{"id":254,"date":"2020-09-01T09:58:42","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T05:58:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.sparsteel.com\/blog\/?p=254"},"modified":"2023-04-24T08:04:10","modified_gmt":"2023-04-24T04:04:10","slug":"difference-between-steel-pipes-tube-and-their-dimensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sparsteel.com\/blog\/difference-between-steel-pipes-tube-and-their-dimensions\/","title":{"rendered":"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STEEL PIPES & TUBE AND THEIR DIMENSIONS?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"steel
steel pipes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sparsteel is a leading and trusted scaffolding company across Dubai, UAE, and Middle East countries and is known for manufacturing the latest advanced technology and a wide range of high-quality steel pipes and tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

such as MS ERW Pipes\/Black Pipes \/PG\/GI Pipes\/GIS Tubes\/Galvanised Pipes\/Galvanised Tubes\/Scaffolding Pipe\/Scaffolding Tubes\/ARAMCO Seamless Pipes & Tubes, etc. based on international parameters. In this article, we will discuss know the difference between steel pipes and tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We often use the words pipe and tube for one another and think that both are the same. But we should know are differences between pipe and tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STEEL PIPES<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"steel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Steel Pipes<\/strong> are round hollow cross-sections used to distribute fluids, gases, pellets, and powders, such as oil & gas, propane, steam, acids, and water. The pipe is designated by a nominal pipe size (NPS) that represents a rough indication of the pipe conveyance capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most important dimension for a steel pipe\u00a0is the\u00a0inside diameter\u00a0(ID), which indicates the rough (not the exact) fluid conveyance capacity of the tubular. The ID is expressed in nominal pipe size<\/strong> (NPS)<\/strong> in inch or diameter nominal<\/strong> (DN<\/strong>) i.e. bore size (BS) in millimeters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pipe’s outside diameter (OD) does not match the\u00a0nominal pipe size (NPS) below NPS 14 inches (a 2 inches pipe, for instance, has an internal flow capacity (ID) of approximately 2 inches, but has an outside diameter of 2.375 inches).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For pipes of a given NPS, the pipe outside diameter is fixed, whereas the pipe inside diameter decreases by increasing schedule values (pipe wall thickness i.e. WT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: The most important mechanical parameters for pipes are the pressure rating, the yield strength, and the ductility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The standard combinations of pipe nominal diameter and wall thickness (schedule) are covered by the\u00a0ASME*<\/sup><\/strong> B36.10 and ASME B36.19 specifications\u00a0(carbon & alloy pipes, and stainless steel pipes respectively).
\u00a0ASME*<\/sup><\/strong>\u2014American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pipe Inside Diameter (ID) Calculator <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The pipe\nID can be calculated by deducting from the pipe NPS the pipe wall thickness<\/strong>\n(WT<\/strong>) multiplied by 2 (the pipe WT<\/strong> can be taken from the\nschedule).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Pipe\n ID = NPS \u2013 2 x WT<\/strong>\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For example: for a 12 NPS pipe (DN 300 mm), schedule 40, the pipe outside diameter and the wall thickness are 12.75 inches (324 mm) and 0.406 inches (10.4 mm). Then Pipe ID calculation in inches and millimeters will be<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pipe ID in inch\n(\u201d) = NPS \u2013 2 x WT   i.e.  12.75\u201d \u2013 2 x 0. 406\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                           = 12.75\u201d\n\u2013 0.812 = 11.94\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Pipe ID in millimeter\n(mm) = NPS \u2013 2 x WT   i.e.  324 \u2013 2 x 10.4<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \n= 324 \u2013 20.4 = 303.2 mm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this calculation is just theoretical, as pipes have a wall thickness tolerance that is generally +\/-12.5% for American Society of Mechanical Engineers\u00a0(ASME)\u00a0pipes. Hence the actual ID of a given pipe may differ by +\/- 12.5% from the theoretical value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"steel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TUBE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whereas, Steel Tube<\/a><\/strong> is a round, rectangular, squared,<\/em> or oval hollow section used for pressure equipment, mechanical applications, and for instrumentation systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel tube often incorporates different alloys such as aluminum, manganese, titanium, and tungsten. Steel tubes can be Electric Resistant Welded (ERW) or seamless<\/strong>. Seamless tubes<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Square
Square Tubes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

are made by passing the\nmolten steel over a piercing rod to create a hollow tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel tubes or pipes are produced by two distinct methods which result in either a welded or seamless\u00a0pipe. In both methods, raw\u00a0steel\u00a0is first cast into a molten workable starting form. It is then\u00a0made\u00a0into a\u00a0tube or pipe\u00a0by stretching the\u00a0steel\u00a0into a seamless\u00a0tube\u00a0or forcing the edges together and sealing them with a weld.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to a variety of factors, tubes are inherently\u00a0stronger\u00a0than\u00a0pipes. This means that steel tubes perform better overall in applications that require durability and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tubes are designated by their\u00a0outside diameter (OD)\u00a0and\u00a0wall thickness (WT), which are exact measures in inches or millimeters.\u00a0For tubes,\u00a0the difference between the outside diameter and the wall thickness, multiplied by two, defines\u00a0the inside diameter (ID) of the tube.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n ID of Tube = OD \u2013 2 x WT <\/strong>\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Differences between Steel Pipes and Tube <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Differences between Steel Pipe and Tube<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Parameters<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Steel Pipe<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Steel Tube<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Dimensions <\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

The dimensions for a pipe is the outer diameter (OD) together with the wall thickness (WT) decide inside diameter (ID) of a pipe.
\r\n Pipe’s ID = OD \u2013 2 x WT.
\r\n The inside diameter (ID) determines the liquid capacity of the pipe approximately. <\/p><\/td>\r\n

The dimensions for a steel tube are the outside diameter (OD) and the wall thickness (WT).
\r\n These parameters are marked in inches or millimeters and determines dimensional value of the hollow section of the tube.<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Pipe Wall Thickness<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

The wall thickness of a steel pipe is denoted with a " schedule1<\/strong>" value (the most common are Sch. 40). Two pipes of different NPS2<\/strong>and same schedule have different wall thicknesses in inches or millimeters.<\/p><\/td>\r\n

The wall thickness of a steel tube is expressed in inches or
\r\n millimeters. For tubing, the wall thickness is measured also
\r\n with a gage nomenclature.<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Types (Shapes)<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

Round only<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Round, rectangular, square, oval<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Production range<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

Extensive (up to 80 inches and above)<\/p><\/td>\r\n

A narrower range for tubing (up to 5 inches), larger for steel
\r\n tubes for mechanical applications<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Tolerances\u00a0 and strength<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

Tolerances are set, but rather loose. Strength is not the major concern.<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Steel tubes are produced to very strict tolerances. Tubes undergo several dimensional quality checks i.e. straightness, roundness, wall thickness, surface, during the
\r\n manufacturing process. Mechanical strength is a major concern for tubes.<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Production Process<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

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.<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Tubes manufacturing is more lengthy and labor intensive.<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Delivery time<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

Can be shorter<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Generally longer<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Market price<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

Relatively lower price per ton than steel tubes<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Higher due to lower mills productivity per hour, and due to
\r\n the stricter requirements in terms of tolerances and inspections<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

Materials<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

A wide range of materials is available<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Tubing is available in carbon steel, low alloy, stainless steel,
\r\n and nickel-alloys; steel tubes for mechanical applications are
\r\n mostly of carbon steel.<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n

End Connections<\/strong><\/p><\/td>\r\n

The most common are beveled, plain and screwed ends<\/p><\/td>\r\n

Threaded and grooved ends are available for quicker connections on site<\/p><\/td>\r\n <\/tr>\r\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

WHAT IS PIPE SCHEDULE1<\/sup>? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"steel
Scaffolding Tubes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pipe Schedule is the term used to describe the wall thickness (WT) of a pipe. The outside diameter of a pipe is the same for all Schedules in particular nominal pipe diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard pipe schedules or schedule numbers<\/strong> or pipe sizes as given by ANSI \/ ASME B36.10M and API 5L are 11 schedule numbers \u2014 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, & 160.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most famous pipe schedule is 40.<\/strong> For pipes, 8-inches and under, Schedule 40 and Standard Weight pipe wall thicknesses are the same. Schedules 5, 60, 100, 120, & 140 are rarely used. This should be considered when piping is specified for a particular project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule Number = 1,000 x(P\/S)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

P = the internal working pressure, psig<\/p>\n\n\n\n

S = the allowable stress (psi) for the\nmaterial of construction at the conditions of use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the scheduled number of ordinary steel pipes having allowable stress of 10,000 psi for use at a working pressure of 350 PSIG would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule Number = 1,000 x (350\/10,000) = 35 (approx. 40)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is better steel pipes schedule 40 or 80? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Schedule 40<\/strong>\u00a0pipe has thinner walls, so it is\u00a0best\u00a0for applications involving relatively low water pressure.\u00a0Schedule 80<\/strong>\u00a0pipe has thicker walls and is able to withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch). That means with an increase in service pressure schedule number will increase its pipe wall thickness designator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Nominal Pipe Size (NPS2<\/sup>)? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"steel<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nominal Pipe Size is a North American set of standard sizes for pipes used for high or low pressures and temperatures. “Nominal” refers to pipe in non-specific terms and identifies the diameter of the hole with a non-dimensional number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Diameter Nominal (DN)? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diameter Nominal (DN) is an International designation (SI or Matric Designator) and also a European equivalent of NPS to show pipe sizes. It refers to the internal diameter (ID) of a pipe generally mentioned in millimeters. NPS can be converted into DN by multiplying it by 25. For example, a 2\u201d NPS pipe is simply mentioned as DN 50 mm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Nominal Bore (NB) Pipe? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0nominal bore<\/strong>\u00a0(NB)is the hollow section of the\u00a0pipe.\u00a0NB (nominal bore<\/strong>) is the European designation equivalent to NPS in DN i.e. mm value. As there is no difference between NB and NPS. NB is also an American way to refer to pipe dimensions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is seen that when pipe dimensions are shown in mm (DN) people refer to pipe sizes in NB. So, when someone says 25nb pipe or 50nb pipe basically they are talking about DN. For example, a 100nb\u00a0pipe\u00a0works out to be exactly 4.5 inches = 4.5 inches x 25.4 mm = 114.3 mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spar Steel<\/a><\/strong> is supported by its qualified and experienced R&D team having the expertise in the application of the advanced technology of the construction field used in the USA, European Union, Japan, Australia, etc. for scaffoldings production to ensure the scaffolding standard quality of SGS, JIS, ASTM, BS, and others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spar Steel<\/strong> standard quality product materials and scaffolding<\/a> services which meet\u00a0OSHA, ARAMCO, Adnoc, Enoc, UAE, and SABIC\u00a0specifications, and testing are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Spar Steel Scaffolding\nProducts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n