What are standard galvanized pipe sizes?

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Galvanized steel tubing is a crucial component in various industries, from construction to plumbing. Understanding the standard sizes and classifications of these pipes is essential for professionals and consumers alike. This comprehensive guide will explore the intricacies of galvanized pipe sizes, their nominal diameters, international and Chinese standards, and typical wall thickness ranges.

galvanized steel tubing

galvanized steel tubing

 

Standard Nominal Diameters for Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized pipes are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different applications. The nominal diameter, often referred to as the nominal pipe size (NPS), is a standardized measurement used to describe the size of a pipe. It's important to note that the nominal diameter is not always the exact measurement of the pipe's inner or outer diameter.

Common nominal diameters for galvanized steel tubing include:

  • 1/8 inch (3.2 mm)
  • 1/4 inch (6.4 mm)
  • 3/8 inch (9.5 mm)
  • 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
  • 3/4 inch (19.1 mm)
  • 1 inch (25.4 mm)
  • 1 1/4 inch (31.8 mm)
  • 1 1/2 inch (38.1 mm)
  • 2 inch (50.8 mm)
  • 2 1/2 inch (63.5 mm)
  • 3 inch (76.2 mm)
  • 4 inch (101.6 mm)
  • 6 inch (152.4 mm)
  • 8 inch (203.2 mm)

These sizes are commonly used in both residential and commercial applications. Smaller diameters (1/8 inch to 2 inches) are frequently found in household plumbing systems, while larger diameters are often utilized in industrial settings or large-scale water distribution systems.

It's worth noting that the actual inner and outer diameters of galvanized pipes may differ slightly from their nominal sizes. This is due to factors such as manufacturing tolerances and the thickness of the galvanized coating. For precise measurements, it's always best to consult the manufacturer's specifications or relevant industry standards.

 

Galvanized Pipe Size Classifications in International and Chinese Standards

Galvanized steel tubing is subject to various international and national standards that govern its sizing, manufacturing processes, and quality control. These standards ensure consistency and interchangeability across different manufacturers and countries. Let's explore some of the key standards used for classifying galvanized pipe sizes:

International Standards

1. ASTM Standards (American Society for Testing and Materials)

ASTM International provides several standards for galvanized steel pipes, including:

  • ASTM A53/A53M: This standard covers seamless and welded black and hot-dipped galvanized steel pipe for various applications.
  • ASTM A123/A123M: This standard specifies requirements for zinc coatings on iron and steel products.

These standards define pipe sizes, wall thicknesses, and coating requirements for galvanized steel tubing.

2. ISO Standards (International Organization for Standardization)

ISO standards provide a global framework for galvanized pipe specifications:

  • ISO 65: Specifies requirements for carbon steel tubes suitable for screwing in accordance with ISO 7-1.
  • ISO 1461: Outlines specifications for hot-dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.

3. EN Standards (European Standards)

European standards also play a crucial role in defining galvanized pipe sizes:

  • EN 10255: This standard covers non-alloy steel tubes suitable for welding and threading, including galvanized pipes.
  • EN 10240: Specifies internal and/or external protective coatings for steel tubes, including hot-dip galvanized coatings.

 

Chinese Standards

In China, galvanized steel tubing is classified according to national standards:

1. GB/T 3091

This standard covers welded steel pipes for low pressure liquid delivery, including galvanized pipes. It defines pipe sizes, wall thicknesses, and quality requirements for pipes used in various applications.

2. GB/T 9711

This standard specifies the technical requirements for petroleum and natural gas industries steel pipe, which includes galvanized pipes used in these sectors.

3. YB/T 4018

This industry standard focuses on hot-dip galvanized steel pipes and tubes, providing detailed specifications for their production and quality control.

These Chinese standards often align with international standards but may have some specific requirements tailored to the Chinese market and manufacturing practices.

When working with galvanized steel tubing, it's crucial to specify which standard you're following, as there may be slight variations in size classifications or tolerances between different standards. This ensures clarity in communication and helps prevent potential issues in project implementation or product compatibility.

 

Wall Thickness Range for Standard Galvanized Steel Pipes

The wall thickness of galvanized steel pipes is a critical factor that affects their strength, durability, and suitability for different applications. The wall thickness is typically specified in terms of pipe schedule or specific thickness measurements. Let's explore the common wall thickness ranges for standard galvanized steel pipes:

Pipe Schedules

Pipe schedules are standardized designations that indicate the wall thickness of a pipe relative to its nominal diameter. The most common schedules for galvanized steel tubing include:

  • Schedule 10
  • Schedule 20
  • Schedule 30
  • Schedule 40
  • Schedule 80

As the schedule number increases, so does the wall thickness. Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 are the most commonly used for galvanized pipes in many applications.

Wall Thickness Ranges

The actual wall thickness of galvanized steel pipes can vary depending on the nominal diameter and schedule. Here are some typical ranges:

  • For pipes with nominal diameters from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch:
    • Schedule 40: 0.068 inches (1.73 mm) to 0.109 inches (2.77 mm)
    • Schedule 80: 0.095 inches (2.41 mm) to 0.147 inches (3.73 mm)
  • For pipes with nominal diameters from 3/4 inch to 2 inches:
    • Schedule 40: 0.113 inches (2.87 mm) to 0.154 inches (3.91 mm)
    • Schedule 80: 0.154 inches (3.91 mm) to 0.218 inches (5.54 mm)
  • For pipes with nominal diameters from 2 1/2 inches to 6 inches:
    • Schedule 40: 0.203 inches (5.16 mm) to 0.280 inches (7.11 mm)
    • Schedule 80: 0.276 inches (7.01 mm) to 0.432 inches (10.97 mm)

It's important to note that these ranges are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific standard being followed and the manufacturer's specifications.

Factors Affecting Wall Thickness Selection

When choosing the appropriate wall thickness for galvanized steel tubing, several factors should be considered:

  1. Pressure rating: Thicker walls can withstand higher internal pressures.
  2. Structural requirements: Pipes used for structural purposes may require thicker walls for added strength.
  3. Corrosion allowance: In corrosive environments, a thicker wall may be chosen to provide a longer service life.
  4. Weight considerations: Thicker walls result in heavier pipes, which may impact installation and support requirements.
  5. Cost: Generally, pipes with thicker walls are more expensive due to increased material usage.

Understanding these factors helps in selecting the most appropriate galvanized steel pipe for a given application, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

 

Contact Longma Group

Galvanized tubing comes in a wide range of sizes and wall thicknesses to meet diverse industry needs. From the standard nominal diameters to the various international and Chinese classification standards, and the different wall thickness ranges, this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the world of galvanized pipes.

Whether you're working on a small residential plumbing project or a large-scale industrial application, understanding these specifications is crucial for selecting the right galvanized steel pipe for your needs. Remember to always consult the relevant standards and manufacturer specifications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Longma Group specializes in providing high-quality galvanized tubing, including A53 galvanized pipe, galvanized mild steel pipe, and ERW galvanized pipe. These products are coated according to internationally recognized standards such as DIN 30670, DIN 30678, CSA Z245.20, EN 10339, ISO 21809-1, AWWA C210, and C213, ensuring reliable performance in various applications.

If you're seeking reliable and high-performance galvanized steel tubing solutions, contact us now by sending your inquiries to info@longma-group.com. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you and provide tailored product recommendations to meet your specific needs.