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Pipes and Tubes Explained: Materials, Types, and Key Applications

Author : Nova Corporation | Published On : 18 Nov 2025

Nova Steel Corporation is a large pipe and tube manufacturer in India. Pipes and tubes transfer liquids, gases, and other commodities in a variety of industries, including construction, oil and gas, and wastewater treatment. These products are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloys, and they offer strength, corrosion resistance, and long-term endurance. We also serve as High Nickel Alloy Pipes and Tubes Manufacturers in India.

Pipe vs. Tube: The Basic Difference

The primary difference lies in how they are defined and where they are used:

  • Pipe
     
    • Defined mainly by its nominal bore (internal diameter) and wall thickness (schedule).
       
    • Used primarily for transporting fluids and gases under pressure or flow conditions.
       
    • Common in oil and gas pipelines, water supply, steam lines, and process piping.
       
  • Tube
     
    • Defined by precise outside diameter and wall thickness, with tighter dimensional tolerances.
       
    • Used in structural, mechanical, and heat-transfer applications where accuracy, strength, and finish are crucial.
       
    • Common in heat exchangers, condensers, automotive components, and frameworks.
       

Common Materials Used

The choice of material directly affects performance, lifespan, and suitability for a given medium or environment.

  1. Carbon Steel
    Widely used for general engineering, oil and gas, refineries, and power plants. It offers good strength and is cost-effective for high-pressure applications.
     
  2. Stainless Steel
    Selected for its excellent corrosion resistance and cleanliness. Ideal for food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing, and marine environments.
     
  3. Alloy Steel
    Contains additional alloying elements (like chromium, molybdenum) for enhanced strength, creep resistance, and performance at high temperatures. Typical in boiler and heat exchanger service.
     
  4. Non-Ferrous Metals (Copper, Nickel Alloys, Aluminium, etc.)
    Used where specific properties are required, such as high thermal conductivity (copper), seawater resistance (cu-ni alloys), or low weight (aluminium).
     
  5. PVC, CPVC, HDPE and Other Plastics
    Common in low-pressure water distribution, drainage, and chemical handling. They offer corrosion resistance and ease of installation but limited temperature and pressure capability.
     

Major Types of Pipes and Tubes

To serve diverse industries, a broad range of product types is available:

  • Seamless Pipes and Tubes
    Manufactured without a weld seam, they provide superior integrity and are preferred in high-pressure and high-temperature service such as boilers, oil and gas lines, and hydraulic systems.
     
  • Welded Pipes and Tubes
    Produced by rolling and welding plates or coils. Suitable for medium and low-pressure applications and cost-effective for larger diameters. Variants include ERW (Electric Resistance Welded), SAW (Submerged Arc Welded), and HFIW (High-Frequency Induction Welded).
     
  • Precision Tubes (CDS / DOM)
    Cold Drawn Seamless (CDS) and Drawn Over Mandrel (DOM) tubes offer excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish, widely used in automotive, shock absorbers, cylinders, and mechanical components.
     
  • Boiler and Heat Exchanger Tubes
    Specially designed for thermal equipment where consistent performance under high temperature, pressure, and cycling conditions is essential.
     
  • Structural Hollow Sections
    Round, square, and rectangular hollow sections are used as structural members in building frameworks, platforms, towers, and machinery.


 

We are Pipes and Tubes Supplier In:

Key Applications Across Industries

Pipes and tubes are present in almost every sector of the economy:

  1. Oil & Gas and Petrochemical
    Used in upstream, midstream, and downstream facilities for transporting crude oil, natural gas, refined fuels, and process chemicals. High-strength, corrosion-resistant grades are critical in this sector.
     
  2. Power Generation
    Boiler tubes, superheater and reheater tubes, and high-pressure piping are central to thermal and nuclear power plants. Materials must withstand high temperature, pressure, and oxidation.
     
  3. Construction and Infrastructure
    Structural hollow sections form columns, trusses, and supports in buildings, bridges, stadiums, and industrial sheds, offering a high strength-to-weight ratio.
     
  4. Water and Wastewater Management
    Used for potable water lines, sewage networks, desalination plants, and treatment facilities. Material selection depends on water quality, pressure, and environmental conditions.
     
  5. Automotive and Mechanical Engineering
    Precision tubes are used in shock absorbers, drive shafts, steering systems, exhaust systems, and various mechanical parts where exact dimensions and consistent strength are vital.
     
  6. Food, Dairy, and Pharmaceutical
    Hygienic stainless steel piping systems ensure clean, contamination-free transport of liquids and gases. Smooth internal surfaces and strict standards are mandatory here.
     

Pipes & Tubes Manufacturer in India

Pipe and tube manufacturers in India are well-known for producing high-quality, long-lasting products that meet worldwide requirements. Pipes and Tubes Suppliers provides a comprehensive range of pipes and tubes tailored to the needs of various industries, ensuring fluid and gas transportation systems are efficient and safe. Indian manufacturers are well-known for their precise engineering and affordable products.