🔧 What Are LSAW, ERW, SSAW Pipes?

A Simple Guide to the Main Types of Welded Steel Pipes

Welded steel pipes are the backbone of modern infrastructure — from oil & gas pipelines to water transmission systems and structural projects. But with several production methods available, choosing the right pipe type can impact cost, performance, and compliance.

In this article, we break down the three most common types of welded steel pipes used globally: ERW, LSAW, and SSAW. Let’s explore their differences, applications, and which type is best suited for your next project.

📌 1. ERW Pipes (Electric Resistance Welded)

Manufacturing Process: Steel coils are cold-formed and welded longitudinally using high-frequency electric current.

Size Range:

• Outer Diameter (OD): typically ½ inch to 24 inches (12–610 mm)

• Wall Thickness: up to 15 mm

Common Standards: ASTM A53, API 5L, BS EN 10217

Best for:✅ Water lines✅ Scaffolding and structural applications✅ Medium-pressure pipelines

Advantages:

• Cost-effective for small to medium diameters

• Smooth surface finish

• High dimensional accuracy

Limitations:

• Not ideal for very thick walls or high-pressure lines

• Weld seam may weaken under extreme loads

  
  

📌 2. LSAW Pipes (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded)

Manufacturing Process: Flat steel plates are formed and welded along the longitudinal axis using submerged arc welding (SAW).

Size Range:

• OD: typically 16 inches to 60 inches (406–1,524 mm)

• Wall Thickness: up to 50 mm

Common Standards:API 5L PSL1/PSL2, ASTM A672, ISO 3183

Best for:✅ Long-distance oil & gas transmission✅ Offshore pipelines✅ High-pressure water pipelines

Advantages:

• Excellent weld strength and consistency

• Can meet strict API/ISO pressure requirements

• Superior straightness and dimensional accuracy

Limitations:

• Higher cost due to thicker material and precision forming

• Typically produced in lower quantities per order

  
  

📌 3. SSAW Pipes (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded)

Manufacturing Process:Spiral-forming of steel coils and welding along a helical seam using submerged arc welding.

Size Range:

• OD: 20 inches to 100 inches (508–2,540 mm)

• Wall Thickness: up to 25 mm

Common Standards:API 5L, ISO 3183, SY/T 5037

Best for:✅ Large-diameter water pipelines✅ Culverts and piling✅ Medium-pressure oil & gas transmission

Advantages:

• Cost-effective for large diameters

• Flexibility in coil width allows continuous production

• Shorter lead times for large bulk orders

Limitations:

• Slightly lower weld seam strength compared to LSAW

• May not meet strict offshore or high-pressure specs

  
  

📊 Comparison Table

Feature	ERW	LSAW	SSAW
Max OD	24”	60”	100”
Weld Seam Type	Longitudinal	Longitudinal	Spiral
Pressure Tolerance	Medium	High	Medium
Cost	Low	High	Moderate
Best Use	Water lines, structures	Oil & gas, offshore	Water lines, piling

🧠 Which Type Should You Choose?

It depends on:

• Diameter and pressure requirements

• Budget and lead time

• Project standards (API, ISO, etc.)

• Installation environment (offshore vs. onshore)

If your project requires high-pressure tolerance and API 5L compliance, LSAW is your best bet. For large-diameter water projects with flexible specs, SSAW delivers value. And for general-use pipelines or structural steel needs, ERW offers the most cost-efficient solution.

🌍 At Pipekom, We Source All Three Types

We work with certified mills in China, Turkey, India, and Europe — delivering API-compliant welded steel pipes across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

• ✅ API 5L (PSL1 & PSL2) Grades B to X70

• ✅ Sizes from ½ inch to 160 inches OD

• ✅ Delivery to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and more

📩 Get in touch with our team at pipekom.com for technical advice and competitive offers.