"Tube" is usually used for precise sizes and specific applications, while "pipe" is a broader term that can cover a wide range of applications and sizes.
You can read the table below to understand tube and pipe:
Difference between tube and pipe:Difference 1: Material and manufacturing methodTube usually refers to hollow cylindrical members of precise size and thickness, such as copper and stainless steel tubes.Example:
Copper tube is commonly used for plumbing systems.
Stainless steel tubes are used in various industrial applications.
Pipe is a more general term that can refer to pipes of any shape and size, including round, square, or other shapes.Example:
PVC pipes are commonly used for drainage systems.)
The oil industry relies on large steel pipes for oil transportation.
Difference 2: UsesTube (tube) is usually used to transfer fluids or gases, such as heat exchangers, liquid transfer tubes, etc.Example:
Heat exchanger tubes facilitate the transfer of heat between two fluids.
Tubes are used in medical devices like catheters for fluid drainage.
Pipe (管道) is mainly used to transport liquids, gases, or particulate matter, such as water supply pipes, gas pipes, etc.Example:
Water pipes supply clean water to households and businesses.)
Gas pipes transport natural gas to power homes and industries.
Difference 3: Size and ThicknessTubes (pipes) usually have a smaller range of diameters and wall thicknesses because the manufacturing process is more precise.Example:
Thin-walled aluminum tubes are used in lightweight structures.
Small-diameter copper tubes are commonly used in refrigeration systems.
Pipe usually comes in a larger range of diameters and is suitable for the transfer of larger flows of liquids or gases.Example:
Large-diameter concrete pipes are used in sewage systems.
Steel pipes with a substantial wall thickness are employed in high-pressure pipelines.
Difference 4: Decorative and Structural UsesTubes (pipes) can be used for decorative or structural support in addition to industrial applications.Example:
Decorative brass tubes are used in furniture making. (Decorative brass tubes are used in furniture making.)
Steel tubes are used as structural elements in building construction.
Pipe is primarily focused on the transmission of liquids or gases and is not commonly used for decorative or structural purposes.Example:
Pipes are used in plumbing to deliver water to sinks and faucets.
Industrial pipelines transport chemicals from one processing unit to another.