Weld Leveling of Straight Seam Steel Pipe

1. Post-Weld Inspection: The pipe is first inspected to ensure that the weld is sound and meets the required specifications. Any defects or excess material is noted for subsequent removal.

2. Grinding and Polishing: The weld bead and the surrounding area are then typically ground and polished using abrasive wheels, belts, or discs. This process removes any excess weld material, sharp edges, and surface irregularities, ensuring a smooth transition from the weld to the pipe wall.

3. Mechanical Leveling: In some cases, especially for larger diameter pipes, mechanical leveling tools may be used to flatten the weld bead. These tools can be attachments to mechanical grinders or specialized equipment designed for the purpose.

4. Trimming: If necessary, small amounts of material are trimmed from the weld bead to ensure that the pipe wall is uniform and within the required specifications.

5. Dimensional Check: After leveling, the pipe is measured to ensure that it has maintained its original dimensions and that there is no significant distortion.

6. Cleaning: The leveled weld area is thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust, scale, or contaminants that may affect the integrity of any coatings applied later.

7. Preparation for Coating: If the pipe is intended to be coated, the surface is prepared according to the coating material's requirements, which may involve additional cleaning and drying processes.