Basic introduction of galvanized steel pipes
Galvanized steel pipes are steel pipes that are coated with a layer of zinc to protect them from corrosion and extend their service life. This layer of zinc is like a solid "protective armor" for the steel pipe, enabling it to resist erosion from the external environment. Galvanized steel pipes are mainly divided into two types: cold-dip galvanized steel pipes and hot-dip galvanized steel pipes.
Cold-dip galvanized steel pipes use an electroplating process and are only galvanized on the outer wall of the steel pipe. The amount of galvanizing is relatively small, generally 10 - 50g/m², and the zinc layer is independently layered from the steel pipe substrate, with poor adhesion, easy to fall off, and poor corrosion resistance. Because of this, cold-dip galvanized steel pipes have been banned by the state and may not be used in areas such as water and gas pipes.
Hot-dip galvanized steel pipes are made by immersing the rust-removed steel pipes in molten zinc at about 500°C, so that a zinc layer is attached to the surface of the steel component. The galvanized layer is thick and tightly combined with the steel pipe matrix to form a corrosion-resistant zinc-iron alloy layer. It has the advantages of uniform coating, strong adhesion, long service life, and strong corrosion resistance. It is widely used in fire protection, electricity, highways and other fields.
Various roles in power engineering
In the construction of overhead power transmission lines, galvanized steel pipes are often used to make utility poles. Compared with traditional wooden utility poles, galvanized steel pipe utility poles are stronger, can withstand greater wire tension and external forces such as wind, and are highly corrosion-resistant. They do not require frequent maintenance and replacement, greatly reducing subsequent operating costs. In some areas with limited floor space, such as narrow urban streets or green belts, steel tube poles can better meet the installation requirements due to their small pole diameter and small footprint.
Cable brackets are also one of the important applications of galvanized steel pipes. In places such as substations and cable trenches, there are a large number of cables, which require reliable brackets for support and fixation. The cable bracket made of galvanized steel pipe can provide stable support for the cable to prevent the cable from being damaged by its own weight or external force. At the same time, its good corrosion resistance ensures that the bracket remains stable for a long time in a humid environment with chemical corrosion risks, ensuring the safe operation of the cable.
Cable protection tubes are also inseparable from galvanized steel pipes. In the process of cable laying, protection tubes are required to prevent the cables from mechanical damage, soil corrosion, water immersion and other hazards.
The hard wall of the galvanized steel pipe can effectively resist external physical impact, and the galvanized layer on its surface can prevent the pipe itself from being corroded, thereby creating a safe and stable operating environment for the cable and extending the service life of the cable.
In addition, in power control systems, the frames and structural parts of control cabinets are also often made of galvanized steel pipes. It can provide solid support and protection for the internal electrical components, ensuring the normal operation of the control cabinet in various complex environments.
Excellent properties of galvanized steel pipes
Galvanized steel pipe has excellent corrosion resistance. The galvanized layer is like a loyal guard, tightly attached to the surface of the steel pipe, isolating the oxygen, moisture and various corrosive substances in the air from contact with the steel pipe matrix, effectively preventing the steel pipe from rusting and corrosion. In harsh environments such as humid underground cable trenches and seaside substations, ordinary steel pipes may quickly be corroded and damaged. However, galvanized steel pipes can operate stably for a long time with this layer of "protective clothing", greatly reducing replacement and maintenance costs and ensuring the reliable operation of the power system.
High strength and durability are also significant advantages of galvanized steel pipes. In overhead power transmission lines, it can steadily support heavy conductors without fear of severe weather such as strong winds and heavy snow. During the cable laying process, even if it is squeezed or collided to a certain extent, it is not easy to deform or break, providing reliable protection for the cable.
Galvanized steel pipes also have good electrical conductivity. During power transmission, they can be used as grounding conductors to quickly conduct current to the ground, ensuring the safety of electrical equipment and personnel. When electrical equipment has a leakage fault, galvanized steel pipes can promptly conduct the leakage current to the grounding device to avoid electric shock accidents.
It is worth mentioning that although galvanized steel pipes are conductive, they can meet the insulation requirements in specific scenarios through some treatment methods, such as wrapping insulating materials on the outside, wrapping insulating tape or coating insulating paint, etc. This feature provides more flexibility for its application in power engineering, enabling it to play a role in different electrical environments.
Read more: Galvanized Steel pipes VS Stainless Steel Pipes in Construction Sites
