Different industrial equipment have their own components, ensuring that it is always completely functional and operating at peak efficiency. Among their important components is a piping system, which is the collection of devices, valves, fittings, and pipes that enables the transport of fluid or gas from one site to another. The framework of this system is actually the pipe itself. And in fact, there are numerous sizes, styles, and material grades available for pipes. And for such industrial equipment, the type of pipes commonly utilized would be industrial pipes.
Industrial pipe is a large category of hardware for moving liquids and solids that is utilized in a wide range of applications and industries. Pipe and rigid tubes are frequently utilized in cylinder shapes for process, energy, construction, and numerous civil infrastructure applications. For the transportation of an equally large array of solids and fluids, industrial pipe and rigid tubes are made from a wide variety of materials. Industrial pipe is normally made of straight lengths connected by fittings or specifically constructed connectors and joints, though this is not always the case. And in applications that require pressure, it is widely employed. Application-specific requirements govern the design and composition of industrial pipes, and pipe providers frequently work with users to optimize pipe choices.
Industrial pipes are also often constructed of materials like steel, aluminum, or plastic and are built to resist the particular circumstances and requirements of the industrial environment. To fend off corrosion and other types of wear and tear, they could also be coated or treated.
In fact, industrial piping is a resource that is essential to the smooth operation of any industrial operation. Industries that are vital to society would be unable to convey vital commodities like water if there were no industrial pipe. Industries can efficiently transport and transform resources to sustain essential social structures with the use of pipe services.
Table of Contents
Types of Industrial Pipes
There are various types of industrial pipes, and each has certain qualities and traits that make it suited for a particular use. Some common ones include:
Steel and Stainless Steel Pipes
Steel pipes are strong, long-lasting, and resistant to extreme heat and pressure. They are frequently used in steam and condensate systems, process pipes, and the transportation of oil and gas.
With stainless steel pipes, on the other hand, they are frequently utilized in the food processing and pharmaceutical industries since they tend to be corrosion-resistant.
PVC Pipes
PVC pipes, also known as polyvinyl chloride pipes, are lightweight, simple to install, and chemically resistant. They are frequently employed in sewage, waste, and irrigation systems, as well as in the movement of water. In fact, polyvinyl chloride is a material that is light, can withstand moderate tension, and is simple to manufacture for a low cost. This makes PVC pipes the most prevalent type of conventional plumbing you will see in any structure for these reasons. A building’s non-pressurized water supply network can be created using inexpensive PVC pipes.
Since unplasticized PVC, also known as UPVC, does not freeze, it is utilized to carry extremely cold liquids as well as non-pressurized gasses. However, because CPVC, or chlorinated PVC, has a very high melting point, you can use it to transport hot water or steam throughout the house.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes have great thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. They are frequently utilized in plumbing and fire safety systems, as well as air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Other types of pipes used in the business include ductile iron pipes, polyethylene pipes, and glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes. Some industrial pipes have coatings or linings to improve their characteristics, such as corrosion resistance, depending on the application.
Applications in Industrial Settings
Industrial pipes can be used in a wide variety of industrial applications. Because they are rust-proof and do not corrode, they are a popular option in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other industrial settings, giving facilities a lifetime of dependable service. In addition to being utilized in the building of industrial facilities themselves, round steel tubing is frequently employed to move liquids or gas from one part of an industrial complex to another.
Water Transportation
Water is transported through industrial pipes for a variety of uses, including cooling, irrigation, and fire suppression. They transfer water from one location to another. The type of pipe material and specifications chosen will depend on the particular application and the type of water being transported.
One common application for industrial pipes in water transportation would be irrigation, which involves using large diameter industrial pipes to move water from a source, like a river or reservoir, to agricultural fields. They can also be used in cooling water systems, which convey water to cool machinery and equipment in factories, power plants, and other industrial buildings. Moreover, they can be used for fire suppression systems, which convey water to a fire’s location for extinguishing.
Industrial pipes are also used to transfer wastewater from buildings and industrial operations to treatment plants for processing before being released into the environment, as well as to convey clean and safe drinking water to homes and businesses.
Industrial pipes are often constructed from materials that are corrosion-resistant, able to sustain high pressures and temperatures, and capable of handling the chemical makeup of the water being conveyed in all of these applications. For instance, PVC pipes are frequently utilized in irrigation systems due to its chemical resistance, ease of installation, and low weight. Similar to this, ductile iron pipes are frequently used in the supply of potable water due to its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
Oil and Gas Transportation
Industrial pipes are the best choice for use in harsh environments with corrosive elements, fluctuating temperatures, and high pressure. Due to this, it is common in the oil and gas industry, particularly in pipes like gathering lines—the tubes that carry oil or gas from the producing area to a storage facility or larger main pipeline—and pipe trunk lines—the welded, large-diameter steel pipes used to move natural gas over long distances. These pipes can withstand the particular demands of the oil and gas industry because of their toughness and adaptability.
Process Piping
Apart from using industrial pipes for water transportation, as well as for oil and gas, they are also used to transport different chemicals, acids, and other fluids required in manufacturing operations. Process piping uses industrial pipes to transport a variety of fluids, including chemicals, acids, and other liquids required in manufacturing operations. The sort of pipe material and specifications chosen will depend on the particular application and the kind of fluid being delivered.
The pipes used in process piping must be able to withstand high temperatures, pressures, corrosion, and erosion brought on by the chemical makeup of the fluids being conveyed. The pipes’ materials are chosen accordingly; for instance, stainless steel pipes are frequently used in the chemical sector due to their resistance to corrosion. Whereas plastic pipes are utilized in the processing of food and beverages due to their non-toxicity and chemical resistance. In order to increase their resistance to corrosion and erosion, process pipes frequently have specific coatings or linings applied to them.
Steam and Condensate Systems
In heating systems, power plants, and other industrial facilities, steam and condensate can be transported using industrial pipes. The type of pipe material and specifications chosen will depend on the particular application and the kind of steam and condensate being transported.
The pipes used in steam and condensate systems must, like those used in other applications, be able to endure high temperatures and pressures as well as corrosion and erosion brought on by the steam and condensate being conveyed. Accordingly, the materials used for the pipes are chosen. For instance, copper pipes are utilized in condensate return systems due to their great thermal conductivity, but steel pipes are frequently used in steam distribution systems due to their strength. In order to increase their resistance to corrosion and erosion, pipes used in steam and condensate systems frequently have special coatings or linings applied to them.
Dust Collection and Ventilation
Dust, particulate matter, and other contaminants are transported from industrial facilities and buildings to a site where they can be properly removed and disposed of using industrial pipes in dust collection and ventilation systems. The kind of pipe material and specifications used will depend on the particular application and the kind of dust being collected.
In addition to withstanding high temperatures and pressures, the pipes used in dust collection and ventilation systems must also be able to endure corrosion and erosion brought on by the dust and particle matter being conveyed. For instance, steel pipes are frequently used in industrial dust collecting systems due to their strength. But plastic pipes are utilized in building ventilation systems due to their lightweight, simple installation, and chemical resistance.
In order to increase their resistance to corrosion and erosion, pipes used in dust collecting and ventilation systems frequently have special coatings or linings applied to them.
Key Takeaway
Transporting different commodities, such as gas, liquids, and solids, relies on industrial pipes. Numerous industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, power generation, and manufacturing, are commonly utilizing these pipes. More so, these pipes are crucial for transporting materials and goods across a facility. Therefore, they need to be strong, corrosion-proof, and able to tolerate extreme pressures and temperatures.
