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What Is The Difference Between Pipe and Tube

The document discusses the key differences between pipes and tubes. Pipes are defined by their nominal pipe size and schedule, while tubes are defined by their outer diameter and wall thickness. Other differences include shapes, production processes, tolerances, delivery times, and end connection types.

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carbo60
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54 views5 pages

What Is The Difference Between Pipe and Tube

The document discusses the key differences between pipes and tubes. Pipes are defined by their nominal pipe size and schedule, while tubes are defined by their outer diameter and wall thickness. Other differences include shapes, production processes, tolerances, delivery times, and end connection types.

Uploaded by

carbo60
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is the difference between Pipe and

Tube..
People use the words pipe and tube interchangeably, and they think that both are the
same. However, there are significant differences between pipe and tube.

The short answer is.. A PIPE is a round tubular to distribute fluids and gases, designated
by a nominal pipe size (NPS or DN) that represents a rough indication of the pipe
conveyance capacity; a TUBE is a round, rectangular, squared or oval hollow section
measured by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT), expressed in inches or
millimeters.

What is Pipe..
Pipe is a hollow section with round cross section for the conveyance of products. The
products include fluids, gas, pellets, powders and more.

The most important dimensions for a pipe is the outer diameter (OD) together with the wall
thickness (WT). OD minus 2 times WT (schedule) determine the inside diameter (ID) of a
pipe, which determines the liquid capacity of the pipe.

Examples of actual O.D. and I.D.

Actual outside diameters


 NPS 1 actual O.D. = 1.5/16" (33.4 mm)
 NPS 2 actual O.D. = 2.3/8" (60.3 mm)
 NPS 3 actual O.D. = 3.1/2" (88.9 mm)
 NPS 4 actual O.D. = 4.1/2" (114.3 mm)
 NPS 12 actual O.D. = 12.3/4" (323.9 mm)
 NPS 14 actual O.D. = 14" (355.6 mm)

Actual inside diameters of a 1 inch pipe.

 NPS 1-SCH 40 = O.D.33,4 mm - WT. 3,38 mm - I.D. 26,64 mm


 NPS 1-SCH 80 = O.D.33,4 mm - WT. 4,55 mm - I.D. 24,30 mm
 NPS 1-SCH 160 = O.D.33,4 mm - WT. 6,35 mm - I.D. 20,70 mm

Such as above defined, the inside diameter is determined by the oudside diameter (OD)
and wall thickness (WT).

The most important mechanical parameters for pipes are the pressure rating, the yield
strength, and the ductility.

The standard combinations of pipe Nominal Pipe Size and Wall Thickness (schedule) are
covered by the ASME B36.10 and ASME B36.19 specifications (respectively, carbon and
alloy pipes, and stainless steel pipes).
What is Tube..
The name TUBE refers to round, square, rectangular and oval hollow sections that are
used for pressure equipment, for mechanical applications, and for instrumentation
systems.

Tubes are indicated with outer diameter and wall thickness, in inches or in millimeters.
Pipe vs Tube, 10 basic differences

PIPE vs TUBE STEEL PIPE STEEL TUBE

Key Dimensions The most important dimensions for a The most important dimensions
(Pipe and Tube pipe is the outer diameter (OD) for a steel tube are the outside
Size Chart) together with the wall thickness diameter (OD) and the wall
(WT). OD minus 2 times WT thickness (WT). These
(SCHEDULE) determine the inside parameters are expressed in
diameter (ID) of a pipe, which inches or millimeters and
determines the liquid capacity of the express the true dimensional
pipe. The NPS does not match the value of the hollow section.
true diameter, it is a rough indication

Wall Thickness The thickness of a steel pipe is The wall thickness of a steel
designated with a "Schedule" value tube is expressed in inches or
(the most common are Sch. 40, Sch. millimeters. For tubing, the wall
STD., Sch. XS, Sch. XXS). Two thickness is measured also with
pipes of different NPS and same a gage nomenclature.
schedule have different wall
thicknesses in inches or millimeters.

Types of Pipes and Round only Round, rectangular, square, oval


Tubes (Shapes)

Production range Extensive (up to 80 inches and A narrower range for tubing (up
above) to 5 inches), larger for steel
tubes for mechanical
applications

Tolerances Tolerances are set, but rather loose. Steel tubes are produced to very
(straightness, Strength is not the major concern. strict tolerances. Tubulars
dimensions, undergo several dimensional
roundness, etc) quality checks, such as
and Pipe vs. Tube straightness, roundness, wall
strength thickness, surface, during the
manufacturing process.
Mechanical strength is a major
concern for tubes.

Production Pipes are generally made to stock Tubes manufacturing is more


Process with highly automated and efficient lengthy and laborious
processes, i.e. pipe mills produce on
a continuous basis and feed
distributors stock around the world.

Delivery time Can be short Generally longer

Market price Relatively lower price per ton than Higher due to lower mills
steel tubes productivity per hour, and due to
the stricter requirements in
terms of tolerances and
inspections

Materials A wide range of materials is Tubing is available in carbon


available steel, low alloy, stainless steel,
and nickel-alloys; steel tubes for
mechanical applications are
mostly of carbon steel

End Connections The most common are beveled, Threaded and grooved ends are
plain and screwed ends available for quicker connections
on site
https://www.wermac.org/pipes/pipe_vs_tube.html

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