Comparison of Pipe and Tube | Pipe Vs Tube

What is a Pipe?

Pipes are used for transporting fluids and gases in Chemical, Petrochemical, Power Plants, Refineries, Storage units, Compressed air systems, Plumbing systems, etc. They are circular in cross-section and specified by Nominal Pipe Size.

What is a Tube?

Tubes are used for mechanical applications (Heat Exchanger, Fired heater, Boiler, etc.), for instrumentation systems (used for measuring instruments); for structural applications, etc and could be rigid or flexible. They are specified by their outer diameter and tube wall thickness, in inches or in millimeters.

Differences between Pipe and Tube

From a layman’s viewpoint, Both Pipe and Tube seem to be the same as they have many similarities like both are hollow, usually made from metals, can transfer fluids, etc. Many a time, these terms are used interchangeably. But in actual practice Tubes and Pipes are not the same as both possess different features. Through this article, we will try to investigate all such characteristics based on a few parameters like Size, Shape, Diameter, Thickness, Use, Availability, End Connection, Design Standard, etc.

Sr NoParameterPipe CharacteristicsTube Characteristics
1ShapePipes are always cylindrical or round in shapeTubes are usually cylindrical in shape. However, tubes of different other shapes like square, rectangular, etc. are available.
2SizeA pipe is Specified by Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) or Nominal Bore (NB).The size of the Tubes is specified in millimeters or in inches by outside diameter.
3DiameterThe outside diameter of pipe up to size 12” is numerically larger than the corresponding pipe sizeThe outside diameter of tubes is numerically equal to the corresponding size.
4ThicknessPipe Wall thickness is expressed in schedule numbers that can be converted into mm or inches.Tube Wall thickness is expressed in millimeters, inches, or BWG (Birmingham wire gauge.)
5Thickness IncrementPipe thickness depends on the schedule, so there is no fixed incrementThe thickness of tubes increases in standard increments such as 1 mm or 2 mm
Pipe vs Tube
Pipe vs Tube
Difference Between Pipe and Tube
Sr NoParameterPipe CharacteristicsTube Characteristics
6ApplicationPipes are extensively used in all Process, Power & Utility lines to carry fluids.Tubes are used in tracing lines, tubes for heat exchangers & fired heaters & instrument connections. They are more prevalent in the medical area, construction, structural, or load bearing.
7AvailabilityPipes are available as the small bore and the big boreNormally small-bore tube is used in process piping. For structural use, tubes are available in custom sizes.
8Structural RigidityPipes are always rigid and resistant to bendingTubes are available as rigid as well as flexible depending on the application. Rigid tubes are normally used in structural applications whereas copper and brass tubes can be flexible.
9Joining and StabilityJoining pipes is more labor intensive as it requires flanges, welding, threading, etc.Tubes can be joined quickly and easily with flaring, brazing, or couplings, but for this reason, they don’t offer the same stability
10TolerancePipe tolerances are not too restrictive.Tolerances are very strict with tubes compared to pipes and tubes are often more expensive to produce than pipes
Pipes used in operating process plant
Pipes used in operating process plant
Sr NoParameterPipe CharacteristicsTube Characteristics
11ManufacturingPipe manufacturing is easier as compared to tubesTubes need more cumbersome tests, inspection, and quality control than pipes.
12CostCheaperCostlier
13Packing & DeliveryDelivered in the bundle as a bulk item. Delivery time is short.Tubes are usually wrapped with a wooden box or thin film and delivered with much care. Delivery time is longer.
14Production QuantityPipes are produced in mass quantity and for long-distance applications.Tubes are produced in small quantities depending on requirements.
Tubes used inside a Fired Heater
Tubes used inside a Fired Heater
Sr NoParametersPipe CharacteristicsTube Characteristics
15End ConnectionThe end connection of pipes is normally plain or beveled for welding purposesTubes are available with coupling ends, irregular ends, special screw thread, etc.
16Surface FinishThe inner and Outer surface of the pipe is rough in comparison to the tubeTubes are manufactured on both the inner and outer surfaces as smooth
17Common materialCommon pipe material is Carbon SteelThe common tube material is Alloy Steel
18Design Codes & StandardsThe Thickness of the pipe is decided as per governing codes like ASME B31.3/ B31.1/ B31.4/ B31.8 or IBR CodesThe thickness of tubes is dependent on the use thickness is decided.

I am sure there will be many more differences, so I request the readers to list out those in the comments section.

Few more useful resources for you.

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Differences between Hot-dipped galvanization and Electro-galvanization
CAESAR II vs START-PROF Piping Stress Analysis Software Comparison
API vs ANSI Pump

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Anup Kumar Dey

I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.

6 thoughts on “Comparison of Pipe and Tube | Pipe Vs Tube

  1. Hi, very useful & detail difference has given between tube & pipe. It’s really helpful, which added few new point in knowledge.
    Thanks

  2. Dear Anup thanks, I am Noor ul Arefeen from Pakistan. Your above subject is very informative and you have tried to contain very big topic in short spain. I am running my own business in mechanical fabricaion. I will keep in touch with for further knowledge. Thanks once again.

  3. HI ANUP SIR,
    IAM ALSO A MECHANICAL ENGINEER GRADUATE AND WORKING AS PROCESS DESIGNER. AND I HAVE ALSO INTEREST TO BECOME A PIPING ENGINEER, CAN YOU PLEASE SUGGEST HOW I BECOME THE PIPING ENGINEER.
    AND YOURS ARTICLES ALSO VERY USEFUL TO GAIN THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS FIELD THANK YOU VERY MUCH

  4. Pipe has a circular cross-sectional view whereas a tube can be circular, triangular, rectangular, square, oval etc

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