Carbon Steel Pipe Schedule Chart: Understanding Wall Thickness and OD

Carbon Steel Pipe Schedule Chart: Understanding Wall Thickness and OD

Carbon steel pipes are fundamental components in industrial, construction, and mechanical applications. A critical aspect of selecting the right pipe is understanding the pipe schedule chart, which defines the relationship between wall thickness and outer diameter (OD). This chart ensures compatibility, safety, and efficiency in piping systems. As a trusted supplier, Ruixiang Steel provides comprehensive guidance to help customers navigate these specifications and choose the ideal pipes for their projects.

What is a Pipe Schedule?
The pipe schedule (abbreviated as "SCH") is a standardized system that indicates the wall thickness of a pipe. Developed by the American Standards Association, it uses numbers such as SCH 40, SCH 80, or SCH 160 to represent thickness relative to the pipe's diameter. Higher schedule numbers correspond to thicker walls, which enhance pressure-handling capacity but may reduce fluid flow efficiency.

Key Elements of the Chart

Outer Diameter (OD): The external width of the pipe, which remains consistent across schedules for a given nominal pipe size (NPS). For example, an NPS 2 pipe always has an OD of 2.375 inches, regardless of its schedule.

Wall Thickness: This varies with the schedule. A thicker wall (e.g., SCH 80) offers greater strength for high-pressure environments, while a thinner wall (e.g., SCH 10) is suitable for low-pressure applications.

Pressure Capacity: Thicker walls generally withstand higher internal pressures, making them ideal for industries like oil and gas or chemical processing.

Applications Based on Schedule

SCH 5-SCH 30: Used in low-pressure systems, such as water supply or drainage, where cost-effectiveness and lightweight design are priorities.

SCH 40-SCH 80: Common in general-purpose plumbing, HVAC, and moderate-pressure industrial setups. SCH 40 is widely used for structural and mechanical applications.

SCH 160 and Above: Reserved for high-stress environments, including hydraulic systems, steam pipelines, and refineries, where safety and durability are critical.

Why the Chart Matters
Using the pipe schedule chart helps prevent failures by ensuring pipes match operational demands. For instance, mismatching wall thickness to pressure requirements can lead to leaks, bursts, or unnecessary costs. At Ruixiang Steel, we provide detailed charts and expert advice to help clients align their choices with project specs, budget, and safety standards.

Ruixiang Steel’s Expertise
We supply a full range of carbon steel pipes tailored to diverse schedules and standards (e.g., ASTM, ANSI). Whether you need lightweight SCH 10 pipes for fencing or robust SCH 160 for industrial plants, our team ensures you get reliable, high-performance solutions. By leveraging our guidance, customers optimize efficiency, extend system lifespan, and reduce long-term expenses.