Comprehensive Engineering Guide: Types of Pipes, Manufacturing Processes, and Testing Standards
1. Overview
Pipes are fundamental components in a wide range of engineering systems, including water distribution,
gas transmission, oil transport, industrial fluids, and structural applications. Pipe selection is based on
mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, pressure rating, and cost. This guide covers the major types of
pipes, their manufacturing methods, and associated testing standards.
2. Classification of Pipes by Material
A. Metallic Pipes
Type Material Common Use
Carbon Steel ASTM A53, A106 Oil & gas, steam, water
Stainless Steel ASTM A312 Chemical, food, pharma, high-temp
Ductile Iron ISO 2531 Water supply, sewer
Copper ASTM B88 HVAC, potable water, refrigeration
B. Plastic Pipes
Type Material Common Use
PE (HDPE) PE100, PE80 Gas, water, irrigation
PVC uPVC, cPVC Water supply, drainage
PPR Polypropylene Hot & cold water systems
CPVC Chlorinated PVC Hot water, industrial chemicals
C. Composite & Others
Type Layers/Material Common Use
GRE / GRP Glass Reinforced Epoxy/Plastic Offshore, chemicals, desalination
Multilayer (PEX-AL-PEX) Crosslinked Polyethylene + Aluminum HVAC, hot water
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3. Manufacturing Processes
A. Metal Pipes
1. Seamless Pipe (SMLS):
2. Process: Hot extrusion or rotary piercing of solid billet.
3. Standards: ASTM A106, API 5L, ASTM A335
4. Advantage: No weld = higher pressure resistance.
5. Electric Resistance Welded (ERW):
6. Process: Steel coil formed and welded longitudinally.
7. Standards: ASTM A53 Type E, API 5L Grade B
8. Use: Water, gas, structural applications.
9. Submerged Arc Welded (SAW):
10. Includes LSAW (Longitudinal) and HSAW (Helical/Spiral)
11. For large diameter pipelines (oil & gas)
B. Plastic Pipes
1. Extrusion:
2. Raw plastic pellets melted and pushed through a die.
3. Used for PE, PVC, PPR pipes.
4. Injection Molding:
5. Used for fittings and complex parts.
6. Crosslinking (PEX):
7. Enhances temperature and pressure resistance.
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4. Pipe Testing & Quality Control
A. Destructive Tests
Test Purpose Standard
Tensile Test Measures yield, tensile strength ASTM A370, ISO 6892
Flattening Test Ductility and weld integrity (for ERW) ASTM A530
Bending Test Flexural strength and toughness ASTM A53
B. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Test Purpose Method
Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Internal flaws, thickness measurement API 5L, ISO 10893-10
Radiographic Testing (RT) Weld inspection ASME V
Eddy Current (ECT) Surface and near-surface flaws ASTM E426
Hydrostatic Pressure Test Leak-proofness under pressure API 5L, ASTM A530
C. Other Tests
Test Purpose Notes
Visual Inspection Surface quality All types
Dimensional Inspection Outer diameter, wall thickness, ovality ISO 3302
Melt Flow Index (Plastics) Check polymer quality ASTM D1238
5. Relevant Standards & Codes
• API 5L – Line pipe for gas and oil transmission
• ASME B31.3 – Process piping
• ISO 4427 / ISO 4437 – PE pipes for water and gas
• ASTM A53 / A106 – Carbon steel pipes
• ISO 2531 – Ductile iron pipes
• BS EN 12201 – Plastic piping for water supply
