AWWA C200 Steel Water Pipes

The AWWA C200 steel water pipes refer to electrically butt-joint-welded straight seam or spiral-seam pipe and seamless pipe, 6″ (DN150) in nominal diameter and larger, for the transmission and distribution of water or for use in other water system facilities. It plays a crucial role in water distribution systems, ensuring the safe and efficient conveyance of water across various environments.

Selection of Materials

AWWA C200 electrically-resistance-welded (ERW) steel water pipes available in stock.

The AWWA C200 steel water pipe shall be fabricated using high-quality steel, ensuring durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion. The material composition and mechanical properties shall comply with the requirements outlined in the standard ASTM 36, ASTM 139, ASTM A283, ASTM A516, ASTM A572, ASTM A1011, or ASTM A1018. The steel selected shall comply with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act and other international regulations for water systems as applicable. Charpy impact testing shall be utilized to evaluate steel used to fabricate pipe that will be restrained in its applications. Compared to water pipes made from other materials such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride, steel water pipes show good resistance to permeation by low-molecular-weight organic solvents or petroleum products.

Fabrication Process

The spirally submerged arc welding (SSAW) production line for the fabrication of spirally welded steel water pipes. SJZ Metalsin’s workshop in Hebei Province, China.

AWWA C200 steel water pipes shall be fabricated by a seamless or welded process. Generally, for NPS sizes 6″~24″, hot- or cold-rolled seamless or electric-resistance welded pipes may be furnished (EWR is preferred due to the lower cost). For pipe sizes larger than 24″, the spirally-submerged-arc welding (SSAW) process is most widely utilized. Proper heat treatment may be conducted depending on raw material used or the agreement between the factory and the buyer.

Dimensions & Permissible Variations

The essential dimensions and permissible variations (tolerances) of a steel water pipe are specified below:

• Pipe Diameter: The nominal pipe diameter (NPS) for AWWA C200 steel water pipes typically ranges from 6 inches (150 mm) to 144 inches (3,600 mm). The actual outside diameter (OD) of the pipe may vary slightly from the nominal size, and it should conform to the values specified in ASME B36.10. The allowable tolerances for pipe diameter are usually expressed as a percentage deviation from the nominal size. The outside circumference of the pipe shall not vary more than ±1.0% but not to exceed 3/4″ (19 mm) from the nominal outside circumference based on the diameter specified.
• Wall Thickness: The wall thickness of AWWA C200 steel water pipes is determined based on the operating pressure and design requirements of the water distribution system. Permissible variations (thickness under-tolerance) for wall thickness shall be the lesser of the applicable ASTM standard nominal thickness under-tolerance, 0.010″ (0.254 mm), or 6% of the specified thickness.
• Length: The AWWA C200 steel water pipe may be furnished with “specified length” or “random length”. General specified lengths include 6 meters, 12 meters, 20 feet, and 40 feet. Random lengths usually refer to single random length (SRL) or double random length (DRL). Specified lengths shall be provided with a tolerance of ±2″ (±51 mm). Random lengths shall be provided in lengths averaging 29 feet (8.84 m) or more, with a minimum length of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Preparation of Ends

The preparation of ends for AWWA C200 steel water pipes is essential to ensure proper jointing, sealing, and connection integrity within water distribution systems. The pipe ends shall be smooth and free of notches, weld spatter, and burrs. Here are the typical end-preparation types: ends for mechanically coupled field joints (plain, grooved, banded), ends for lap joints for field welding (expanded bell ends), plain end, beveled ends for butt welding, ends fitted with butt straps for field welding, bell-and-spigot ends with rubber gasket.

Coating & Linings

AWWA C200 SSAW steel water pipes, 3LPE coating for external surface, epoxy coating for internal surface, supplied to Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Coatings and linings for AWWA C200 steel water pipes play a crucial role in protecting the pipes from corrosion, enhancing their longevity, and maintaining water quality. These include: coal-tar protective coatings and linings (AWWA C203), cement-mortar protective coatings and linings (AWWA C205 & C602), tape coatings (AWWA C209 & C214), liquid epoxy coatings and linings (AWWA C210), fusion-bonded epoxy coatings and linings (AWWA C213), extruded polyolefin coatings (AWWA C215), heat-shrinkable cross-linked polyolefin coatings (AWWA C216), microcrystalline wax and petrolatum tape coatings (AWWA C217), liquid coatings (AWWA C218), polyurethane coatings (AWWA C222), Nylon-11-based polyamide coatings and linings (AWWA C224), fused polyolefin coatings (AWWA C225), fusion-bonded polyethylene coatings (AWWA C229).