Evaluate ERW and SAW pipes for onshore buried gas pipelines

The question of whether to use electric resistance welding (ERW) pipe or submerged arc welding (SAW) pipe for an onshore gas pipeline project arises frequently. Each type of pipe has different advantages and disadvantages, which should be studied in detail to make a rational and reliable decision. The quick answer may be to perform an internet search for a comparison of the two types; however, most of the resources readily available on the internet about this subject are based on advertising and sales efforts. Good engineers use hard data and factual experience to make equipment purchasing decisions. In this article, ERW and SAW pipes—the latter of which may be double (DSAW) or longitudina