Various Applications of Cold-drawn Seamless Steel Tubes in The Railway Industry

Indian Railways used to choose welded pipes for various applications. However, they have shifted to choosing cold-drawn seamless steel tubes as they realize the potential of these conduits. The railways use these tubes for braking systems, locomotives, railway tracks, etc.

Unlike welded pipes, seamless conduits require less maintenance as they are less prone to corrosion. The railways choose stainless, carbon, alloy, steel, etc., to produce various elements.

Applications of Cold-drawn Seamless Steel Tubes in The Railway Industry

There are numerous applications of seamless tubes in the railway industry. Some of the applications include: 

• Locomotives: The most common use of seamless tubes is in locomotives. You can transport various fluids such as water, fuel, and lubricants. You can also use the pipes to transport gases such as air and steam, which help power up the locomotive.
• Rolling stock: It refers to all the railcars moving along the railways. The stock includes both powered and unpowered vehicles. You can use ASTM standard pipes in rolling stock to transport fluids and gases.
• Air braking system: You can use the pipes in the freight and coaching stock braking system. Only a few seamless pipe fabricators in India produce air brakes with seamless tubes. You can choose from twin or single pipes for releasing air directly or gradually.
• Railway infrastructure: Another conventional use of seamless tubes is in railway infrastructure, such as bridges, tunnels, and tracks. You can transport water and other required fluids to maintain the railway infrastructure.
• Railway signaling: To ensure that the signaling system functions appropriately in railways, you need to ensure the free flow of gases and air you require for the signaling system. Seamless tubes and pipes allow you to transport air and other gases without any hindrance and safely.
• Railway maintenance: Seamless tubes and pipes are excellent choices when you want to maintain the performance of the railcars. You need seamless tubes to transport various fluids and gases to maintain railway equipment.

The use of seamless pipes on railway tracks:

Some seamless pipe manufacturers produce pipes primarily for use on railway tracks. To maintain railway tracks, you need superior-quality pipes to transport water and other fluids. You will often see that junction stations in India have extensive pipelines that allow the authority to refill the water tank of the carriages. You will also find usage of the pipes to recharge the car reservoir so that the brake pipe pressure is adjusted.

The use of seamless tubes in railway tracks has several advantages. Some of the benefits include: 

• Reduced maintenance costs:

Seamless tubes and pipes have lower maintenance costs than welded pipes. The absence of seams ensures that the pipes do not develop cracks that you need to repair frequently. Hence, once you install the pipes, you do not need to pay extra for the maintenance of the pipes.

• Improved performance:

Cold-drawn seamless tubes can sustain high pressure and temperature, making them ideal for use in railway tracks. Since you can use the pipes in any temperature conditions, they ensure better performance. Also, you can install the pipes in different places across the country, even with a massive temperature difference.

• No weak points:

One of the drawbacks of welded pipes is their weakness caused by the welded joints. Seamless tubes and pipes have no such weak points. As you know, pipe fabricators use solid steel cylinders to produce the pipes. Hence, there are no welded joints that can later develop gaps. It makes seamless tubes an ideal choice for railways.

• Improved safety:

ASTM standard pipes are safer compared to welded pipes. The absence of seams in the pipes eliminates the risk of leaks, which can cause accidents and threaten the safety of passengers and railway personnel.

The fabricators use carbon steel or alloy steel to produce the seamless tubes that you use in various railway systems. Carbon steel pipes are commonly used for transporting water and other fluids, while alloy steel pipes are used for high-pressure applications.

The diameter of the pipes used in railway tracks can vary based on what purpose you are using the pipes for. For example, you should choose pipes with larger diameters to transport water, while smaller diameters pipes help transport gases.

Installation of seamless tubes in the railway industry:

Installing cold-drawn seamless tubes in railway tracks is a complex process for which you require specialized equipment and skilled personnel. You typically install the pipes underground. The installation involves digging a trench, laying the pipes, and backfilling the trench. You must carry out the installation carefully to ensure the pipes are correctly aligned and the joints tightly sealed.

The use of seamless pipes in railway tracks has revolutionized the railway industry. The pipes have improved the efficiency and safety of railway operations, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced the durability and strength of railway infrastructure. Seamless tubes and pipes have also played a significant role in developing high-speed railway systems.

High-speed railways and seamless tubes:

Seamless pipe manufacturers are instrumental in developing high-speed railway systems. High-speed railways require infrastructure that withstands high speeds, pressures, and temperatures. Seamless tubes and pipes can meet these requirements, making them ideal for high-speed railway systems.

High-speed railway systems typically operate at speeds of over 250 km/h.

The high speeds generate significant heat, which can cause the rails to expand and contract. Seamless pipes can withstand the high temperatures and pressures of high-speed trains, making them ideal for use in high-speed railway tracks.

Conclusion:

Seamless pipes have become an integral component of the railway industry. The pipes transport fluids and gases in locomotives, rolling stock, signaling, maintenance, and railway infrastructure. The use of seamless tubes in the railway industry has several advantages. These include enhanced strength and durability, high-pressure and temperature resistance, lower maintenance costs, and improved safety.

Cold-drawn seamless tubes also play a significant role in developing high-speed railway systems. Seamless pipes can sustain the high temperatures and pressures of high-speed trains, making them ideal for use in high-speed railway tracks.