Pipelines are an essential component of both industrial and agricultural systems. They encompass not only various oil pipelines but also other types of conduits, widely used in factories, residential buildings, and public utility systems. Their primary function involves transporting fuels, lubricants, or supplying heat. Installing stainless steel pipelines requires specialized professional expertise. The stainless steel used in pipeline manufacturing is a highly practical and durable material with distinct characteristics—most notably its inertness toward the majority of flowing media. Structural components are joined through welding techniques.
Stainless steel pipelines are extensively applied in the following sectors: food production, cosmetic manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and engineering system installations. Installation standards for stainless steel pipelines are established according to their specific applications. The operational safety and efficiency of these systems directly depend on the accuracy of design documentation and the quality of subsequent installation.
**Food Production Pipelines**
Food processing pipelines fall under the category of process piping and are exclusively made from stainless steel. These pipelines connect various production zones, forming integrated systems with required functionalities. Stainless steel exhibits inert behavior toward numerous substances and is highly resistant to corrosion. This property is crucial when selecting piping materials—since there is no risk of corrosion or chemical reactions when in contact with food-grade media, contamination of the transported substances is effectively prevented.
Stainless steel pipelines are reasonably applied in:
- The confectionery industry
- Dairy processing
- Brewing
- Production facilities for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, juices, and processing of vegetable or fruit raw materials
Depending on the production type, food industry pipelines can transport various media such as water, syrup, milk, liquid semi-finished ingredients, juices, beverages, beer, and more.
**Dairy Industry Pipelines**
Dairy production technology involves many intricacies that require specialized equipment, particularly during raw material processing stages. In dairy processing, there are two main types—primary and secondary. Together with a series of dedicated machinery (such as separators, homogenizers, and coolers), this enables resource optimization and the production of genuinely high-quality and safe dairy products. Continuous and coordinated operation of all equipment is key to business profitability, making the correct installation of milk pipelines one of the most critical aspects.
For food pipeline installations, orbital welding is strongly recommended. This technique ensures that welds meet the required quality and strength standards.
**What Is Orbital Welding?**
Orbital welding refers to an automated process performed using specialized equipment that ensures full penetration of the weld along the entire circumference of the pipe. This is achieved by bending the electric arc between electrodes through a full 360-degree rotation. Orbital welding is particularly necessary when a large number of high-quality, consistent welds are required within a short timeframe. The welding process takes place in an inert gas environment (typically argon), which eliminates contact between the weld surface and oxygen.
**Where Is Orbital Welding Used?**
Orbital welding technology is in high demand across various industries, especially those with strict cleanliness requirements for transported media (such as pharmaceuticals and food processing). The following types of connections are typically installed using orbital welding:
• Flanged connections
• Butt welds
• T-joints
• Welds between elbow fittings
• Pipe-to-tube-sheet joints
After orbital welding, the resulting welds are smooth, free of drips or defects, ensuring both structural integrity and hygienic compliance.