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1. Service Environment

• Temperature: For high - temperature applications such as in power plant boilers, select seamless steel pipes made of heat - resistant alloys that can maintain mechanical properties at high temperatures. For example, P91 alloy steel pipes are suitable for high - temperature and high - pressure steam pipelines in power plants. In low - temperature environments, steels with good low - temperature toughness, such as some low - alloy steels, should be chosen to prevent brittle fracture.
• Corrosive Media: If the pipe will be in contact with corrosive substances, such as in the oil and gas industry where there may be acidic gases or in chemical plants, stainless steel seamless pipes or pipes with special anti - corrosion coatings are required. For example, 316L stainless steel is often used in environments with high chloride ion content due to its excellent corrosion resistance.

2. Mechanical Properties

• Strength Requirements: Determine the required strength based on the pressure and load the pipe will bear. For high - pressure applications like oil and gas pipelines, pipes with high yield strength and tensile strength are needed. Calculate the maximum allowable operating pressure using relevant standards and formulas to select a pipe with sufficient strength. For example, X80 - grade seamless steel pipes are widely used in long - distance natural gas pipelines due to their high strength.
• Toughness: In applications where the pipe may be subject to impact or dynamic loads, such as in some mechanical equipment or in cold - region pipelines, good toughness is essential. Ensure that the selected steel pipe has appropriate impact toughness values at the operating temperature.

3. Dimensions and Tolerances

• Diameter and Wall Thickness: Select the appropriate diameter and wall thickness according to the fluid flow rate, pressure drop requirements, and installation space. Larger diameters are suitable for high - flow - rate applications, while thicker walls are needed for higher pressure - resistance. For example, in a large - diameter water supply pipeline, a seamless steel pipe with a diameter of 1000 mm and an appropriate wall thickness may be chosen based on the water supply volume and pressure requirements. Strictly control the dimensional tolerances to ensure proper installation and connection with other components.
• Length: Consider the transportation and installation convenience. Standard lengths of seamless steel pipes are usually 6 - 12 meters, but custom lengths can be ordered according to specific project requirements.

4. Manufacturing Process and Quality

• Production Process: Different production processes affect the quality and properties of seamless steel pipes. For example, hot - rolled seamless steel pipes have better mechanical properties and surface quality than cold - drawn pipes in some cases. Understand the production process and choose according to the application requirements.
• Quality Standards: Ensure that the selected seamless steel pipe complies with relevant national and international standards, such as ASTM, API, or GB standards. Check the quality certificates and inspection reports of the pipes to ensure they meet the required quality levels, including tests for chemical composition, mechanical properties, and non - destructive testing.

5. Cost and Availability

• Cost - effectiveness: Balance the performance and cost of the seamless steel pipe. High - performance alloys may be more expensive, so consider whether the additional cost is justified by the specific application requirements. For some general - purpose applications, more common and cost - effective steel grades can be selected.
• Availability: Consider the availability of the selected pipe in the market. Some special - grade or large - diameter seamless steel pipes may have long lead times or limited supply, which may affect the project schedule. It is necessary to ensure that the supplier can provide the required quantity and quality of products in a timely manner.