What Does
Pipe Schedule Sizes Mean?
Pipe schedule sizes refer to a dimensionless designation of a metal or plastic cylindrical long-length material used to convey a fluid from one location to another. It is important to select an appropriate pipe size for the given application. Furthermore, these materials are usually prone to corrosion if not properly treated.
Pipe schedule sizes may also be known as pipe sizing.
Corrosionpedia Explains Pipe Schedule Sizes
The size of piping is classified using two main criteria: high or low pressure suitability and wall thickness. The pressure suitability is known as the nominal pipe size (NPS) while the thickness is known as the schedule (Sch. or Sched.).
A relationship exists between the NPS designation and the pipe diameter; for example, NPS 6 indicates a pipe whose outside diameter is 168.3 mm (approximately 6.63 inches). The relationship between these numbers determines the inside diameter of the pipe.
Stainless steel pipe dimensions are classified by ASME B36.19 in regards to thickness and diameter. Stainless steel wall thicknesses all have an "S" suffix in the code, while sizes without an "S" suffix are for carbon steel pipes.
A similar but differently named classification for pipe size and thickness is used in Europe, and is referred to as the diameter nominal (DN).