Difference Between Stainless Steel Pipe And Tube

by AMC

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Posted on January 11, 2025 at 05:01 PM

Stainless steel pipes and tubes are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences between them, especially in how they are measured and their applications.

Stainless Steel Pipe:- Pipes are typically round and used to transport liquids, gases, or even solids like pellets and powders. They are measured using either NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) in North America or DN (Diameter Nominal) elsewhere. NPS refers to a standard size system for pipes, indicating their conveyance capacity, but it doesn't represent the exact internal diameter. The key measurements for pipes are the inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and wall thickness (WT), also known as the pipe schedule. For example, pipes may be classified with schedules like Sch. STD., Sch. XS, or Sch. 40 to define the wall thickness. Different NPS pipes can have the same schedule but varying wall thicknesses.

Stainless Steel Tube:- Unlike pipes, tubes come in various shapes, including round, rectangular, square, and oval. Tubes are also measured by outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT), with these values being more precise compared to pipes. The tube's dimensions typically reflect the exact size of its hollow section, and the measurements are given in either inches or millimeters. Tubes are often used in applications that require a specific shape or size, such as structural supports or precision systems.

In short, while both pipes and tubes are hollow, pipes are primarily designed for conveying materials, with a focus on internal capacity, while tubes are often used for more specialized, dimensional purposes.

Different types of SS Tube

• Seamless steel tubes
• Welded Tubes
• Cold drawn tubes
• Precision tubes
• Hydraulics and pneumatics tubes
• Heat Exchanger Tubes
• Coiled Tubes
• Capillary tube

The key difference between pipes and tubes is their shape. Stainless steel pipes are always round, while stainless steel tubes can be found in various shapes, including round, rectangular, square, and cylindrical.

Difference Between Pipe and Tube Diameter

When ordering, tubes are typically specified by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness. In some cases, the order may also include inner diameter (ID) and wall thickness. The ID is usually theoretical, while the wall thickness is defined by a gauge number, with smaller gauge numbers indicating thicker walls. In contrast, pipes are ordered using the NPS (Nominal Pipe Size) standard, which requires specifying the pipe size along with the schedule number and nominal diameter.

Pipe and Tube Manufacturing Process

Both pipes and tubes can be made with either seamless or welded construction. However, producing tubes is more complex due to stricter tolerance requirements. Manufacturers must meet these precise tolerances to meet standards or specifications. Additionally, the tube manufacturing process involves thorough testing, quality checks, and inspections to ensure the final product meets the required standards.

Rectangular Section of Stainless Steel Pipe

Square Section of Stainless Steel Pipe

Stainless Steel Pipe Series

SS Pipe and Tube Applications

SS Pipes are primarily used in systems to transport various media, such as liquids, gases, and solids. On the other hand, tubes are more commonly used for structural purposes. For example, tubes are often used in scaffolding and staging to support workers and materials during construction, maintenance, or repairs. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining structures like bridges, buildings, and other man-made constructions.

Conclusion

The main difference between stainless steel pipes and tubes lies in their shape and application. Pipes are typically round and used for transporting media, while tubes can be found in various shapes, including round, rectangular, square, and cylindrical, and are often used for structural purposes. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right material for specific needs, whether it's for a piping system or a construction project.