A 310.75-inch tube mill refers to a rolling mill designed to produce tubes or pipes with an outer diameter (OD) of 310.75 inches (≈7.89 meters). Such large tube mills are typically used in heavy industries for manufacturing pipes for applications like:
– Oil & gas pipelines
– Structural tubing (e.g., for bridges, offshore platforms)
– Water transmission projects
– Nuclear/thermal power plant piping
Key Components of a 310.75-Inch Tube Mill:
1. Forming Section:
– Heavy-duty rolls progressively bend steel strips (skelp) into a cylindrical shape.
– May use UOE forming (for large diameters) or spiral welding for flexibility.
2. Welding System:
– Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is common for thick-walled, large-diameter pipes.
– High-frequency induction (HFI) or laser welding may be used for thinner materials.
3. Sizing/Expanding:
– Hydraulic or mechanical expanders ensure precise diameter and roundness.
4. Cutting & Handling:
– Plasma or torch cuttinor large pipes, followed by automated handling systems.
Considerations:
– Material: Typically low-carbon steel, API-grade steels (e.g., X70), or stainless steel.
– Wall Thickness: Ranges from 0.5 inches to several inches, depending on pressure requirements.
– Standards: Complies with API 5L, ASTM A106/A53, or customer-specific specs.
Manufacturers:
Companies like *Danieli*, *SMS Group*, or *Fives Nordon* specialize in large tube mills. Custom engineering is often required for mills of this scale.
Would you like details on specific processes (e.g., UOE vs. spiral weld) or operational challenges?