Schedule 40 steel pipe is called standard weight mainly due to its wide application in various piping systems and moderate wall thickness.
Definition of Schedule 40 Steel Pipe
Schedule 40 steel pipe sets the standard for wall thickness and dimensional specifications for pipes. Defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), it is widely utilized in plumbing, construction, and manufacturing. With its moderate wall thickness and versatile applications, Schedule 40 is a common and reliable choice.
The size and wall thickness of Schedule 40 steel pipe are defined in accordance with ASME B36.10 and ASME B36.19 standards. This standardization makes Schedule 40 steel pipe a common choice in piping design and engineering. It is compatible with a wide range of fittings and accessories, facilitating system design and installation.
| NPS | OD | Schedule 40 |
| 1/2″ | 21.3 mm | 2.77 mm |
| 1″ | 33.4 mm | 3.38 mm |
| 2″ | 60.3 mm | 5.54 mm |
| 4″ | 114.3 mm | 6.02 mm |
| 6″ | 168.3 mm | 7.11 mm |
| 8″ | 219.1 mm | 8.18 mm |
Brief History of Schedule 40 Steel Pipe
In the 1940s, Schedule 40 started to become the standard for pipe specifications, particularly in construction and industrial applications. The evolution of Schedule 40 steel pipe reflects the advancement of pipeline technology in industrialization. From its initial standardization to its widespread application today, Schedule 40 steel pipe has become an important option in pipeline engineering due to its moderate wall thickness, favorable mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness.
Features and Uses of Schedule 40 Steel Pipe
Moderate wall thickness: Schedule 40 steel pipe has moderate wall thickness, which provides sufficient strength and pressure resistance without being too thick and heavy, making it easy to process and install.
Standardized size: Schedule 40 steel pipe has standardized outer diameter and wall thickness, making it compatible with a variety of pipes and accessories, facilitating system design and installation.
Multiple materials: Schedule 40 steel pipe can be manufactured from different materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel and plastic, to meet different application requirements.
Schedule 40 steel pipe is the top choice for a wide range of uses:
1. Water supply and drainage systems: Ideal for residential and commercial buildings, these pipes ensure reliable water supply and efficient drainage.
2. HVAC systems: The pipes are perfect for transporting cold water, hot water, and refrigerants, ensuring top performance for heating and cooling systems.
3. Industrial applications: From chemicals to oil and natural gas, these pipes are the trusted solution for transporting a variety of liquids and gases.
The extensive versatility of Schedule 40 steel pipe establishes it as the industry standard for wall thickness.
Different Materials Using Schedule 40 Wall Thickness
Various materials with Schedule 40 wall thickness demonstrate unique performance and application capabilities. Carbon steel is commonly used for its high strength and cost-effectiveness, while stainless steel is suitable for corrosive environments due to its corrosion resistance. Nickel and copper-nickel alloys excel in extreme environments, whereas aluminum alloys are essential in specific industries due to their lightweight and good thermal conductivity. When selecting pipe materials, it’s important to thoroughly consider application needs, environmental conditions, and performance requirements.
| Material | Characteristics | Application Fields | Standards |
| Carbon Steel | High strength, good pressure resistance, easy to weld and process | Building structures, machinery manufacturing, water supply and drainage systems, oil and gas transportation | ASTM A53, ASTM A106 |
| Stainless Steel | Excellent corrosion resistance, good high-temperature performance | Chemical, food processing, pharmaceutical, oil and gas | ASTM A312, ASTM A358 |
| Nickel Alloys | Extremely high corrosion resistance and strength, stable in high temperature and high pressure | Chemical, oil and gas, nuclear power, aerospace | ASTM B163, ASTM B167 |
| Copper-Nickel Alloys | Good corrosion resistance, especially excellent seawater corrosion resistance | Marine engineering, shipbuilding, desalination equipment | ASTM B466, ASTM B467 |
