A seamless pipe is manufactured using extrusion process.

The joint efficiency factor 'E' is

1. This method is recommended for Category 'M' fluids.

ERW pipes are manufactured when the sheet metal is overlapped and a bias is applied to
develop resistance between the sheets. The heat developed causes the sheets to fuse
together. The joint efficiency factor 'E' is 0.85. Used for category D fluids.

Note :

As per ASME standards,

(a) Category D Fluid Service: a fluid service in which

all the following apply:

(1) the fluid handled is nonflammable, nontoxic,

and not damaging to human tissues as defined in

para. 300.2

(2) the design gage pressure does not exceed

1035 kPa (150 psi)

(3) the design temperature is from −29°C (−20°F)

through 186°C (366°F)

(b) Category M Fluid Service: a fluid service in which

the potential for personnel exposure is judged to be

significant and in which a single exposure to a very

small quantity of a toxic fluid, caused by leakage, can

produce serious irreversible harm to persons on breathing

or bodily contact, even when prompt restorative

measures are taken

So basically stainess steel pipes are of two types seamless and welded. In the welded pipe
type we have another two sub types which you call EFW and ERW.

ERW i.e Electric resistance welding

ERW pipe and submerged arc welding pipe significantly different, with the pressure
welding without filler metal, weld not filled with other ingredients, by high-frequency
current skin effect and proximity effect, instantly heating the plate edge to welding
temperature by squeezing rollers squeeze forging formed weld tissue. Require the use of
high-quality steel pipe weld line or off-line heat treatment, welding zone structure
refinement, quality ERW pipe welds and base metal can reach the same level of
toughness, which is submerged arc welding process can not be achieved.
EFW namely electric welding Electric fusion welding of the first letter abbreviation
Submerged arc welding (SAW) - Electric welded (EFW) one, is through one or more
consumable electrode between the workpiece and the heating of the metal between the
metal binding in a process, the arc of the metal and filling material sufficient to melt, no
pressure, filling the metal part of work-all from the electrode.
Melting gas shielded arc welding (GMAW) - electric welded (EFW) in a similar process
with such a SAW, but it's protected from the inert gas, the effect will be better.
Spiral submerged arc welding --- this is one with a spiral weld.

ERW Pipe is a steel plate or strip after curl forming welded steel. Welded steel pipe
production process is simple, high production efficiency, different specifications, less
capital equipment, but the general strength of less than seamless steel tubes. Since the
1930s, with the progress of high-quality steel rolling production and the rapid
development of welding and inspection techniques, weld quality continues to improve,
welded steel pipe increasing varieties and specifications, and in more and more areas
instead of no pipe joints. Seam welded steel pipe in the form of divided Longitudinal and
spiral welded pipe. Longitudinal production process is simple, high production
efficiency, low cost, rapid development. The strength of the spiral welded pipe is
generally higher than the Longitudinal, can narrow the billet production of large
diameter pipe, you can also use the same width of the billet production of different pipe
diameters. However, compared with the same length of straight pipe seam weld length of
30 to 100%, and lower production rate. Therefore, smaller diameter pipe were powered
by straight seam welded, large diameter spiral welded pipe for the most
Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is composed of iron and 0.12 - 2.00 percent carbon. The broader definition
includes alloy steels, which can also contain up to 10.5 percent alloy content. Even within
the confines of under two percentage points of carbon, there is huge variance in physical
characteristics—especially hardness.

When people talk about carbon steel, they are usually referring to the high carbon steel
used in knives and tools. High carbon steels are very hard, which makes them good at
resisting abrasion and retaining shape. They can withstand significant force before
deforming. Unfortunately, hard metals are also brittle: when placed under extreme
tensile stress, high carbon steels are more likely to crack than bend.

Low carbon steels are more common than high carbon because of (1) lower production
costs, (2) greater ductility, and (3) ease of use in manufacturing. Low carbon steels tend
to deform under stress instead of breaking, and that ductility makes low carbon steels
easy to machine and weld. They are frequently used in automobile body panels, bolts,
fixtures, seamless tubes, and steel plate.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is used in chemical and food plants because of its ability to function in wet
environments without rusting.

Stainless steel contains iron, carbon, and at least 10.5% chromium content. The
chromium is key—it reacts with oxygen to create a passive layer that protects the steel
from corrosion. That protection allows stainless steels to function in wet environments
without rusting. The higher the chromium content, the better the corrosion resistance.

It’s important to pay attention to the stainless steel grade when purchasing appliances
and other big ticket items. Not all steels are created equal. A stainless steel with the
 minimum 10.5% chromium content is much cheaper and less durable than one with 16%,
and the difference will show in maintenance costs and service life.

Should I Pick Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel?

Carbon steel and stainless steel are different, but one is not necessarily superior to the
other. It’s all about context. Each material has advantages and disadvantages—the key is
matching the steel to the job requirements.

High Carbon Steel

 Vulnerable to rust
 Brittle
 Wear-resistant
Stainless Steel

 Resistant to rust
 Less brittle
 Less wear-resistant