Differences Between Pipes and Tubes

Re: pipe and tube

USA
Tubing is normally "cold drawn" seamless with the O.D. the same as the size designation (i.e.: 1" (25mm) inch tubing has an O. D. of 1 inch (25mm)) . You can get different pressure ratings for tubing by changing the wall thickness. Thus the I. D. is smaller. Tubing normally comes in twenty foot lengths or in coils. Tubing is normally joined with compression type tubing fittings.

Pipe is made seamless or rolled and welded (sometimes referred to as ERW pipe) . The pipe sizes up to 12' has a nominal size which is close but not the same as the actual O. D. Pipe in sizes 14" and larger have an O. D. the same as the nominal size. Both the seamless pipe and the ERW pipe comes in different wall thicknesses depending on the pressure/temp creteria. Pipe normally comes in lengths called "single random" (20'+/-) or "double random" (40'+/-). ERW pipe is also furnished in very long lengths, spooled on large coils for pipeline needs. Pipe 2" (50mm) and smaller is normally joined by threading or socket weld. Pipe 3" (80mm) and larger is normally joined using butt weld pipe fittings.

I hope this helps