In the world of concrete pumping, the delivery pipe is more than just a tube—it is a high-pressure vessel subject to constant abrasion. For operators of XCMG HB or V7 series pump trucks, choosing the wrong pipe doesn’t just mean a shorter service life; it can lead to dangerous pipe bursts on-site.

1. Check the Internal Hardness (The “Ring” Test)

High-quality pipes, especially Twin-Wall variants, undergo high-frequency induction quenching. While you cannot see the hardness, you can hear it. Tap the pipe with a metal tool: a high-quality, heat-treated pipe will produce a clear, high-pitched metallic “ring.” A dull, flat sound often indicates poor heat treatment or lower-grade carbon steel.

2. Inspect the Welding Seam of the Flange

The flange (the connection end) is the weakest point under pressure. Look closely at the welding bead. A premium pipe from ARCHER features smooth, automatic robot welding without porosity or slag. If the welding looks irregular or “bumpy,” it is a sign of manual welding that may crack under the 85-bar pressure of an XCMG pump.

“A high-quality 125mm twin-wall pipe should typically deliver between 30,000 to 50,000 cubic meters of concrete before requiring replacement, depending on the aggregate type.”

3. Look for the Internal Bushing (Twin-Wall Only)

Look inside the pipe. A genuine high-performance pipe consists of an outer structural layer and a highly wear-resistant inner chrome alloy bushing. If the pipe wall looks like a single piece of steel throughout, it is a single-wall pipe, which has a much shorter lifespan in high-volume XCMG pumping operations.

4. Weight and Wall Thickness

Quality matters in kilograms. Standard XCMG-compatible pipes have specific wall thicknesses (e.g., 4.5mm or 5.0mm). “Cheap” pipes often shave off 0.5mm to save costs, which significantly reduces the safe working pressure. Always verify the weight of the pipe against the manufacturer’s specifications.