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
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PIPE vs TUBE
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STEEL PIPE
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STEEL TUBE
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Key Dimensions (Pipe and
Tube Size Chart)
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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. The NPS
does not match the true diameter, it is a rough indication
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The most important
dimensions for a steel tube are the outside diameter (OD) and the wall
thickness (WT). These parameters are expressed in inches or millimeters and
express the true dimensional value of the hollow section.
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Wall Thickness
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The thickness of a steel
pipe is designated with a "Schedule" value (the most common are
Sch. 40, Sch. STD., Sch. XS, Sch. XXS). Two pipes of different NPS and same
schedule have different wall thicknesses in inches or millimeters.
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The wall thickness of a
steel tube is expressed in inches or millimeters. For tubing, the wall
thickness is measured also with a gage nomenclature.
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Types of Pipes and Tubes
(Shapes)
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Round only
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Round, rectangular, square,
oval
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Production range
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Extensive (up to 80 inches
and above)
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A narrower range for tubing
(up to 5 inches), larger for steel tubes for mechanical applications
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Tolerances (straightness,
dimensions, roundness, etc) and Pipe vs. Tube strength
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Tolerances are set, but
rather loose. Strength is not the major concern.
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Steel tubes are produced to
very strict tolerances. Tubulars undergo several dimensional quality checks,
such as straightness, roundness, wall thickness, surface, during the
manufacturing process. Mechanical strength is a major concern for tubes.
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Production Process
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Pipes are generally made to
stock with highly automated and efficient processes, i.e. pipe mills produce
on a continuous basis and feed distributors stock around the world.
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Tubes manufacturing is more
lengthy and laborious
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Delivery time
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Can be short
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Generally longer
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Market price
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Relatively lower price per
ton than steel tubes
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Higher due to lower mills
productivity per hour, and due to the stricter requirements in terms of
tolerances and inspections
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Materials
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A wide range of materials
is available
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Tubing is available in
carbon steel, low alloy, stainless steel, and nickel-alloys; steel tubes for
mechanical applications are mostly of carbon steel
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End Connections
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The most common are
beveled, plain and screwed ends
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Threaded and grooved ends
are available for quicker connections on site
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