You have probably heard the terms pipe and tube used interchangeably, what the difference is between them.
Tubing
Tubing is generally used for structural purposes and the OD is an important and exact number. Tubing size is specified by OD and the wall thickness (WT); and the measured OD and stated OD are generally within very close tolerances of each other. Tubing is usually more expensive than pipe due to tighter manufacturing tolerances.
Pipe
Pipes are categorized as tubular vessels used in pipeline and piping systems, and commonly transport gases or fluids. They are specified by “Nominal Pipe Size” (NPS) and Schedule (wall thickness). NPS is a size standard established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
While determining the actual size, tubes and pipes are measured differently.
A tube is measured with the help of exact outside diameter (OD) with a set range of wall thickness. The wall thickness is vital as the tube’s strength is dependent on it.
On the other hand, we measure a pipe by using a nominal outside diameter. The most important property is the capacity or the inside dimension (ID).
Pipes accommodate larger applications with sizes that range from a half-inch to several feet. Tubes are generally used in applications that require smaller diameters. While a 10-inch pipe is common, it is rare that you will find a 10-inch tube.
Previous: Usage of stainless steel fittings
Next: No Information
Related Industry Knowledge
- Heat Treatment Process of Stainless...
- Stainless steel rolling process cha...
- 321 stainless steel pipe surface tr...
- Production and Operation of Stainle...
- 321 stainless steel pipe thin wall ...
- Stainless steel pipe appearance qua...
- The cold forging and hot forging of...
- The use of the flange and the conne...
- The forging process of butt welding...
- Advantages of large flanges
- Usage of stainless steel fittings
- History of stainless steel
- Types of stainless steel
- Fitting standards and certifications
- How to distinguish between pipe elb...
- Fittings applications and markets
- Flange Tolerance
- Flange Materials Specification
- Butt weld Pipe Fitting Specificatio...
- Pipe and pipe fitting asme standards