Introduction to Pipes
Pipes are essential components in a variety of industrial processes, providing a means of transporting liquids, gases, and fluidized solids. Pipes are designed to withstand certain pressures and temperatures, and can come in various sizes, thicknesses, and materials. Industries that make extensive use of pipes include oil and gas, process industries, chemical and petrochemical complexes, food and beverage industries, power sectors, steel industries, HVAC industries, plumbing industries, pipeline industries, refineries, and more.
Types of Pipes Used in Industries
The type of pipe used in an industrial setting depends on a variety of factors. Common types of pipes used in industries include steel pipes, PVC pipes, copper pipes, cast iron pipes, PE pipes, and stainless steel pipes. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suited for different applications.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Pipe Materials
Steel pipes are strong and durable, but can be prone to rusting. PVC pipes are resistant to corrosion and ideal for carrying water, but are not suitable for hot water applications. Copper pipes are resistant to corrosion and heat, but are expensive. Cast iron pipes are strong and long-lasting, but can be prone to corrosion. PE pipes are lightweight, flexible, and resistant to corrosion and temperature, but can be prone to cracking. Stainless steel pipes are strong, corrosion-resistant, and heat-resistant, but are more expensive than other materials.
Metallic Pipes
Pipes made from ferrous Materials
Types of pipes made from ferrous materials include Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, DSS, Cast Iron and Ductile Iron. These types of pipes are strong and heavy, suitable for higher temperature and pressure applications. Many of the pipes used in oil and gas, refinery, chemical and petrochemical, and power plant settings are made of ferrous materials.
Non-metallic Pipes
Types of pipes made from Non-ferrous Materials
Non-ferrous metal pipes are typically made from materials such as copper, aluminum, brass, nickel, titanium and zirconium alloys. Examples of non-ferrous metal pipes include aluminum and aluminum alloy pipes, copper and copper alloy pipes, nickel and nickel alloy pipes, titanium and titanium alloy pipes, and zirconium and zirconium alloy pipes. These pipes are more suitable for applications that require corrosion resistance and heat resistance.
Depending on the type of industry there are three types of pipes. Pipes for Chemical and Power Piping industries. Pipes for the Plumbing industry. Pipes for the Pipeline industry.
Pipes for Chemical and Power Piping Industries: The chemical and power piping industries require pipes that can withstand high temperatures and pressure. Ferrous pipes are the most commonly used for such applications, and are designed to meet codes such as ASME B31.3, ASME B31.1, and other international standards. These pipes need to be selected based on their ability to withstand the pressure, temperature, and corrosive environments.
Pipes for the Plumbing Industry: Plumbing pipes are typically made from PVC, PEX, Copper, ABS, Cast Iron, and Galvanized Steel. These pipes are used mainly for water distribution.
Pipes for the Pipeline Industry: Pipes used in pipeline industries are typically known as line pipes, and are designed as per API 5L standards. These pipes are used to transport oil, gas, and water through pipelines, and are available in various grades. Other materials used for pipeline construction include SS, DSS, SDSS, GRE, and FRP.
Types of Pipes based on the fluid they transport
Water Pipes: Pipes that are designed to transport water are known as water pipes. These pipes are typically made of plastic, copper, or galvanized steel and are used in a variety of applications ranging from domestic use to industrial processes. Water pipes are used to carry potable water from a source to a destination, and are also used to carry wastewater away from a structure.
Gas Pipes: Gas pipes are designed to transport gaseous substances such as natural gas, propane, or butane. These pipes are typically made of steel, copper, or PVC and are used in a variety of applications from residential to industrial. Gas pipes are used to carry natural gas from a source to a destination and are also used to carry wastewater away from a structure.
Vapor Pipes: Vapor pipes are designed to transport different types of vapors, such as gasoline, oil, kerosene, and other substances. These pipes are typically made of steel, copper, or PVC and are used in a variety of applications. Vapor pipes are used to carry vapors from a source to a destination and are also used to carry wastewater away from a structure.
Oil Pipes: Oil pipes are designed to transport crude or processed oils, such as petroleum and crude oil. These pipes are typically made of steel, copper, or PVC and are used in a variety of applications from residential to industrial. Oil pipes are used to carry crude oil from a source to a destination and are also used to carry wastewater away from a structure.
Steam Pipes: Steam pipes are designed to transport steam from a source to a destination. These pipes are typically made of steel, copper, or PVC and are used in a variety of applications from residential to industrial. Steam pipes are used to carry steam from a source to a destination and are also used to carry wastewater away from a structure.
Hydrogen Pipes: Hydrogen pipes are designed to transport hydrogen gas from a source to a destination. These pipes are typically made of steel, copper, or PVC and are used in a variety of applications from residential to industrial. Hydrogen pipes are used to carry hydrogen gas from a source to a destination and are also used to carry wastewater away from a structure.
Types of Pipes based on Manufacturing Method
- Seamless pipe and
- Welded pipe
- ERW pipes
- LSAW pipes
Seamless Pipes
Seamless pipes are widely used due to their absence of a weld seam which is considered a weak point. The most common types of seamless pipes are those made from ASTM A106, A333, A53, and API 5L (CS and LTCS pipes). Additionally, ASTM A312 Series 300 and 400 (SS pipes with grades 304, 316, 321, 347), ASTM A335 Grades P5 to P91 (Alloy steel pipes), and ASTM A790/A928 (DSS and SDSS pipes) are all types of seamless pipes. Nickel alloys (Inconel, Hastelloy, Cupronickel, Monel, Nickel 200) are also available in the form of seamless pipes. Generally, pipes with a diameter of less than 16 inches are seamless, and larger-diameter pipes are welded.
Advantages of Seamless Pipes
Seamless pipes are preferred due to the absence of the weld seam which is considered a weak point. Additionally, they are costlier than welded pipes but provide superior performance. Seamless pipes are also suitable for a wide range of applications ranging from -29 Deg C to 427 Deg C. Carbon steel pipes (A53, A333, A106, and API 5L) have the largest market share due to their affordability.
Types of GRP Pipes
GRP pipes are further classified into three types: Filament winding GRP pipes, Continuous winding GRP pipes, and Helical Filament winding GRP pipes. Filament winding GRP pipes are the most common type and are used in a variety of applications. Continuous winding GRP pipes are used in applications that require high pressure and temperature ratings. Helical Filament winding GRP pipes are designed for applications where a high degree of flexibility is required.