Depending on the applicable standard to which it is manufactured, pipe is generally specified by a nominal diameter with a constant outside diameter and a schedule that defines the thickness. Tube is most often specified by the OD and wall thickness, but may be specified by any two of OD, inside diameter , and wall thickness. Pipe is generally manufactured to one of several international and national industrial standards. While similar standards exist for specific industry application tubing, tube is often made to custom sizes and a broader range of diameters and tolerances. Many industrial and government standards exist for the production of pipe and tubing.
When the alloys for piping are forged, metallurgical tests are performed to determine material composition by % of each chemical element in the piping, and the results are recorded in a Material Test Report . These tests can be used to prove that the alloy conforms to various specifications (e.g. 316 SS). The tests are stamped by the mill’s QA/QC department and can be used to trace the material back to the mill by future users, such as piping and fitting manufacturers. Maintaining the traceability between the alloy material and associated MTR is an important quality assurance issue. Precautions must also be taken to prevent the introduction of counterfeit materials.
Now, in this chapter, it’s time to explore the pipe in more detail. You’ll learn the alternatives to the pipe, when you shouldn’t use the pipe, and some useful related tools. We are moving from linear to networked business models, from dumb pipes to intelligent platforms. All businesses will need to move to this new model at some point, or risk being disrupted by platforms that do. Ecommerce sites have reviews created by users, again an “intelligent” platform model. However, platform thinking applies to all Internet businesses.
Another type of mechanical coupling is a flareless tube fitting (Major brands include Swagelok, Ham-Let, Parker); this type of compression fitting is typically used on small tubing under 2 inches in diameter. Copper plumbing tube for residential plumbing follows an entirely different size system in America, often called Copper Tube Size ; see domestic water vaporizers bongs system. Plastic tubing, such as PVC and CPVC, for plumbing applications also has different sizing standards. In North America and the UK, pressure piping is usually specified by Nominal Pipe Size and schedule . Pipe sizes are documented by a number of standards, including API 5L, ANSI/ASME B36.10M in the US, and BS 1600 and BS 1387 in the United Kingdom.
The High Frequency Induction Technology welding process is used for manufacturing ERW water pipes. In this process, the current to weld the pipe is applied by means of an induction coil around the tube. Seamless pipe is formed by drawing a solid billet over a piercing rod to create the hollow shell in a process called rotary piercing. As the manufacturing process does not include any welding, seamless pipes are perceived to be stronger and more reliable. Historically, seamless pipe was regarded as withstanding pressure better than other types, and was often more available than welded pipe.