What is the difference between Pipe and Tube?

Author: Helen

Feb. 04, 2024

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Tags: Machinery

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 (Pipe and Tube Size Chart) 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 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. Wall Thickness 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. 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. Types of Pipes and Tubes (Shapes) Round only Round, rectangular, square, oval Production range Extensive (up to 80 inches and above) A narrower range for tubing (up to 5 inches), larger for steel tubes for mechanical applications Tolerances (straightness, dimensions, roundness, etc) and Pipe vs. Tube strength Tolerances are set, but rather loose. Strength is not the major concern. 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. Production Process 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. Tubes manufacturing is more lengthy and laborious Delivery time Can be short Generally longer Market price Relatively lower price per ton than steel tubes Higher due to lower mills productivity per hour, and due to the stricter requirements in terms of tolerances and inspections Materials A wide range of materials is available Tubing is available in carbon 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, plain and screwed ends Threaded and grooved ends are available for quicker connections on site

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Article

What is the Difference Between Pipe and Tube?

One of the most frequent questions we get from customers is “What’s the difference between pipe and tube”? Although pipes and tubes may look similar, they are in fact quite different in nomenclature and sizing. Remember that pipes and tubes are rarely interchangeable.

The difference between pipe and tube include:

  • Shape
  • Measurement
  • Telescoping Abilities
  • Rigidity
  • Applications
  • Metal Types
  • Size
  • Strength

Shape

Pipes are always round in shape. Tubes can be square, rectangular or round, as shown in the image to the right.

Measurement

Pipes are only provided with an inside (nominal) diameter and a “schedule” (which means wall thickness). There’s an easy way to remember this: since pipe is used to transfer fluids or gas, the size of the opening through which the fluids or gas can pass through is probably more important to you than the outer dimensions of the pipe. Tube measurements, on the other hand, are provided as an outside diameter and set ranges of wall thickness.

Telescoping Abilities

Tube can be telescoped. Remember to account for the flash weld inside the tube. Pipe, on the other hand, does not have a flash weld. DOM (Drawn over Mandrel) Tube is the best material for telescoping because the inside flash weld has been removed.

Rigidity

Although copper and brass tubes can be shaped relatively easily, tubes are are typically rigid. Pipes, on the other hand, are invariably rigid and cannot be shaped without special equipment.

Applications

Only pipes are pressure rated and intended to be used for the transference of fluids or gas. Tubes, on the other hand, are used in structural applications.

Metal Types

Tube is available in hot rolled steel and cold rolled steel. Pipe is typically black steel (hot rolled). Both items can be galvanized.

Size

Pipe is typically available in larger sizes than tube.

Strength

Tube is stronger than pipe.

Don’t have time to read the blog?

You can check out our video below to find out the difference between a pipe and tube:

What is the difference between Pipe and Tube?

Difference Between Pipe and Tube

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