Piping Application |
|---|---|
| Refineries | Process oil lines, condensate systems |
| Petrochemicals | Chemical transfer, hot hydrocarbons |
| Chemical Plants | Acid, solvent, alkali lines |
| Power Plants | Steam & condensate piping |
| Food & Beverage | Hygienic SS process lines |
| Pharma | Purified water, clean fluids |
| General Manufacturing | Cooling, air lines, utilities |
Need the right welded pipes for process piping in your plant?
✔ Material selection
✔ Corrosion compatibility
✔ Pressure-temperature guidance
✔ Ready stock & cut-to-length supply
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A312 (SS), A358 (EFW SS), A53 (Carbon Steel).
Yes — A312 / A358 welded pipes are corrosion-resistant for acidic and solvent media.
A53 carbon steel or A312 stainless steel depending on temperature & corrosion requirement.
Yes — A312 SS pipes are used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications.
Applications of process piping welded pipes in chemical, refinery, power, pharma, and industrial plants.