Formation of X-120 M Line Pipe through J-C-O-E Technique

Abstract

The line pipe forming operation can be divided into two parts, first is to achieve the required shape in terms of curvature and ovality after formation of the line pipe. The curvature and ovality ultimately effects the final dimensional controls at the later stage i.e. after mechanical expansion of the line pipe. The second part is to make right welding joint geometry to make the final long seam weld of line pipe. The welding joint geometry ultimately controls soundness of final seam weld at later stage i.e. during submerged arc welding of the line pipe. As far as curvature or shape of line pipe is concerned, important operation is making the required curvature along the edges of TMCP and ACC (Thermo mechanical controlled processing and accelerated cooling process) plate for line pipe (Plate Edge Crimping press) up to the 150 mm in width minimum and forming of the line pipe at J-C-O press. The selection of dies with proper hardness and curvature in both the operation plays a vital role in the formation of line pipes. The main parameters of selection dies (Tools) are size of line pipe for which dies/tools are to be made i.e. the diameter of line pipe, thickness of line pipe and most important is grade of line pipe (Strength level). The grade or strength level decides amount of spring back behavior of the steel Plate. The spring back behavior again varies from steel mill to steel mill in the same grade of HR plate. This is because the each steel mill has its own manufacturing procedures to produce the TMCP and ACC plate. The plate for line pipe is produced through TMCP (Thermo mechanical controlled processing) and accelerated cooling process. In this process the strength level is achieved by the chemical composition of the slab, thickness of the slab, reheating temperature, roughing temperature at which reduction in the thickness, finish rolling temperature and finally the accelerated cooling temperature rate.