What Is Carbon Steel Pipe?
Carbon steel pipe is a steel tube made mostly of iron and carbon—varying from low to high content—and produced in both seamless and welded forms. It’s built to recognized standards like ASTM A53, A106, and API 5L, making it suitable for diverse industrial use
Common Types & Specifications
| Type | Typical Sizes | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Seamless Pipe | Ø ½″–60″; wall thickness from Schedule 10 to 160 (≈2–45 mm) | High-pressure lines, boilers, heat exchangers |
| Welded Pipe | Same diameters via ERW, SSAW, LSAW methods | General piping, structural support |
Grade Standards:
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ASTM A53/A106 – Common grades A, B, C
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API 5L – Grades B, X42–X70 for pipelines
Size Standards:
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Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) and pipe schedules (SCH 40, 80, etc.) based on ASME/API charts
Key Advantages
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Strength & Durability: Handles high pressure, temperature, and mechanical stress
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Cost-effective: Less expensive than stainless steel, excellent lifecycle value
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Versatility: Available in many sizes, grades, and finishes—seamless or welded
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Corrosion performance: Can be coated—galvanized, epoxy, or polyethylene—for harsh environments
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Recyclable: Sustainable material with full recyclability
Typical Applications
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Oil & Gas: Pipelines, well casing, transportation lines
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Construction & Infrastructure: Structural support, water mains, bridges, HVAC, fire systems
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Mechanical & Power: Boiler tubes, heat exchangers, compressed air lines
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Chemical & Industrial: Fluid and gas transport, reactors, slurry pipelines
Common Models / Grades
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ASTM A53 – Type E/F/S, Grades A/B (welded & seamless) for low-pressure, structural use
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ASTM A106 – Grade B seamless for high-temperature and pressure service
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API 5L – Grades B, X42, X52, X65, X70 for oil & gas pipelines
Quick Recap
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What it is: Steel tube made from iron and carbon—tough, reliable, cost-friendly.
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Specs: Available seamless/welded, Ø ½″–60″+, schedules SCH 10–160, grade-based on ASTM/API.
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Pros: Strong, flexible, budget-wise, and recyclable—plus can be protected against corrosion.
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Use cases: From oil pipelines and boilers to building structures and chemical transport.
Need help picking a grade, coating, or connection type (e.g., threaded, welded)? I can help with specs or sourcing!