Types of Steel Pipes by Function in the Oil & Gas Industry

July 28, 2025
Hello Pipe Enthusiasts!
 
Continuing from our previous discussion #BPIPipeInsights on “Understanding Steel Pipes Through ASTM Standards: Functions, Types, and Applications,” this time we take a closer look at steel pipe types specifically used in Oil & Gas projects and installations.
 
As a vital part of energy infrastructure, steel pipes serve in exploration, structural support, casing, production, transmission, and distribution of oil and gas. PT Bakrie Pipe Industries (BPI) provides a range of welded steel pipes tailored to technical needs in this sector, from high-pressure systems to structural support for drilling operations.
 
Main Functions of Steel Pipes in Oil & Gas
  • Flowline & Gathering Line
    Used to transport crude oil or gas from wells to initial processing facilities.
  • Transmission Pipeline
    Used for long-distance transport (interconnecting production facilities to refineries or export terminals). Requires large diameter and high-strength pipes.
  • Process Piping
    Installed in refinery or plant areas, carrying process fluids (high-pressure, extreme temperatures, sometimes corrosive).
  • Casing & Conductor Pipe
    Used to support drilling structures, ground casing, and protect wells from formation collapse.
  • Structural Pipe for Offshore & Onshore Facility
    As pipe bridge columns, platform legs, offshore production support structures, and subsea construction components.
Common Types of Welded Steel Pipes
 

Pipe Type

Production Method

Main Standards

Main Functions in Oil & Gas

HFW / ERW Pipe

High Frequency Welding / Electric Resistance Welding

API 5L Grade B, ASTM A53, SNI 0039:2025

Flowline, process piping, low & medium pressure gas lines, industrial water & steam systems

LSAW Pipe (Longitudinal)

Longitudinal Sub-Merged Arch Welding (SAW)

API 5L X Grades, API 2B, ASTM A672

Transmission line, offshore structural pipes (platforms, pipe racks)

HSAW Pipe (Spiral)

Helical Sub-Merged Arch Welding (SAW)

API 5CT, ASTM A252, ASTM A139

Casing, rig drainage, large-diameter structural applications

 
BPI produces ERW, LSAW, and HSAW pipes with hydrostatic, ultrasonic (UT), impact, and tensile testing capabilities according to Oil & Gas standards.
 
Key Technical Characteristics to Consider
  • Yield Strength & Tensile Strength → Determines pipe resistance to internal pressure
  • Wall Thickness / Schedule → Adjusted to operational pressure and design specification
  • Coating → Options include Fusion Bond Epoxy (FBE), Three Layer Polyethylene (3LPE), Three Layer Polypropylene (3LPP), Galvanized, internal & external epoxy for corrosion resistance
  • Certification → Complies with API and ASTM standards for Oil & Gas project validation
  • Testing & Inspection
    Covers hydrostatic, ultrasonic (UT), flattening, impact tests, and traceability for project audit
BPI supports domestic and export projects with certified quality control and proven field performance alongside our customers.
 
Looking for the most suitable steel pipe type for your flowline, casing, or offshore structure?
 
PT Bakrie Pipe Industries (BPI) is ready to help recommend products and conduct field specification analysis based on Oil & Gas standards.
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