Difference between Stainless Steel Pipe and Instrumentation Tubing

 

In some instances the terms may be used interchangeably, however there is one key difference between tube and pipe, particularly in how the material is ordered and tolerance. Instrumentation Tubing is used in structural applications so the outside diameter becomes the important dimension. Tubes are often put into applications such as medical devices that require precise outside diameters. The outside diameter is important since it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. Whereas pipes are normally used to transport gasses or liquids making it important to know the capacity. Knowing how much can flow through the pipe is key. The circular shape of the pipe make it efficient when handling pressure from the liquid flowing through.

Characteristics

There are a few key characteristics that separate tube from pipe:

Shape

Pipe is always round. Tubes can be square, rectangular, and round.

Measurement

Tube is typically ordered outside diameter and wall thickness. Tubing is usually held to tighter and more stringent tolerances and specifications than pipe. Pipe is typically ordered using nominal pipe size (NPS) standard and by specifying the nominal diameter (pipe size) and schedule number (wall thickness)

Telescoping Abilities

Tubes can be telescoped. Telescoping tubes are perfect for applications different pieces of material to sleeve or expand inside one another.

Rigidity

Pipe is rigid and cannot be shaped without special equipment. With the exception of copper and brass, tubes can be shaped with some effort. Bending and coiling tubing can be done without excessive distortion, wrinkling or fracturing.

Applications

Tubes are used in applications such as medical devices that require a precise outside diameter. The outside diameter is important since it will indicate how much it can hold as a stability factor. Pipes are used for transporting gasses or liquids making it important to know the capacity. The circular shape of the pipe makes it efficient when handling pressure from the liquid flowing through.

Metal Types

Tubes are cold rolled and hot rolled. Pipe is only hot rolled. Both can be galvanized.

Size

Pipes accommodate larger applications. Tubing is generally used where small diameters are required.

Strength

Tubes are stronger than pipe. Tubes perform better in applications that require durability and strength.

All instrumentation tubes experience dimensional quality checks such as straightness, roundness, surface finish, and wall thickness during its manufacturing. In contrast, steel pipes are observed for a strict tolerance and the ability to mass-produce. Here, they are the products that require bulk orders and faster delivery. For the production of pipes, generally, a continuous process is preferred due to its high volume.

Packing requirement for steel pipes and instrumentation tubes

The majority of stainless steel pipes require great attention during its bundling and shipment. At the same time, instrumentation tubes are the products packed in cardboard tubes for dispatch to its size. Instrumentation tubing are available in much smaller diameters, and hence, coils and rolls work well and enable more compact storage and more comfortable transport.