Induction heating systems for heat treatment of pipes

ATE – Applicazioni Termo Elettroniche designs and manufactures induction heating systems for heat treatment of carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy pipes. Induction heating provides precise control of temperature and transferred energy, with short heating times, high energy efficiency, and compact layouts compared to hot air or radiant systems.

Induction heating for drying and surface coatings

ATE systems are used for drying and desiccation of lubricants, paints, and polymer coatings applied to pipes. Direct heating of the material through the “skin effect” makes painting, galvanizing, and plastic coating processes faster and more repeatable, while reducing energy consumption. The solutions operate on pipes up to 170 mm in diameter, with temperatures up to 200 °C and production rates of up to 4,640 kg/h.

Induction preheating of pipes

ATE supplies induction preheating systems for pipes installed upstream of gas furnaces to increase overall line productivity. The systems are suitable for carbon steel pipes with diameters up to 407 mm, wall thicknesses up to 52.5 mm, and preheating temperatures of up to 345 °C.

Recrystallization annealing

Induction systems for pipes are used in recrystallization annealing processes aimed at restoring mechanical properties after cold forming. The treatment promotes dislocation recovery and grain recrystallization without phase transformations, restoring ductility and material workability.

Weld seam annealing

ATE designs induction systems for annealing the weld seam in welded pipes. The treatment restores the microstructure altered during welding, where local temperatures can approach 1,500 °C, ensuring metallurgical uniformity and mechanical stability of the pipe.

Solution annealing of austenitic steels

For austenitic stainless steel pipes, ATE develops induction systems for solution annealing. The process enables dissolution of carbides, particularly chromium carbides, followed by rapid cooling to prevent precipitation. The solutions operate at settable temperatures up to 1,180 °C, on pipes with diameters up to 762 mm and wall thicknesses up to 30 mm.

ATE systems also cover heat treatments for stainless steel pipes.

For additional information, technical datasheets, or customized solutions, please contact the ATE team directly.