Everything you need to know about the difference between a pipe and a tube
What is the most important difference between Pipe and Tube?
The difference between pipe and tube can be examined and evaluated from several perspectives. The most important differences between Pipe and Tube can be mentioned as follows:
Shape
One of the differences between pipe and tube is in the shape of the two. Pipes are generally round products with a circular cross-section and are used to transport fluids such as water, gas, oil, etc. due to their shape.
On the other hand, tubes have a round, rectangular, square or oval design and shape. Tubes are more suitable for structural applications such as columns, trusses, etc. due to the variety of shapes they have.
Production method
We also see a difference between Pipe and Tube in terms of production method. Pipes are usually produced through a process called rolling or drawing, which turns metal into the desired tube shape. In this method, the metal is heated or cooled and passed through a die or series of rollers to achieve the desired diameter and thickness.
Tubes can be produced using a variety of methods, including extrusion, welding, or rolling. The choice of production method depends on the shape, size, and end use of the tube. Extrusion is suitable for producing long, thin tubes with complex cross-sections, while welding is ideal for making larger, thicker tubes from individual pieces.
Measurement
Tubes are measured by their nominal diameter (NPS) and wall thickness. NPS is a dimensionless number that roughly indicates the flow capacity of the tube. Tubes, on the other hand, are measured by their outside diameter (OD) and wall thickness. OD is the diameter of the outer circle of the tube.
Application
Another major difference between tubes and pipes is their application. Pipes are mainly used to transport fluids such as water, gas, oil and sewage. They are also used in construction, installations and industrial applications. Due to the variety of materials and thicknesses, pipes are suitable for transporting a wide range of fluids at different pressures and temperatures.
Tubes also have a wider range of applications, the most important of which are construction, mechanical equipment manufacturing, heat exchangers, furniture and even the transportation of solid materials. The variety of tube formability makes them ideal for applications that require structural strength in different directions.
Specifications and Tolerances
Pipes are manufactured in accordance with various standards such as ASTM, API and AWWA, which specify wall thickness, working pressure, material and dimensions. This is essential to ensure safety and reliable performance in sensitive applications such as the transport of hazardous fluids or high-pressure systems.
Tubes generally have fewer restrictions than pipes. However, they may require compliance with specific standards for specific applications such as medical equipment or the aerospace industry.
Thickness
Another difference between Pipe and Tube is their thickness. The thickness of pipes varies along the length. This variation in thickness is suitable for applications that require high pressure resistance, such as water pipes. On the other hand, the thickness of tubes is uniform along the entire length. This uniformity of thickness makes tubes suitable for precision applications such as heat exchangers that require optimal heat transfer.
Standards
We see different standards for the production of pipes and tubes. The difference between pipes and tubes in terms of standards is that for the production of pipes, we see less stringent manufacturing, testing and inspection requirements than for tubes. This is because tubes have more stringent manufacturing, testing and inspection requirements due to their more precise applications.
Price
Another difference between Pipe and Tube is its price. Pipes are typically cheaper than tubes. Tubes are more expensive due to the more complex manufacturing process and higher standards required.
Buy all kinds of pipes and tubes from Ahanchi
If you are interested in buying these products after examining the difference between pipes and tubes, you can buy pipes and tubes online at the lowest price through the Ahanchi website. The Ahanchi website has tried to sell products manufactured by different factories so that customers can purchase pipes and tubes according to their needs and use these products.
