SteelOrbis Shanghai
An UOE (U-Ing, O-Ing and Expanding) pipe unit will be put into production in January 2008 at Baosteel, as one of the most advanced large diameter LSAW (longitudinal submerged arc welded) pipe production lines in the world. In the years ahead, China's LSAW pipe production is likely to face many challenges and opportunities.
The West-East Natural Gas Transmission Project has market a new departure in the construction of long distance gas and oil pipelines. In the next 10 years, as long distance gas and oil pipeline projects are carried out on increasingly large scales, high grade and large diameter LSAW pipe will surely claim the dominant position in the development of line pipe. According to Peng Zaimei, the vice secretary general of the China Pipe Association, Japan, Germany, France and Italy monopolize high standard line pipe in the world market and hold most end-users' orders. As a new world force in line pipe, China has supplied line pipe constructions in developing countries. Chinese origin LSAW pipe has been used in projects in India, Sudan, Indonesia and Thailand. The cross-border line pipe construction for crude oil between China and Kazakhstan heralded China's landmark entry into the international market. While it is positive that China now has its own LSAW capacity, due to the comparatively backward technology and skill levels, the limited medium plate supply, there is still a long way to go before China can reach advanced world standards.
For the moment, some high grade LSAW pipes needed in certain contracts still have to be imported. However, Baosteel's new pipe line will not only provide high standard products, but also bring along the overall development of the welded pipe industry in China.