Difference Between Pipe And Tube

Tubular applications like pipelines and tubing use the pipes and tubes. Petroleum, petrochemicals, and food and beverage industries are all represented in the applications. The classification of pipes and tubes is determined by the dimensions, which make a significant difference. In comparison to pipes, the wall thickness to diameter ratio is lower for tubes. The walls of the pipes are thicker. The schedules and pressure capacities of tubular products are determined by the diameter and wall thickness of the pipes and tubes.

The difference between pipe and tube diameter is that pipes can range in diameter from tiny sizes like 14 inches up to 60 inches and more, whereas tubes typically have diameters up to 2 inches. When ordering tubes, the outer diameters are specified, and the inner and outer diameters of the pipes are specified. Although the wall thicknesses of pipes are thicker than those of tubes, both have a range of wall thicknesses. In large volume, high pressure, and high speed fluid flow systems, the pipes, which are primarily circular, are employed. The tubes are typically utilised in circulation systems with low flow rates. Additionally, the tubes can be found in round, square, or rectangular shapes.

The pipe and tube manufacturing process can likewise vary. Most tubes are pulled from the raw material because they have smaller diameters. The tubes can be produced using the cold drawing and hot rolling methods. The pipes may also be constructed using welding techniques. Other welding processes include electric fusion welding, electric resistance welding, and others. The tubes need to be soldered carefully because their thin walls could easily distort them. Since the pipes can withstand the temperatures, high heat welding techniques can be used to join them. The pipe and tube applications also vary. The tubes are used in precision applications and are fitted with pipe fittings with threading.

In big flow systems, the pipes might be fitted with threading, flanges, or welding applications. The pipes are employed in systems that move bigger volumes of water, oil, and gas. The tubes are utilised in heat exchangers, heat-producing machinery, nuclear power plants, and other delicate applications. There are some tube types, such U tubes, that are employed only in heat exchangers. The tubes are significantly stronger because of their smaller sizes, but they are less flexible and more rigid than the pipes. Depending on their size, diameter, and wall thickness, tubular items constructed from the same materials may have varying tensile and yield strength capacities.

The tensile strength and yield strength of tubes with a diameter of less than 2 inches are typically higher than those of pipes. Due to their mass to volume ratio, tubes experience thermal expansion at a faster pace than pipes. The pipes or tubes can be chosen based on the application's pressure capacity, temperature requirements, and strength needs.

Check here difference between pipe and tube diameter, manufacturing process and price in india

 

Outer diameter and Nominal pipe size chart
NPS*
IN INCH
NPS*
OD IN INCH
DN IN MM NPS*
OD IN MM
1/8 10.3 6 10.3
1/4 13.7 8 13.7
3/8 17.1 10 17.1
1/2 21.3 15 21.3
3/4 26.7 20 26.7
1 33.4 25 33.4
1.25 42.2 32 42.2
1.5 48.3 40 48.3
2 60.3 50 60.3
2.5 73 65 73
3 88.9 80 88.9
3.5 101.6 90 101.6
4 114.3 100 114.3
5 141.3 125 141.3
6 168.3 150 168.3
8 219.1 200 219.1
10 273.1 250 273.1
12 323.8 300 323.8
14 14 350 355.6
16 16 400 406.4
18 18 450 457
20 20 500 508
22 22 550 559
24 24 600 610
26 26 650 660
28 28 700 711
30 30 750 762
32 32 800 813
34 34 850 864
36 36 900 914
38 38 950 965
40 40 1000 1016
42 42 1050 1067
44 44 1100 1118
46 46 1150 1168
48 48 1200 1219

 

The difference between pipe and tube include:
  • Shape
  • Measurement
  • Telescoping Abilities
  • Rigidity
  • Applications
  • Metal Types
  • Size
  • Strength

 

As per ASME B36.10 and ASME B36.19 Standard Pipe Schedule
AS PER ASME B36.10 FOR WROUGHT IRON PIPE AND CARBON STEEL PIPE 140, 80, 5, 40, 100, 20, XXS 30, 160, 120, 60, STD, 10, XS
as per ASME B36.19 For Stainless Steel Pipe  80S, 10S, 5S, 40S

 

NPS pipe size chart metric
METRIC NOMINAL PIPE SIZE CHART (NPS) / NOMINAL PIPE DIMENSION IN MILLIMETER (MM)
DN (MM) OD 5 5S 10 10S 20 30 40 40S STD 60 80 80S XS 100 120 140 160 XXS DN IN MM
6 10.3 1.24 1.24 1.73 1.73 1.73 2.41 2.41 2.41
8 13.7 1.65 1.65 2.24 2.24 2.24 3.02 3.02 3.02
10 17.1 1.65 1.65 1.85 2.31 2.31 2.31 3.2 3.2 3.2
15 21.3 1.65 1.65 2.11 2.11 2.41 2.77 2.77 2.77 3.73 3.73 3.73 4.78 7.47
20 26.7 1.65 1.65 2.11 2.11 2.41 2.87 2.87 2.87 3.91 3.91 3.91 5.56 7.82
25 33.4 1.65 1.65 2.77 2.77 2.9 3.38 3.38 3.38 4.55 4.55 4.55 6.35 9.09
32 42.2 1.65 1.65 2.77 2.77 2.97 3.56 3.56 3.56 4.85 4.85 4.85 6.35 9.7
40 48.3 1.65 1.65 2.77 2.77 3.18 3.68 3.68 3.68 5.08 5.08 5.08 7.14 10.16
50 60.3 1.65 1.65 2.77 2.77 3.18 3.91 3.91 3.91 5.54 5.54 5.54 8.74 11.07
65 73 2.11 2.11 3.05 3.05 4.78 5.16 5.16 5.16 7.01 7.01 7.01 9.53 14.02
80 88.9 2.11 2.11 3.05 3.05 4.78 5.49 5.49 5.49 7.62 7.62 7.62 11.13 15.24
90 101.6 2.11 2.11 3.05 3.05 4.78 5.74 5.74 5.74 8.08 8.08 8.08 16.15
100 114.3 2.11 2.11 3.05 3.05 4.78 6.02 6.02 6.02 8.56 8.56 8.56 11.13 13.49 17.12
125 141.3 2.77 2.77 3.4 3.4 6.55 6.55 6.55 9.53 9.53 9.53 12.7 15.88 19.05
150 168.3 2.77 2.77 3.4 3.4 7.11 7.11 7.11 10.97 10.97 10.97 14.27 18.26 21.95
200 219.1 2.77 2.77 3.76 3.76 6.35 7.04 8.18 8.18 8.18 10.31 12.7 12.7 12.7 15.09 18.26 20.62 23.01 22.23
250 273 3.4 3.4 4.19 4.19 6.35 7.8 9.27 9.27 9.27 12.7 15.09 12.7 12.7 18.26 21.44 25.4 28.58 25.4
300 323.8 3.96 3.96 4.57 4.57 6.35 8.38 10.31 9.53 9.53 14.27 17.48 12.7 12.7 21.44 25.4 28.58 33.32 25.4
350 355.6 3.96 3.96 6.35 4.78 7.92 9.53 11.13 9.53 9.53 15.09 19.05 12.7 12.7 23.83 27.79 31.75 35.71
400 406.4 4.19 4.19 6.35 4.78 7.92 9.53 12.7 9.53 9.53 16.66 21.44 12.7 12.7 26.19 30.96 36.53 40.49
450 457 4.19 4.19 6.35 4.78 7.92 11.13 14.27 9.53 9.53 19.05 23.83 12.7 12.7 29.36 34.93 39.67 45.24
500 508 4.78 4.78 6.35 5.54 9.53 12.7 15.09 9.53 9.53 20.62 26.19 12.7 12.7 32.54 38.1 44.45 50.01
550 559 4.78 4.78 6.35 5.54 9.53 12.7 9.53 22.23 28.58 12.7 34.93 41.28 47.63 53.98
600 610 5.54 5.54 6.35 6.35 9.53 14.27 17.48 9.53 9.53 24.61 30.96 12.7 12.7 38.89 46.02 52.37 59.54
650 660 7.92 12.7 9.53 12.7
700 711 7.92 12.7 15.88 9.53 12.7
750 762 6.35 6.35 7.92 7.92 12.7 15.88 9.53 12.7
800 813 7.92 12.7 15.88 17.48 9.53 12.7
850 864 7.92 12.7 15.88 17.48 9.53 12.7
900 914 7.92 12.7 15.88 19.05 9.53 12.7
950 965 9.53 12.7
1000 1016 9.53 12.7
1050 1067 9.53 12.7
1100 1118 9.53 12.7
1150 1168 9.53 12.7
1200 1219 9.53 12.7
DN in mm OD 5 5s 10 10s 20 30 40 40s Std 60 80 80s XS 100 120 140 160 XXS

 

Nickel Alloy Tube vs Pipe American (ASTM) standards
 PIPES  TUBES
Type ASTM Specification Type ASTM Specification
Inconel 625 Pipe ASTM B444 UNS N06625 Inconel 625 Tube ASTM B444 UNS N06625
Inconel 600 Pipe ASTM B167 UNS N06600 Inconel 600 Tubing ASTM B163 UNS N06600

 

Diameter Nominal (DN) Pipe Sizes
NPS DN NPS DN
NPS in inches DN in mm NPS in inches DN in mm
20 500 1/8 6
22 550 1/4 8
24 600 3/8 10
26 650 1/2 15
28 700 3/4 20
30 750 1 25
32 800 1 ¼ 32
36 900 1 ½ 40
40 1000 2 50
42 1050 2 ½ 65
44 1100 3 80
48 1200 3 ½ 90
52 1300 4 100
56 1400 5 125
60 1500 6 150
64 1600 8 200
68 1700 10 250
72 1800 12 300
76 1900 14 350
80 2000 16 400
As per ASME/ ANSI B36.10 18 450

 

in NPS (inche) Pipe Sizes
NOMINAL PIPE SIZES (NPS) - ( INCH)
Size Range inch OD 5 5S 10 10S 20 30 40 40S STD 60 80 80S XS 100 120 140 160 XXS SIZE IN INCH
1/8 00.405 00.049 00.049 00.068 00.068 00.068 00.095 00.095 00.095 1/8
1/4 00.54 00.065 00.065 00.088 00.088 00.088 00.119 00.119 00.119 1/4
3/8 00.675 00.065 00.065 00.073 00.091 00.091 00.091 00.126 00.126 00.126 3/8
1/2 00.84 00.065 00.065 00.083 00.083 00.095 00.109 00.109 00.109 00.147 00.147 00.147 00.188 00.294 1/2
3/4 1.05 00.065 00.065 00.083 00.083 00.095 00.113 00.113 00.113 00.154 00.154 00.154 00.219 00.308 3/4
1 1.315 00.065 00.065 00.109 00.109 00.114 00.133 00.133 00.133 00.179 00.179 00.179 00.25 00.358 1
1 1/4 1.66 00.065 00.065 00.109 00.109 00.117 00.14 00.14 00.14 00.191 00.191 00.191 00.25 00.382 1 1/4
1 1/2 1.9 00.065 00.065 00.109 00.109 00.125 00.145 00.145 00.145 00.2 00.2 00.2 00.281 00.4 1 1/2
2 2.375 00.065 00.065 00.109 00.109 00.125 00.154 00.154 00.154 00.218 00.218 00.218 00.344 00.436 2
2 1/2 2.875 00.083 00.083 00.12 00.12 00.188 00.203 00.203 00.203 00.276 00.276 00.276 00.375 00.552 2 1/2
3 3.5 00.083 00.083 00.12 00.12 00.188 00.216 00.216 00.216 00.3 00.3 00.3 00.438 00.6 3
3 1/2 4 00.083 00.083 00.12 00.12 00.188 00.226 00.226 00.226 00.318 00.318 00.318 00.636 3 1/2
4 4.5 00.083 00.083 00.12 00.12 00.188 00.237 00.237 00.237 00.337 00.337 00.337 00.438 00.531 00.674 4
5 5.563 00.109 00.109 00.134 00.134 00.258 00.258 00.258 00.375 00.375 00.375 00.5 00.625 00.75 5
6 6.625 00.109 00.109 00.134 00.134 00.28 00.28 00.28 00.432 00.432 00.432 00.562 00.719 00.864 6
8 8.625 00.109 00.109 00.148 00.148 00.25 00.277 00.322 00.322 00.322 00.406 00.5 00.5 00.5 00.594 00.719 00.812 00.906 00.875 8
10 10.75 00.134 00.134 00.165 00.165 00.25 00.307 00.365 00.365 00.365 00.5 00.594 00.5 00.5 00.719 00.844 1 1.125 1 10
12 12.75 00.156 00.156 00.18 00.18 00.25 00.33 00.406 00.375 00.375 00.562 00.688 00.5 00.5 00.844 1 1.125 1.312 1 12
14 14 00.156 00.156 00.25 00.188 00.312 00.375 00.438 00.375 00.375 00.594 00.75 00.5 00.5 00.938 1.094 1.25 1.406 14
16 16 00.165 00.165 00.25 00.188 00.312 00.375 00.5 00.375 00.375 00.656 00.844 00.5 00.5 1.031 1.219 1.438 1.594 16
18 18 00.165 00.165 00.25 00.188 00.312 00.438 00.562 00.375 00.375 00.75 00.938 00.5 00.5 1.156 1.375 1.562 1.781 18
20 20 00.188 00.188 00.25 00.218 00.375 00.5 00.594 00.375 00.375 00.812 1.031 00.5 00.5 1.281 1.5 1.75 1.969 20
22 22 00.188 00.188 00.25 00.218 00.375 00.5 00.375 00.875 1.125 00.5 1.375 1.625 1.875 2.125 22
24 24 00.218 00.218 00.25 00.25 00.375 00.562 00.688 00.375 00.375 00.969 1.219 00.5 00.5 1.531 1.812 2.062 2.344 24
26 26 00.312 00.5 00.375 00.5
28 28 00.312 00.5 00.625 00.375 00.5
30 30 00.25 00.25 00.312 00.312 00.5 00.625 00.375 00.5
32 32 00.312 00.5 00.625 00.688 00.375 00.5
34 34 00.312 00.5 00.625 00.688 00.375 00.5
36 36 00.312 00.5 00.625 00.75 00.375 00.5
38 38 00.375 00.5
40 40 00.375 00.5
42 42 00.375 00.5
44 44 00.375 00.5
46 46 00.375 00.5
48 48 00.375 00.5
Size Range (Inch) OD 5 5s 10 10s 20 30 40 40s Std 60 80 80s XS 100 120 140 160 XXS Size Range (Inch)