What's the difference between a tube and a pipe?

Question

At what point does a tube/conduit become a pipe, something to do with diameter nominal (DN) ?

Answer 1

Tubing is a structural component, while pipe is meant to carry fluids and gasses.



The nominal size of pipe is based upon its inner diameter. The inner diameter of schedule 40 pipe is usually very close to the nominal diameter of the pipe. Different schedules will have different wall thicknesses, and different inner diameters.



Tubing is a structural material. Its size is measured by its outer diameter.

Answer 2

Tubes and pipes are often quite similar and used for similar purposes. However, there is always an important difference between them in their sizing. A tube size is defined by its outside diameter, so a half inch tube has an o.d. of 1/2 inch. A half inch pipe has an o.d. larger than 1/2 inch, and the exact size depends on the class of pipe. For example, copper water pipe used in homes has an o.d. that is 1/8 inch larger than its nominal size. So a half inch (nominal size) cu pipe has an o.d. of 5/8 inch. However, a half inch steel pipe has an o.d. of 0.84 inch. These actual dimensions and nominal dimensions are based on standards set for each class of pipe. The inside dimensions of pipes and tubing are also set by different standards.

Answer 3

irenginir is right. Tubing is usually for structural use and can be either round, square or rectanglular in cross section. The specifications are also different. Pipe is usually manufactured to one set of ASTM standards and tubing to another. Typically tubing has a thinner wall thickness than pipe.



Now there is some tubing manufactured for pressure containment. It is used in boilers and heat exchangers. Again there are a specific set of ASTM standards for this type of tubing.



Both tubing and pipe can be seamless or welded. With welded tubing or pipe the wall thickness can be controlled most closely. There can something like 12% variation in seamless pipe or tubing.

Answer 4

I beleive it is the way it is used, not size.



The dictonary definitions are very similar, in fact here is one definition of a pipe:

a long tube or hollow body for conducting a liquid, gas, or finely divided solid or for structural purposes



I think it's how it is used - if it is used in a water system, it is usually called a pipe, cause a pipe is suppose to be a solid tube. For example, you have a tube of toothpaste cause you can squeeze it, but pipes are hard and don't bend. A pipe is a tube.

Answer 5

hi the version between a pipe and a tube: As in numerous phrases in the English language there are numerous that have an identical or equivalent meanings yet have come from diverse roots. subsequently TUBE is from the previous French and Latin (Tubus) and PIPE is previous English or Saxon (Pijp). the version is semantic and can propose truly some issues to diverse human beings. Regards G

Answer 6

Tubing size is called out by outside diameter and piping is called out by inside diameter. Likely piping is used in greater length for fluid flow and inside diameter is very important in calculating line losses and flow rates. Copper tubing may be used in shorter lines (to connect components or whole houses) where diameter is less important in calculations because you select what has been shown to be adequate (building codes?).

Answer 7

A tube is made from a flat piece of metal which is rolled into the tubular shape and therefore has a seam (which may or may not be welded.).



A pipe is extruded or drawn and doesn't have a seam.

Answer 8

All I know is I have cannot put a pipe inside my bicycle tire, only a tube.

Answer 9

difficult task. search in yahoo or google. that might help!