STANDART PIPING MATERIALS

Carbon Steel Pipe

Carbon Steel is one of the most commonly used pipe materials.  The specifications that covermost of the pipe used are published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).  Carbon Steel Material specification

ASTM A106 is available in grades, A, B, and C.  These grades refer to the tensile strength of the

steel, with grade C having the highest strength.  Common practice is to manufacture the pipe as

A106 Grade B.

ASTM A53 is also commonly specified for galvanized or lined pipe or as an alternate to A106.

The testing requirements for A53 are less stringent than for A106.  Three types of carbon steel

pipe are covered by A53.  These are type E or electric resistance welded, type F or furnace-butt

welded, and type S or seamless.  Type E and S are available in grade A and B, comparable to

grades A and B of A106.

Stainless Steel Pipe

Austenitic Stainless Steel pipe commonly referred to as "stainless steel" is virtually non-magnetic.

 Stainless steel is manufactured in accordance with ASTM A312 when 8-inch or smaller sizes are

needed.  There are eighteen different grades, of which type 304L is the most widely used.  Grade

316L has high resistance to chemical and salt water corrosion, and is therefore used in

applications where this characteristic is needed.  The "L" denotes low carbon content and is best

suited for welding.  Larger sizes (8 inches and up) of stainless steel pipe are covered by ASTM

A358.  Extra light wall thickness (Schedule 5S) and light wall (Schedule 10S) stainless steel pipe

is covered by ASTM A409.

Chrome-Moly Pipe

Chromium-Molybdenum Alloy Pipe is commonly referred to as "chrome-moly". Ten grades of this

type pipe material are covered by ASTM A335.  Appropriate grades of chrome-moly pipe are

sometimes used in power plants applications requiring good tensile property retention at high

temperatures, especially when the added corrosion resistance of stainless steel is not required.

Chrome-moly pipe is used extensively in heat exchangers.  Special care must be exercised when

fabricating or welding this material, since it must be annealed (stress relieved) after being joined.

5-2 Piping/Mechanical Handbook 1996:Rev.2

Pipe Sizes and Materials Section 5

Plastic Pipe

Thermoplastic Pipe is commonly referred to plastic pipe and is categorized into two principal

groups.

Thermoplastic pipe is available in a great variety of plastic compositions including:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

• Polyethylene (PE)

• Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)

• Polyamide (nylon)

• Polypropylene

Thermoplastic pipe is most commonly supplied in PVC material.  It also comes in many grades

like steel pipe.  It can be obtained threaded or with plain ends for solvent (cement) or thermal

welding. Solvent welding joining is normally used.  Some types also include the use of couplings.

Advantages of this material it is very easy to install, and its light weight and socket joints make it

economical for temporary services. 

Disadvantages are the temperature limitations and the support spacing required to prevent

sagging.

Thermosetting (Fiberglass) Pipe is made of a plastic that takes a permanent set or hardens

when heated to the curing temperature in the mold.  After this initial set the material cannot be

softened by heat or be thermally welded.  The principal thermosetting plastic is made of fiberglass

reinforced epoxy, the strongest is helically interweaved glass filaments under tension.

Fiberglass pipe can be obtained in a great variety of sizes and wall schedule like steel pipe.

There are three types of connection methods used to join fiberglass pipe:

• Threaded ends for screwed joints

• Plain for use with socket type fittings

• Adhesive welded bell and spigot taper joints

The adhesive consists of a plastic resin and a catalyst, which thermally set after being mixed and

applied as a joint filler material.

Concrete Pipe

Concrete Pipe is made from a mixture of portland cement, sand, gravel, and water.  It is

manufactured as:

• Plain (unreinforced)

• Reinforced concrete pipe

• Prestressed concrete pressure pipe

1996:Rev.2 Piping/Mechanical Handbook 5-3

Section 5 Pipe Sizes and Materials

The usual method for joining this pipe is by bell and spigot ends.  The spigot end of one pipe is

inserted into the bell of the mating piece, then the joint is sealed with mortar or a joint compound.

 It may also have a provision for a rubber gasket to seal the joint.

Copper Piping

Copper Piping is typically joined with solder fittings and is used for potable water lines in plumbing

systems and for air lines in service air systems.

Nickel and Nickel Alloy Piping

Nickel and Nickel Alloy Pipe has a great resistance to alkalis such as caustic soda and potash. 

Nickel and nickel alloys are sometimes used for high temperature applications. Inconel, Incoloy,

and Monel are commonly used nickel alloys.

Cast Iron Piping

Cast Iron Pipe has good corrosion resistance.  Ductile iron is commonly used for underground

piping in fire protection systems.

Duriron pipe is a form of cast iron that has a high silicon content that makes it extremely hard.  Its

chief advantage is strong resistance to most commercial acids. This pipe is sometimes used for

water treatment chemicals and acid drainage systems.  Cast iron pipe is used for floor drains,

sewage, fire protection, or where heavy loads may occur over the underground service pipe.

Special Piping Applications

Other piping materials such as plastic lined, glass lined, concrete lined, and steam jacketed are

utilized in special project applications.