PIPE vs TUBE

    

  

PIPE VS TUBE		PIPE	TUBE
1	Key Dimensions (Pipe and Tube Size Chart)	The most important dimension for a pipe is the inside diameter (ID), expressed in NPS (nominal pipe size) or DN (nominal diameter), which defines its fluid conveyance capacity. The NPS does not match the true inside diameter, it is a rough indication	The most important dimensions for a  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.
2	Wall Thickness	The thickness of a  pipe is designated with a “Schedule” value (the most common are Sch. 40, Sch. STD., Sch. XS/XH, Sch. XXS). Two pipes of different NPS and same schedule have different wall thicknesses in inches or millimeters.	The wall thickness of a  tube is expressed in inches or millimeters. For tubing, the wall thickness is measured also with a gage nomenclature (BWG, SWG).
3	Types of Pipes and Tubes (Shapes)	Round only	Round, rectangular, square, oval
4	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
5	Tolerances (straightness, dimensions, roundness, etc) and Pipe vs. Tube strength	Tolerances are set, but rather loose. Strength is not a major concern.	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.
6	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
7	Delivery time	Can be short	Generally longer
8	Market price	Relatively lower price per ton than tubes	Higher due to lower mills productivity per hour, and due to the stricter requirements in terms of tolerances and inspections
9	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
10	Connections	Connecting pipes is more labor-intensive as it requires welding.flanges & relevant equipment.	Tubes can be joined easily with flaring, brazing, or couplings.
11	Ductibility	The pipe is available in rigid joints, which comes in various lengths on the material	Tubing in particular copper, comes in rigid hard tampered joints.
12	Packing	Pipes to delivered are in bundle or just bulk delivery.	Tubes are generally wrapped with a wooden box or thin-film for each tube.
13	Surface finish	Pipes need to be painted or coating to anti-corrosion or oxidation	Tubes are specially polished for specific field use.