Pipes are round conduits employed to convey fluids, gases or solid materials in different sectors such as plumbing, production and construction. Pipes are available in various sizes and thickness and may be made from steel, copper, plastic or concrete among others. They are vital in systems like water, sewerage, gas and oil pipelines among others. Fittings and joints are generally used to join pipes and guarantee the proper and leak-proof flow of pipes and are essential in civil and industrial construction.
Different types of Pipes
Following are different types of pipes:
- Seamless Pipes: These pipes are made from a solid round billet that is heated and then shaped by either pushing or pulling over a form to make a hollow tube. These pipes do not have welds or joints and are very strong and durable and are used in high pressure applications.
- Welded Pipes: Welded pipes are made by joining two edges of a metal strip, such pipes are comparatively cheaper than seamless pipes and are used in transmission of fluids such as water, oil and gases etc.
- Galvanized Pipes: Steel pipes that have been galvanized in order to avoid the process of rusting. These pipes are widely used in plumbing and in outside installations but are gradually being replaced by other materials because of health risks associated with the corrosion of zinc.
- PVC Pipes: These pipes are made from polyvinyl chloride and are therefore light in weight, do not corrode easily and are easy to install. Used in water supply, drainage and irrigation systems among other uses.
- PEX Pipes: It is flexible in nature, does not scale and can be used for both hot and cold water systems and is made from cross linked polyethylene pipes. They are easy to install and do not get damaged by freeze as is the case with most plumbing systems in residential homes.
- HDPE Pipes: HDPE pipes are flexible, impact resistant and chemically resistant in nature. They are applied in water supply, waste water management, and as gas mains.
- Fiberglass Pipes: These pipes are made up of glass fibers and resin and are light in weight, non-corrosive and are used in industries.
Therefore, the selection of the right type of pipe is critical to the effectiveness and durability of any system.
Different Pipe Materials
Pipes can be manufactured from a wide range of metal materials and all these materials possess different characteristics that make them suitable for use in different applications. Some common metal materials for pipes include:
- Steel: Popular for its strength and durability and it is used in many construction projects. Carbon steel, alloy steel or stainless steel are the types of steel pipes which are used depending on the requirement of the application like corrosion resistance and strength.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel pipes are used in industries that require high standards of cleanliness and resistance to corrosion like the food processing and the pharmaceutical industries.
- Copper: Copper Pipes are used in plumbing and heating applications because it is very effective in conducting both heat and electricity. They are also resistant to corrosion.
- Aluminum: Aluminum pipes are light in weight and do not corrode easily; they are used in aerospace and some types of construction.
- Brass: Brass pipes are used in plumbing and manufacturing because of its machinability and corrosion resistance that comes from a combination of copper and zinc.
- Galvanized Steel: Long cylindrical structures made of steel and having a thin layer of zinc to avoid the process of rusting. They are widely applied in water supply and construction.
- Titanium: Titanium pipes are employed in specific applications due to their high strength to weight ratio and corrosion resistance and these include aerospace and marine applications.
Every metal has its own characteristics that define its application, whether it is high strength and density, light weight and corrosion resistance.
Features of Pipes
The features of pipes can vary based on their material and intended use, but some key features to consider include:
- Durability: Pipes are subjected to mechanical loads, pressure and environmental factors. Steel and titanium are some of the materials that have high durability.
- Corrosion Resistance: There are pipes that are made to be protected from chemical and moisture and any other factor that may affect it. Some of the materials which have good corrosion resistance include stainless steel and PVC.
- Strength: Pipes should be capable of withstanding the pressure from inside as well as outside the pipe while conveying the fluids. Steel and titanium are well appreciated due to their high strength.
- Flexibility: Some of the applications demand pipes to be flexible. Substances such as rubber and some plastics can provide this flexibility.
- Temperature Resistance: Pipes also require to operate at different temperatures. For instance, copper and stainless steel are some of the metals that can withstand high and low temperatures.
- Weight: The pipes’ weight is an issue in handling and installation of the pipes. Aluminum and plastic pipes are also lighter in weight as compared to steel or concrete pipes.
- Cost: Pipes are also cheaper depending on the material used and how they are produced. For instance, plastic pipes are cheaper as compared to metal pipes.
- Machinability: Certain materials such as brass and aluminum are easier to work with in the sense that they can be easily machined especially when it comes to the production of custom fittings and joints.
- Conductivity: In cases where heat or electricity is involved, then materials such as copper are used because of their conductivity.
- Aesthetics: Sometimes, for example in the case of pipes that are located in the area which is easily visible, the outer surface of the pipe might be significant. Some of the materials such as polished stainless steel can be chosen based on the aesthetic value they possess.
- Pressure Rating: Pipes are classified according to pressure class which is the maximum pressure that pipe can carry. This is important in order to avoid any danger or risk in the piping system and also to make the piping system to be efficient.
Therefore, the selection of the pipe requires the understanding of these features so that they can suit the application required.
Applications of Pipes
Pipes can be applied in numerous sectors to meet different needs of people. Here are some common ones:
- Plumbing: Moving water, sewage and other liquids within homes, businesses and other structures. Some of the most popular materials are copper, PVC, and PEX.
- Construction: Barriers are employed in structural members such as in concrete reinforcement and for conveying water, gas and other substances.
- Oil and Gas: Pipelines for the transportation of crude oil, natural gas and other products through long distances. Steel and composite pipes are used most frequently.
- Industrial: Transporting chemicals, slurries and other materials in manufacturing and processing industries. These range from stainless steel to plastic depending on the compatibility with the chemicals to be stored.
- HVAC Systems: Transportation of refrigerants and air in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Copper and aluminum are the common materials used for the pipes.
- Mining: For conveying of the mined materials, slurries and water within the mining operations. Steel and rubber-lined pipes are used most of the times.
- Marine: Found in ships and offshore platforms for purposes such as fuel, water and wastes. These are steel, titanium, and other coatings to ensure that the material does not corrode.
- Agriculture: In agricultural activities such as irrigation of fields and moving water or nutrients in the farmland. It is used PVC and polyethylene pipes are commonly used.
- Fire Protection: Supplying water or fire suppressant materials in fire fighting apparatus. These systems normally employ steel and CPVC pipes.
Hence pipes are used in various ways to fulfill various requirements in accordance with the material used in the respective area.
