What is the difference between Pipe and Tube?

 What is the difference between Pipe and Tube?

There is some confusion between what is a pipe and what is a tube People use the words pipe and tube interchangeably, and they are often considered to be the same. However, there are significant differences between pipe and tube. Let us start by saying that a tube is a hollow product of round or any other cross section having a continuous periphery. In other words, a tube is a round, rectangular, square, or oval hollow section measured by outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT), expressed in inches or millimeters. Round tube size is usually specified by any two of the following: outside diameter, inside diameter and wall thickness.

A pipe is a tube with a round cross section conforming to the dimensional requirement for nominal pipe size as tabulated in ASME B36.10M and SASM B36.19M. Furthermore, 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. The most important mechanical parameters for pipes are the pressure rating, the yield strength, and the ductility.

The most important dimensions for a pipe are 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 is used in determining the liquid capacity of the pipe.

Instances of an actual OD and several IDs for a 1" pipe Actual outside diameters

NPS 1 actual O.D. = 1.5/16" (33.4 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

As we told you above, you can quickly see that the inside diameter was determined by the outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness (WT).

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).

The products conveyed in piping include liquids, gas, pellets, powders and more.