Schedule 40 Carbon Steel Pipe is named for both the "Schedule" pipe wall thickness standard and the carbon steel material.
In US standards, "Schedule" defines pipe wall thickness. Schedule 40, the most common grade, has medium thickness suitable for pressure and structural uses. Carbon steel, an iron–carbon alloy (0.12%–2.0% C) with minor elements like Mn and Si, is strong, workable, and cost-effective.
SCH 40 carbon steel pipe combines strength, durability, and economy, widely applied in water supply, oil & gas, structures, and machinery.
SCH 40 Carbon Steel Pipe Chemical Composition
|
Element
|
Content Range
|
Function
|
|
Carbon (C)
|
0.12% – 0.25%
|
Higher contents increase strength and hardness.
|
|
Manganese (Mn)
|
0.60% – 1.65%
|
Contributes to the steel's strength and machinability.
|
|
Silicon (Si)
|
≤0.60%
|
Improves the steel's strength and heat resistance.
|
|
Phosphorus (P)
|
≤0.05%
|
Excessive amounts can make the steel brittle.
|
|
Sulfur (S)
|
≤0.05%
|
Improves machinability, but excessive amounts reduce toughness.
|
SCH 40 Carbon Steel Pipe Standards
- Common Implementation Standards Include
ASTM A53 (Grade A/B)
ASTM A106 (Grade A/B)
API 5L (Grade B and above)
SCH 40 Carbon Steel Pipe Specifications
|
Nominal Size
|
Outer Diameter
|
Wall Thickness
|
Weight
|
|
Inches
|
Inches
|
Inches
|
Lbs / ft
|
|
1/8
|
0.405
|
0.068
|
0.24
|
|
1/4
|
0.54
|
0.088
|
0.42
|
|
1/2
|
0.84
|
0.109
|
0.85
|
|
3/4
|
1.05
|
0.113
|
1.13
|
|
1
|
1.315
|
0.133
|
1.68
|
|
1 1/4
|
1.66
|
0.14
|
2.27
|
|
1 1/2
|
1.9
|
0.145
|
2.72
|
|
2
|
2.375
|
0.154
|
3.65
|
|
2 1/2
|
2.875
|
0.203
|
5.79
|
|
3
|
3.5
|
0.216
|
7.58
|
|
3 1/2
|
4
|
0.226
|
9.11
|
|
4
|
4.5
|
0.237
|
10.79
|
|
5
|
5.563
|
0.258
|
14.62
|
|
6
|
6.625
|
0.28
|
18.97
|
|
8
|
8.625
|
0.322
|
28.55
|
|
10
|
10.75
|
0.365
|
40.48
|
|
12
|
12.75
|
0.406
|
53.52
|
|
14
|
14
|
0.375
|
54.57
|
|
16
|
16
|
0.5
|
82.77
|
|
18
|
18
|
0.562
|
104.67
|
|
20
|
20
|
0.594
|
123.11
|
|
24
|
24
|
0.688
|
171.29
|
|
32
|
32
|
0.688
|
230.08
|
Features of SCH 40 Carbon Steel Pipe
SCH 40 carbon steel pipe is valued across industries for its reliable performance and adaptability. Its main features include:
High Strength & Durability – Withstands high pressure, temperature, and demanding conditions.
Cost-Effective – More economical than alloy or stainless steel options.
Excellent Weldability – Easily fabricated into different shapes and sizes.
Versatility – Suitable for fluid transport, structural support, and general piping.
Customizable – Available in varied sizes, lengths, and finishes (e.g., galvanizing, coating).
Adaptable – Can be used in corrosive environments with protective coatings or linings.
Applications of SCH 40 Carbon Steel Pipe
Thanks to its strength, durability, and economy, SCH 40 carbon steel pipe is widely used in:
Water & Gas Networks – Municipal water supply, drainage, and gas pipelines.
Oil & Gas Industry – Transport of crude oil, natural gas, and chemicals, in line with API standards.
Industrial Manufacturing – Fluid and steam piping in chemical plants, power stations, and shipyards.
Construction & Structural Support – Steel frameworks, bridges, scaffolding, and load-bearing structures.
Machinery & Equipment – Engineering, machining, and manufacturing systems.
Summary
SCH 40 carbon steel pipe offers an optimal balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Selecting the right pipe requires consideration of operating factors such as pressure, temperature, and environment to ensure long-term performance and safety.
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