Schedule 40 Steel Pipe

What is Schedule 40 Steel Pipe?

The term Schedule 40 (SCH 40) refers to a pipe's standardized wall thickness. It is one of the most common pipe schedules used across various industries because it provides an excellent balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness for a wide range of applications.

Unlike a direct measure of pressure, the "40" in Schedule 40 is part of a system that specifies the pipe's wall thickness in relation to its outside diameter. This thickness varies depending on the pipe's nominal size (NPS), as detailed in our charts, and determines its pressure resistance.

Schedule 40 steel pipes can be coated with zinc through processes like hot-dip galvanization, which enhances their corrosion resistance. They are widely used for conveying water and gas, and their strength also makes them suitable for structural applications like handrails and frameworks. These pipes are valued for their versatility and reliable performance, conforming to strict standards like ANSI B36.10.

Schedule 40 Steel Pipe Weight Chart

Chemical Composition of Schedule 40 Steel Pipe

Schedule 40 steel pipe is a type of steel pipe with a standard thickness and is commonly used in a variety of applications. The chemical composition of Schedule 40 steel pipe can vary depending on the specific grade and type of steel used, but generally, it will contain the following elements:

• Carbon (C): Carbon is the most important element in steel, and it is typically present in amounts ranging from 0.05% to 1.5%. Carbon gives steel its strength and hardness, and also influences its ductility, toughness, and weldability.
• Manganese (Mn): Manganese is often added to steel to improve its strength, toughness, and hardenability. It is typically present in amounts ranging from 0.3% to 1.5%.
• Phosphorus (P): Phosphorus is typically present in small amounts in steel, ranging from 0.04% to 0.12%. It can have both positive and negative effects on steel, depending on the specific application.
• Sulfur (S): Sulfur is another element that is typically present in small amounts in steel, ranging from 0.05% to 0.30%. It can have both positive and negative effects on steel, depending on the specific application.
• Silicon (Si): Silicon is often added to steel to improve its strength, hardness, and ductility. It is typically present in amounts ranging from 0.15% to 0.40%.
• Copper (Cu): Copper is sometimes added to steel to improve its corrosion resistance. It is typically present in small amounts, ranging from 0.20% to 0.40%.
• Chromium (Cr): Chromium is often added to steel to improve its corrosion resistance, hardness, and strength. It is typically present in amounts ranging from 0.08% to 0.40%.
• Nickel (Ni): Nickel is also added to steel to improve its corrosion resistance, strength, and toughness. It is typically present in amounts ranging from 0.25% to 0.45%.

The specific chemical composition of Schedule 40 steel pipe can vary depending on the grade and type of steel used, as well as any additional alloying elements that may be added. It is important to consult the manufacturer's specifications for the specific chemical composition of any given Schedule 40 steel pipe.

Grades of Schedule 40 Steel Pipe

Schedule 40 steel pipe is available in a range of grades, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. The most common grades of Schedule 40 steel pipe are as follows:

• ASTM A53 Grade B: This is the most commonly used grade of Schedule 40 steel pipe, and it is ideal for use in a variety of applications, including plumbing, construction, and industrial uses. It has a minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi and a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi.
• ASTM A106 Grade B: This grade of Schedule 40 steel pipe is often used in high-temperature applications, such as steam and gas lines, as well as in refineries and plants. It has a minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi and a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi.
• API 5L Grade B: This is another commonly used grade of Schedule 40 steel pipe, particularly in the oil and gas industry. It has a minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi and a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi.
• ASTM A333 Grade 6: This grade of Schedule 40 steel pipe is designed for low-temperature service, and it is often used in cryogenic applications, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants. It has a minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi and a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi.

Other grades of Schedule 40 steel pipe may be available, depending on the specific application and requirements. It is important to consult the manufacturer's specifications to determine the appropriate grade of Schedule 40 steel pipe for a given application.

Applications of Sch 40 Steel Pipe

Schedule 40 steel pipe is commonly used in a wide range of applications across various industries. Some of the most common applications of Schedule 40 steel pipe include:

• Plumbing and HVAC: Schedule 40 steel pipe is widely used for plumbing and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Water treatment: Schedule 40 steel pipe is used in water treatment plants and distribution systems for conveying clean water and wastewater.
• Oil and gas: Schedule 40 steel pipe is commonly used in the oil and gas industry for transporting crude oil, natural gas, and other petroleum products.
• Chemical processing: Schedule 40 steel pipe is used in chemical processing plants for conveying acids, alkalis, and other corrosive chemicals.
• Power generation: Schedule 40 steel pipe is used in power plants for conveying steam and other fluids in high-temperature and high-pressure applications.
• Construction: Schedule 40 steel pipe is commonly used in construction for structural applications, such as building supports, scaffolding, and fences.
• Agriculture: Schedule 40 steel pipe is used in irrigation systems for conveying water to crops and for supporting agricultural structures such as greenhouses.
• Mining: Schedule 40 steel pipe is used in mining operations for conveying slurries and other materials in corrosive environments.

Overall, Schedule 40 steel pipe is a versatile and durable product that is used in a wide range of applications across many different industries.

Schedule 40 Steel Pipe Prices

Schedule 40 steel pipe prices can change based on several factors, including the steel grade, pipe dimensions, and any specific finishes like galvanization. Because of this, we provide a custom quote for every order to ensure you get the most accurate price for your project.

SCH 40 Nominal Pipe Size (NPS)

Notes:

• For NPS ≥ 4, the related DN = 25 multiplied by the NPS number.
• From NPS 12 and above the wall thickness between SCH 40 and STD are different, from NPS 10 and above the wall thickness between schedule 80 and XS are different.

Schedule 40 Pipe Pressure Rating Chart

The following chart provides the maximum allowable pressure for Schedule 40 carbon steel pipes based on their size. These values are a critical reference for engineering and design applications.

• 1 in (inch) = 25.4 mm
• 1 psi (lb/in2) = 6,894.8 Pa (N/m2) = 6.895x10-2 bar

Schedule 40 Pipe Dimensions and Wall Thickness