People use the words pipe and tube interchangeably, and they think that both are the same. However, are they really have same meaning?
What is a Steel Pipe?
Steel pipe is a hollow section with a round cross-section for the conveyance of products. The products include fluids, gas, pellets, powders, and more.
The most important dimensions for a pipe are the outer diameter (OD) together with the wall thickness (WT). OD minus 2 times WT (SCHEDULE) determines the inside diameter (ID) of a pipe, which determines the liquid capacity of the steel pipe.
Out Diameter (OD) of steel pipe
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. = 3½” (88.9 mm)
NPS 4 actual O.D. = 4½” (114.3 mm)
NPS 12 actual O.D. = 12¾” (323.9 mm)
NPS 14 ACTUAL O.D. = 14″ (355.6 MM)
Inner Diameter (ID) of steel 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 outside 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 a Steel 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 the outer diameter and wall thickness, in inches or in millimeters.
10 basic difference between Steel pipe and steel tube
| Item | Steel Pipe | Steel Tube |
| Dimensions | The most important dimensions for a steel pipe are the outer diameter (OD) together with the wall thickness (WT). OD minus 2 times WT (SCHEDULE) determines 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 the 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 with a gauge nomenclature. |
| Shapes of Pipes and Tubes | Round only | Round, rectangle, 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 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 | Shorter | 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 |
