The E6010 welding electrode is optimum

for pipe welding applications.

While you can use E6010 for many applications, the electrode has quite
a few unique characteristics that make it ideal for working with pipe in
the field.
The Association of Mechanical Engineers describes the E6010 this
way.
E6010 [E4310] electrodes are characterized by a deeply penetrating,
forceful, spray type arc and readily removable, thin, friable slag which
may not seem to completely cover the weld bead. Fillet welds usually
have a relatively flat weld face and have a rather coarse, unevenly
spaced ripple. The coverings are high in cellulose, usually exceeding
30% by weight. The other materials generally used in the covering
include titanium dioxide, metallic deoxidizers such as ferromanganese,
various types of magnesium or aluminum silicates, and liquid sodium
silicate as a binder. Because of their covering composition, these
electrodes are generally described as the high-cellulose sodium type.
These electrodes are recommended for all welding positions, particularly
on multiple pass applications in the vertical and overhead welding
positions and where welds of good soundness are required. They
frequently are selected for joining pipe and generally are capable of
welding in the vertical position with either uphill or downhill progression.
Reference : ASME Section II part D (par. A7.1)
Lets break this down.
1. E6010 ELECTRODES ARE EASIER TO WORK WITH OVERHEAD.

Pipe welders dont get to work in the flat position all the time. When
youre welding in the field, youre going to have to work out of position
quite a bit, especially overhead.
With some electrodes that dont cool quickly, working overhead is tricky
because gravity wants to pull that molten metal right out of the weld, and
down onto the welder.
The E6010 electrodes are
often put in the fast-freeze
category of electrodes. They
cool quickly. That makes them
a good option for working
overhead, since the molten metal stays in the weld, and does its job. It
also doesnt annoy the welder by falling down onto him as much.

2. E6010 ELECTRODES ARE MORE FORGIVING FOR POOR JOINT

PREPARATION AND FIELD APPLICATIONS.
When you have to work on pipes in the field, you have to deal with grime
and rust, and all kinds of less-than-prime conditions for welding. The
E6010 electrodes have deep penetration that dont balk at all to dig
through rust, oil, dirt and paint. Those are the perfect attributes for
working with nasty, rusted pipes in the field.

3. E6010 ELECTRODES ARE BETTER FOR RUNNING STRINGER

BEADS ON PIPE.
When pipe welders are doing a root pass, they typically are using a whip
motion with laying the beads. By whipping the electrode a little upward
and ahead of the weld, the welder allows the metal to cold down. The
amount of whipping action is determined by the level of heat. The E6010
are perfect for this application because they cold down so quickly.
4. E6010 ELECTRODES MAKE IT EASY TO CLEAN THE SLAG OFF.
Once youve done your pass, its a time saver to be able to remove the
slag quickly. The ASME refers to the slag as readily removable, thin,
friable. That about sums it up. When youre working in the field you want
to minimize the clean-up time after a weld. The E6010 electrode makes
that possible.