Pipe
Pipe are fundamental components in industrial systems, serving as the primary means of transporting fluids such as oil, gas, water, steam, chemicals, and countless other materials. Because industries operate under widely varying pressures, process fluids, temperatures, flow rates, corrosion, erosion, and environmental conditions, pipe must be manufactured based on standards in many different materials, sizes, and construction methods to ensure safety, performance, and longevity. From high-pressure, high-temperature carbon steel lines used in refineries, and power plants to corrosion-resistant stainless steel and super-alloy piping for chemical plants, and from large-diameter water transmission lines to specialized non-metallic systems like HDPE or FRP, each type of pipe is engineered for a specific purpose. Understanding how pipe are categorized—by material, manufacturing method, pressure rating, and size—helps determine the right solution for every application. The sections below outline the major pipe classifications, materials, and industries they serve.
Pipe Classifications
By Material:
- Metal
- Non-metal
By Manufacturing Method:
- Seamless Pipe
- ERW (Electric Resistance Welded)
- LSAW (Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded)
- SSAW (Spiral Submerged Arc Welded)
- Extruded Pipe
By Pressure Rating (Schedule):
- SCH 10, SCH 20, SCH 40, SCH 80, SCH 160, and more
By Size:
- From 1/8″ up to 72, andmore“
Metal Pipe Materials
- Carbon Steel Grades:
ASTM A53, A106, A333, A234, API 5L (X42 / X52 / X65), and more - Stainless Steel Grades:
304, 316, 321, Duplex 2205, Duplex 2304, Duplex 2101, Duplex 2507, Hyper Duplex S33207 / S33707, etc. - Alloy Steel Grades:
ASTM A691, A694, A335, A182, A350, and others - Super Alloy Grades:
Inconel 600, 601, 625, 718, 800, 800H, 800HT; Hastelloy C276, C22, B2; Monel 400, Monel K-500 - Cast Iron:
Class 150, 200, 250 - Galvanized Steel
Non-Metal Pipe Materials
- HDPE / MDPE: PN4, PN6, PN10, PN12.5, PN16, PN20, PN25, PN32, PN40, PN50
- PVDF / PVC / CPVC
- FRP / GRP / GRV / RTR / RTP
- PRP / PP
- Concrete Pipe
Main Applications of Pipe
- Oil
- Hydrocarbon gases
- Chemicals
- Power plants
- Steam and high-temperature liquids
- Cryogenic fluids
- Neutral fluids
- Air
- Water
- Sewage and wastewater
Tubes
Tubes are commonly used in instrumentation and control systems, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, heat exchangers, heat tracing, biopharmaceutical, pharmaceutical, the food industry, and many more.
Tube Materials
- Copper: Types K, L, M
- Brass: SCH 40 (STD), SCH 80
- Aluminum: Types L, M, XS
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A269
- ASTM A270
- ASME BPE (pharmaceutical applications)
About American Industrial Supply, Inc.
American Industrial Supply, Inc. maintains a significant inventory of pipe and tubing from 1/8″ through 48″ across a wide range of grades and specifications mentioned above. We support applications involving high pressure, high temperature, hydrogen service, low temperature, corrosive environments, and more. Our pipe are available with various end configurations, including plain end, grooved, threaded, and threaded & coupled (T&C), in both domestic and imported options, and all products are ready for delivery when you need them.
In addition to our extensive inventory, we offer comprehensive pipe and tube bending services. We can bend pipe and tubing up to 180 degrees, including special shapes such as “U” bends, offsets, and compound (serpentine) bends. We provide custom lengths ranging from ¾” through 6″, as well as single or double random lengths from 8″ through 18″, with wall thicknesses from .049 through Schedule 160. These bending capabilities are available in stainless steel, carbon steel, and galvanized materials, allowing us to meet a wide range of project requirements.
