How to Transport Galvanized Steel Pipes Correctly?

Preparation before transportation
 
1. Packaging protection
The zinc layer on the surface of the galvanized steel pipe is the key to its protection, but this layer of zinc is relatively fragile and easily eroded by collision, scratches and humid environments. Therefore, before transportation, the galvanized steel pipe must be properly packaged and protected.
Generally speaking, wooden pallets can be used to hold up the steel pipes to separate them from the bottom of the transport vehicle to avoid direct contact and wear; foam plastic can also be used to carefully wrap each steel pipe to play a role in buffering and shock absorption. After wrapping, a layer of waterproof plastic film is also needed on the outer layer, which can not only prevent rain from getting wet during transportation, but also effectively isolate water vapor in the air to prevent the galvanized layer from oxidizing due to moisture.
 
2. Transportation options
Choosing the right means of transportation is an important part of ensuring the safe transportation of galvanized steel pipes. Since galvanized steel pipes are usually heavier than ordinary steel pipes, it is preferred to use closed trucks or containers with matching load-bearing capacity. Closed transportation vehicles can provide a relatively stable and safe transportation environment for steel pipes, effectively avoiding damage caused by external factors during transportation. If rail transport is used, the tightness of the carriage must be carefully checked before loading to ensure that there are no gaps for rainwater to seep in. If sea transport is chosen, avoid placing galvanized steel pipes in the bottom cabin where water is easily accumulated, because the humid environment in the bottom cabin will greatly increase the risk of white rust on the steel pipes.
 
Key considerations in transportation
 
1. Fixation and anti-slip
During transportation, ensure that the galvanized steel pipes are stably fixed on the transport vehicle to prevent them from rolling, displacement or collision during driving. You can use nylon ropes, steel belts and other tools to tightly bind the steel pipes to the carriage, and put non-slip wooden strips between each layer of pipes to increase friction and prevent the steel pipes from sliding against each other.

2. Temperature and humidity control
The impact of temperature and humidity on galvanized steel pipes cannot be ignored. During transportation, high temperature periods should be avoided as much as possible to prevent long-term exposure to sunlight, because high temperature will accelerate the aging of the zinc layer and reduce its protective performance. If it is rainy, the steel pipe should be covered with waterproof canvas in time to prevent it from getting wet. After arriving at the destination, if the surface of the steel pipe is damp, it should be ventilated and dried immediately to reduce its humidity as soon as possible and reduce the generation of white rust.
 
3. Isolate harmful substances
Galvanized steel pipes are strictly prohibited from being mixed with corrosive chemicals such as acids and alkalis, because once these chemicals leak, they will react chemically with the galvanized steel pipes, quickly corrode the zinc layer, and then damage the steel pipes. At the same time, galvanized steel pipes should be kept away from fire sources and flammable and explosive items to prevent fire or explosion accidents that endanger transportation safety. If there is dust pollution in the transportation environment, additional dustproof cloth should be wrapped to prevent dust and other impurities from adhering to the surface of the steel pipe, causing electrochemical corrosion and shortening the service life of the steel pipe.
 
Acceptance and maintenance after transportation
 
1. Unloading regulations
When unloading, professional equipment such as forklifts or cranes should be used for gentle lifting and placement. Throwing or dragging galvanized steel pipes is strictly prohibited, because these improper operations can easily cause the zinc layer on the surface of the steel pipe to fall off, reducing its protective performance. After unloading, the pipe surface should be thoroughly and carefully inspected immediately.
 
2. Storage Transition
If the galvanized steel pipe is not used temporarily after unloading, it needs to be properly stored. When temporarily stored, a dry and ventilated site should be selected, and the bottom should be raised by more than 10cm to avoid direct contact between the steel pipe and the moisture on the ground, reducing the risk of rust.

Read more: Ten Key points of Heat Treatment of Galvanized Steel Pipes