Pipe vs Tube
Pipe vs Tube
The difference between steel tube and steel pipe
pipes and tubes may seem like they should be synonymous. But to a marine engineer, the measurements, standards and language used to distinguish the two could not be more different.
The 7 Main Differences Between Pipe and Tube
1. The shape is different:
Tubes can come in different shapes like square, rectangular and cylindrical. Pipe is always cylindrical or round.
Tubes can come in different shapes like square, rectangular and cylindrical. Pipe is always cylindrical or round.
2. Toughness is different:
While rigid tubes are frequently used in structural applications, copper and brass tubes can be rather flexible. Pipes are typically always rigid and resistant to bending.
While rigid tubes are frequently used in structural applications, copper and brass tubes can be rather flexible. Pipes are typically always rigid and resistant to bending.
3. The classification is different:
When it comes to classification, pipes use schedule and nominal diameter. For example, a pipe could have a 250mm nominal diameter and a schedule of 80. Tubes are classified by their outside diameter measurement and thickness. A copper tube, for instance, could be 10 mm with a 2 mm thickness.
When it comes to classification, pipes use schedule and nominal diameter. For example, a pipe could have a 250mm nominal diameter and a schedule of 80. Tubes are classified by their outside diameter measurement and thickness. A copper tube, for instance, could be 10 mm with a 2 mm thickness.
4. use the environment varies:
Pipes accommodate larger applications with sizes that range from a half-inch to several feet. Tubes are generally used in applications that require smaller diameters. While 10-inch pipes are common, it’s rare that you will come across a 10-inch tube.
Pipes accommodate larger applications with sizes that range from a half-inch to several feet. Tubes are generally used in applications that require smaller diameters. While 10-inch pipes are common, it’s rare that you will come across a 10-inch tube.
5. Requirements focus on different:
Tubes are often put to use in applications that require precise outside diameters, like with cooler tubes, heat exchanger tubes and boiler tubes.
Tubes are often put to use in applications that require precise outside diameters, like with cooler tubes, heat exchanger tubes and boiler tubes.
6. The thickness relationship between wall thickness and wall thickness is different:
Pipes have a pressure rating and are schedule, which is why they are often used to carry fluids that must be contained.
Pipes have a pressure rating and are schedule, which is why they are often used to carry fluids that must be contained.
The thickness of tubes increases in standard increments such as 1 mm or 2 mm. Pipe thickness depends on the schedule, so there is no fixed increment.
7. Joining is different:
Joining pipes is more labor intensive as it requires welding, threading or flanges. Tubes can be joined quickly and easily with flaring, brazing or couplings, but for this reason, they don’t offer the same stability.
Joining pipes is more labor intensive as it requires welding, threading or flanges. Tubes can be joined quickly and easily with flaring, brazing or couplings, but for this reason, they don’t offer the same stability.
